Screen time battles got you down? You’re not alone. Many parents struggle to pull their children away from devices and into nature’s embrace. The good news is that outdoor adventures can become your family’s favorite bonding time with the right approach.
Getting kids outside doesn’t require elaborate planning or expensive gear. Simple activities that spark curiosity and create lasting memories work best. Take your kids outside with you on your outdoor travels and step into playtime with nature as your playground. Here are some of our favorite ways to get your kids to enjoy the outdoors a bit more.
Try Geocaching Adventures
Geocaching turns outdoor exploration into a real-world treasure hunt using GPS technology. This modern activity combines hiking with the thrill of discovery, perfect for tech-savvy kids who love games and challenges.
Download a geocaching app and search for hidden containers (called “caches”). These waterproof boxes contain logbooks to sign and sometimes small trinkets to trade. The hunt takes you to parks, trails, and hidden spots you might never have discovered otherwise.
Pro Tip: Geocaching is great to do on family vacations. For example, when you’re exploring the Blue Ridge mountains on your next vacation, you can geocache as you hike. This is the perfect way to get your kids more excited for movement!
Create Backyard Camping Experiences
You don’t need wilderness permits to give kids the camping experience they crave. Backyard camping offers all the excitement of sleeping under the stars without the stress of remote locations.
Set up tents, make s’mores over a portable fire pit, and tell stories by flashlight. Encourage kids to listen for night sounds and spot constellations. Pack sleeping bags and camp snacks to make the experience feel authentic.
You’re sure to make some of your favorite memories under the stars. At the end of the day, the key is making ordinary spaces feel like outdoor adventures.
Garden Together
Gardening teaches patience while connecting kids to food sources and natural cycles. Start small with herbs in pots or a single raised bed. Let children choose what to plant—they’re more likely to care for crops they selected themselves.
Assign each child specific responsibilities such as watering, weeding, or harvesting. Watching seeds transform into plants they can eat creates lasting appreciation for nature’s processes. Plus, kids who grow vegetables often become more adventurous eaters.
Build Outdoor Exploration Into Daily Routines
Small outdoor moments throughout the day add up to significant nature exposure. Eat lunch outside when the weather permits. Take phone calls while walking around the yard. Do your morning yoga with them on the deck. The more time they see you spending time outdoors and enjoying it, the better chance they will too.
These mini-adventures make outdoor time feel normal rather than special occasions requiring major planning.
Make Every Day an Adventure
Remember that enthusiasm is contagious. When you show genuine excitement about cloud formations or bird songs, your children notice. Your attitude toward outdoor time shapes theirs.
Start with activities that match your kids’ current interests, then gradually introduce new experiences. The goal isn’t creating future wilderness explorers—it’s helping your family develop healthy, joyful relationships with the natural world around you.
