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Why Outdoor Play is Important, 25 Active Play Ideas

Health and Fitness

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.

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Outdoor play is disappearing at home, in school, and in communities.  70% of moms played outside when they were kids, 31% of their kids play outside today. I remember spending many days of my childhood outside riding my bike with the neighborhood kids. My parents would walk outside and whistle signaling it was time to come inside for dinner. Even at my grandparents’ homes we would spend the majority of our visit outside exploring the land and chasing after animals.

Fast forward to present day, I’ve notice a huge decline in outdoor play for my own kids. There are too many temptations to stay indoors thanks to advances in technology and safety concerns with strangers. Although there are many teases to keep us all indoors, as parents we must motivate and challenge our kids and ourselves to spend more time with nature outdoors.

Toddler's Prayers

Playing outside doesn’t have to be complicated. Find out where your local parks and trails are and give them a try. We have a few nearby and my daughter loves them. If you are having a hard time thinking of outdoor ideas, I have gathered a few for you to try out with your family.

Why is Outdoor Play Important?

If you are having a hard time believing that outdoor play is vital to a child’s development, let me count the ways getting outside is important for all of us.

Play is important for kids as it contributes greatly in the physical, emotional, social, cognitive, linguistic, imaginative and creative domains of development.

Chances are your kids will work up a sweet and burn calories while playing outdoors. Any active activity greatly reduces the chances of obesity and diabetes which are on the rise.

Your kids will appreciate all that nature offers over time. Preschoolers for one learn so much from their senses. The sounds of the wind blowing, the smells of outdoor bliss along with the touch and feel of creatures that can find such as caterpillars and ladybugs. There are simply some activities that can not be duplicated indoors. Exploring the joys of nature is one of them.

outdoor play

Outdoors kids can be kids. They can run far, yell loudly and laugh as much as their heart desires. They can throw and kick balls without breaking that expensive china set you got for wedding that you’ve never used. Sometimes kids just need to get outside and get some fresh air.

I think outdoor play is when the real bonding occurs because there aren’t any distractions. You truly get to know your kids in a new way.

Outdoor Play Ideas

Visit a park

Walk on a trail

Fly a kite

Draw with sidewalk chalk outdoor play

Play in your backyard. Jump on a trampoline.

Host an outdoor tea party

Throw water balloons

Enjoy a picnic

Eat popsicles outdoors.

Go on a scavenger hunt.

Ride bikes

Rollerskate

Geocaching

Play on a slip and slide

Pokemon

Selling lemonade to the neighborhood

Washing the cars

Stargazing

Outdoor Movie

Read a book

Play soccer, kickball, any game will do!

Simply go for a walk. Bonus points: walk your dog

Plant a garden or flowers

Blowing bubbles

Hunt for butterflies

Everyone can stay fueled outdoors with CLIF Kid Zbars

CLIF Kid® makes nutritious snacks from organic ingredients that are specially-crafted for kids’ developing taste buds and active lives. CLIF Kid Zbars are perfect for growing kids (and busy parents! They are easily transportable and made with organic ingredients.

outdoor play

These treats are non-GMO and have no high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors (or synthetic preservatives).

outdoor play

When is the last time your family enjoyed outdoor play? Need a reminder why play is important? Check out this video to motivate your family to get outside! 

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By Michelle Hancock | October 15, 2016

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Meet Michelle


Dallas Blogger 

 Hi, I’m Michelle. My mission is to help moms believe in themselves through realistic parenting hacks that make life with kids easier and more fun!



