Here's a scary statistic -- according to one study, about half of parents of preschool-age children say that they don't take their children outside to play on a daily basis. Less outdoor time means less physical exercise, and we wonder why our children are obese?
According to the study, only 51 percent of parents said they take a child "for a walk or to play in yard, a park, or a playground" once a day. The stats were worse for girls rather than boys (parents of boys were 16 percent more likely to take them outside for play). While some of the children certainly get outdoor time at preschool or in daycare situations, it's sad to think of how little time parents are promoting the great outdoors.
The thought of being trapped inside with my toddler all day pretty much forces us outside most days. It's the best way for her and her brother to burn off energy, and there's a lot less cleanup than indoors. Barring any extreme weather, there's always something to do right outside your own door. Even if the activities you choose aren't super active ones, still the fresh air and open spaces will likely inspire more movement than being cooped up inside. If you're stuck for ideas as to what to do once you're out there, here are 22 to get you started:
1. Play hopscotch
2. Collect leaves/rocks/flowers
3. Plant a garden
4. Run through the sprinkler
5. Take a nature walk
6. Roll down a hill
7. Walk/skip/jump around the block as many times as you can
8. Blow bubbles
9. Build a fort
10. Have a scavenger hunt
11. Go bird watching
12. Do cartwheels
13. Have a picnic
14. Watch the clouds
15. Paint outside
16. Go fishing
17. Roller skate
18. Play kickball
19. Jump rope
20. Play Four Square
21. Take breakfast to the park on the way to school
22. Talk a walk before bed and count the stars
What are your favorite activities to do with your kids outside?
Image ©iStock.com/kMickey
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