Transforming Outdoor Time: Ideas to Engage Reluctant Participants and Enhance Educational Value

Somehow, I am not naturally inclined towards outdoor activities. Although my upbringing was centered around being outdoors, as my family spent a lot of time walking or engaging in winter sports like ice skating and sledding (We lived near meadows, which provided an ideal environment for outdoor activities) as I grew older, I developed a preference for staying indoors, especially during winter.

With children, staying indoors for more than two days in a row is not an option. Especially for my son, movement is essential. Physical exhaustion keeps him calm, cheerful, and focused.

Extensive research provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) underscores the critical role of outdoor play in fostering children’s healthy development. As an instinctive and engaging pursuit, play nurtures cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth, creating an environment conducive to learning and flourishing. Through outdoor play, children explore, problem-solve, unleash creativity, and collaborate with others, enriching their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Encouraging unstructured play from an early age empowers children to make choices, interact with peers, and develop positive self-esteem, autonomy, and confidence.

This means venturing out even during rainy or windy weather—heading to the playground, getting on the bike, or going to the garden to slide or jump on the trampoline. 

I often find a sense of reluctance within myself, a resistance to the idea. Until I started developing ideas that give me a purpose for going outdoors. So that it’s not just a aimless visit to the playground but serves a specific educational function. I want to feel that we are giving direction to our outdoor visits, taking away something valuable to establish a rhythm in our day, week, or season. Perhaps something that teaches us about summer, spring, autumn, or winter. Something that imparts knowledge about nature or ourselves. I created three ideas that add depth to our time outdoors and created a list of activities that foster connection and provide physical challenge to overcome decision making fatigue when going outside. 

1. Create an outdoor routine

Establish a routine that includes regular outdoor time, whether it’s a daily walk, weekend hikes, or park visits. Consistency helps make outdoor activities a natural part of your routine. If I don’t plan anything, the day feels like a challenge. Seeing on the calendar that we have a specific activity planned for the day makes it feel less daunting, and I’m less resistant. Setting a routine, even on paper, helps! Here is my ideal template for planning outdoor activities! 

2. Buy as much outdoor toys as possible

This was a significant realization for me. You can’t have enough toys that encourage physical activity in the garden. We have a swing, a trampoline, a slide, but also small objects like stepping stones, poles, and rings. 

With everything I have, I create a parcours in the garden that I can adjust according to age. For example: jump from a garden chair through a hoop, hop with one leg through a path of rings, and then take the space hopper for a round. End up with a ball that you bounce through the garden and eventually throw over a broomstick.  

3. Create purpose. Not only GO outside, FIND outside!

When you are looking for something, time outside gets a purpose. I created a free scavenger hunt to make your outdoor time become the best time you spend together. Step into the great outdoors and embark on an exciting journey of discovery with our Outdoor Scavenger Hunts! This thrilling adventure is designed to ignite the curiosity and imagination of young explorers while fostering teamwork and a love for nature. So, grab your gear and get ready for a day filled with fun, laughter, and countless surprises.

Preparation: Before the big day, gather a group of enthusiastic kids, whether it’s for a birthday party, a family gathering, or just a weekend of outdoor excitement. Use my Outdoor Scavenger Hunts template that will lead them to hidden treasures scattered throughout the chosen outdoor location. Tailor the scavenger hunt to the age group and interests of the participants, ensuring a perfect balance of excitement and age-appropriate challenges.

The Hunt Begins: As the kids gather, hand out the first clue or list of items and watch their faces light up with anticipation. Encourage them to work together, share ideas, and use their problem-solving skills to decipher the clues or locate the hidden items. The sense of teamwork and camaraderie will make the adventure even more memorable.

You can easily print the template and start your outdoor life right now! Feel free to adapt these ideas based on your location and the age of the children. Scavenger hunts in nature can be both educational and entertaining!

As the scavenger hunt comes to an end, gather the kids to share their experiences, showcase their treasures, and revel in the sense of accomplishment. Consider providing small rewards or certificates to acknowledge their efforts. This activity is not just a game; it’s an opportunity for young minds to connect with nature, create lasting memories, and develop essential skills in a playful and engaging way. Get ready for a day of exploration, laughter, and adventure!