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Several reasons compel kids to spend most of their time indoors glued to these electronic devices, from video game consoles, cartoons, and smartphones to tablets and portable gaming devices. So, it’s no surprise that kids don’t have many reasons to spend quality time outdoors these days. Unfortunately, that makes it challenging for parents to persuade their kids to reduce the usage of these devices and go outdoors to encourage social interactions.

However, it isn’t just getting your children some fresh air or little sunshine that might be beneficial. There are other quantifiable benefits that your kids may receive from spending some quality time outdoors. Of course, convincing them to play outside may not be easy if you tell them about the health benefits that they might receive twenty years from now. Nevertheless, you can create fun activities and inviting spaces to make them spend time outdoors to improve their mental and social well-being. 

So, below are some effective ways to encourage your kids to play outdoors.

1. Outdoor Kids’ Subscription Boxes Can Be a Life-Saver

It is true that today, kids have replaced the concept of outdoor play with sedentary pursuits. This, in turn, only significantly impacts their health and well-being. But on the other hand, being active can also help to develop their mental and social skills. So, as parents, you must try to provide your kids with the best outdoor opportunities, such as a kids outdoor monthly box, like Wanlow. This box helps kids take an interest in astronomy, animals, plants, and many other things creatively. Your kids will be more willing to engage in outdoor activities when you make it fun for them. Thus, Wanlow combines crafts, games, and different activities to enrich the kids. 

You can customize these subscription boxes as per your requirement, where you may include various activities to persuade your kids to get outside and explore. It can even help to develop their knowledge of multiple topics. In addition, it has sure fun and exciting games that would interest your kids. Moreover, these subscription boxes will excite your kids when a new box arrives at their house. 

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2. Turn Your Backyard into Fun Zone

You don’t need a vast, spacious outdoor area for your kids to have fun and turn a small backyard into an inviting activity or play area. For instance, one can buy badminton rackets, plastic golf clubs, hula hoops, frisbees, etc., for outdoor sports games. 

Also, you may get an inflatable swimming pool during the summers where your kids can cool off or set up a camping tent where the kids can get the feel of real camping adventures. Similarly, a sandbox with beach toys can give them a beach-like feeling where they can enjoy building sand castles.

So, follow these ways to make your lawn or backyard space more child-friendly. It will attract their attention and encourage them to spend less time with electronic gadgets and more time outdoors. Also, ensure that you monitor them, so they do not get hurt. 

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3. Outdoor Family Time

Kids find it exciting to imitate their parents and want to spend quality time with them. Today’s working parents find it quite challenging to give them time; hence, their kids depend on electronic gadgets to spend their leisure time. Nevertheless, If you want your kids to play outdoors, you must practice spending some quality family time no matter how busy you are. 

Take them for a walk or encourage them to be your helping hand while doing certain outdoor activities like gardening, car washing, mowing the garden, cleaning the garage, etc. Several fun-based outdoor activities can be ideal for bonding with your kids, and these are also great opportunities for you to instill healthy working habits when your kids are still young. 

Together, as a family, you can go camping or on a picnic. Camping trips can awaken adventurous spirits and help them get acquainted with various challenging experiences. You can let them bring their toys when they are bored. The main idea is to enable them to explore nature, and they can learn a lot from this experience. Let them explore the place but keep an eye on them without resisting, interfering, or controlling them. Even a weekend trip sounds fun. These activities can be exciting for your children as they help them develop mental and social skills.

4. Arrange an Outdoor Play Date Session

Play dates are among the best ways to encourage kids to socialize with other children. You can arrange a playdate in your backyard and invite other kids from the neighbor or your child’s school to come over. While hosting a playdate, you can arrange fun activities like board games, puzzle games, badminton, drawing or coloring, etc. 

This might be an excellent chance to build relationships with other parents. Sometimes it’s reassuring and helpful to share your challenges and joys with other parents. Play dates can help your kids learn to share and be more cooperative. In addition, it should encourage them to build self-esteem and social skills, allowing them to make new friends.

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In Conclusion

To encourage your kids to play outdoors, first, you have to normalize being outdoors so your child can make it a part of their daily life. Indeed, technology is here to stay as they make one’s life easy and convenient. But a parenting journey is all about maintaining a balance. Given the health benefits of outdoor play, you must encourage your kids to go outdoors using the above-given ways. It will only help limit their time with electronic devices and avoid becoming couch potatoes.