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@modernmomlife
Incredibly blessed to have these women in my life. Incredibly blessed to have these women in my life. To know them is to love them. My cheeks hurt from laughing so much and I enjoyed celebrating the April birthday ladies❤️ #cupcakesdidntstandachance
Picnic lunch at her school finally!!! I’ve reall Picnic lunch at her school finally!!! I’ve really missed meeting her during lunch time. Yeah for a little bit more normalcy coming back!
AD | It's not a secret that I struggled in math as AD | It's not a secret that I struggled in math as a child.  Now as a mom, I am trying to make sure my daughter doesn't follow suit. With possible pandemic learning loss, I want ways to help her improve her critical thinking skills - especially when it comes to math.  Have you heard of @EyeLevelEducation? They are one of the leading global supplemental education service with global networks of 20 countries.
Eye Level provides Math and English program based on self-directed learning instructions. With locations across the USA, they are available to help families across the nation.  Not quite ready to come inside a learning location? No problem - Take advantage of Eye Level On Air!  Your child can receive the same coaching service from the instructor, with the same booklets - but at home.   My daughter finds the systematic Eye Level booklets and colored block math tools fun! Colored blocks help her master fundamental math concepts, including addition and patterning, multiplication, division, fractions and more. These hands-on manipulatives are boosting her confidence and making math fun for both of us - which is a win in my book!  Head to myeyelevel.com or the link in my profile to find a center near you for in person or virtual learning options.
Popsicle buds! I have nothing to report today othe Popsicle buds! I have nothing to report today other than it’s already getting hot in Texas. I’m not prepared 😩 how’s the weather where you are?
Reminder that Arts in Bloom is happening today fro Reminder that Arts in Bloom is happening today from noon - 5 pm in @downtownmckinney! Art, Food, Wine, Shopping and a Kids Creation Station. Go check it out! #client #artsinbloomtx #downtownmckinney #funsunday #dallasmom #mckinneymom #dfwfun
Have you started your spring cleaning yet? Can't y Have you started your spring cleaning yet? Can't you tell how excited my family is to clean the house?! ;) But seriously, cleaning is very important!  Cleaning in today’s world is taking on a deeper and more personal meaning as a way to ensure overall wellbeing. The benefits of a clean and healthy home are plentiful: lowered stress levels, improved productivity, and healthier living. According to a study conducted by the @AmericanCleaningInstitute, nearly half of all Americans (42%) viewed cleaning for their mental health and wellness as more important in 2020.  Head to ModernMomLife.com to read more about the benefits of cleaning and download a free spring cleaning checklist. Try it out and let me know what you think!

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Incredibly blessed to have these women in my life. Incredibly blessed to have these women in my life. To know them is to love them. My cheeks hurt from laughing so much and I enjoyed celebrating the April birthday ladies❤️ #cupcakesdidntstandachance
Picnic lunch at her school finally!!! I’ve reall Picnic lunch at her school finally!!! I’ve really missed meeting her during lunch time. Yeah for a little bit more normalcy coming back!
AD | It's not a secret that I struggled in math as AD | It's not a secret that I struggled in math as a child.  Now as a mom, I am trying to make sure my daughter doesn't follow suit. With possible pandemic learning loss, I want ways to help her improve her critical thinking skills - especially when it comes to math.  Have you heard of @EyeLevelEducation? They are one of the leading global supplemental education service with global networks of 20 countries.
Eye Level provides Math and English program based on self-directed learning instructions. With locations across the USA, they are available to help families across the nation.  Not quite ready to come inside a learning location? No problem - Take advantage of Eye Level On Air!  Your child can receive the same coaching service from the instructor, with the same booklets - but at home.   My daughter finds the systematic Eye Level booklets and colored block math tools fun! Colored blocks help her master fundamental math concepts, including addition and patterning, multiplication, division, fractions and more. These hands-on manipulatives are boosting her confidence and making math fun for both of us - which is a win in my book!  Head to myeyelevel.com or the link in my profile to find a center near you for in person or virtual learning options.
Popsicle buds! I have nothing to report today othe Popsicle buds! I have nothing to report today other than it’s already getting hot in Texas. I’m not prepared 😩 how’s the weather where you are?
Reminder that Arts in Bloom is happening today fro Reminder that Arts in Bloom is happening today from noon - 5 pm in @downtownmckinney! Art, Food, Wine, Shopping and a Kids Creation Station. Go check it out! #client #artsinbloomtx #downtownmckinney #funsunday #dallasmom #mckinneymom #dfwfun
Have you started your spring cleaning yet? Can't y Have you started your spring cleaning yet? Can't you tell how excited my family is to clean the house?! 😉 But seriously, cleaning is very important!  Cleaning in today’s world is taking on a deeper and more personal meaning as a way to ensure overall wellbeing. The benefits of a clean and healthy home are plentiful: lowered stress levels, improved productivity, and healthier living. According to a study conducted by the @AmericanCleaningInstitute, nearly half of all Americans (42%) viewed cleaning for their mental health and wellness as more important in 2020.  Head to ModernMomLife.com to read more about the benefits of cleaning and download a free spring cleaning checklist. Try it out and let me know what you think!
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