If your kids aren’t exactly the outdoorsy type and prefer spending time looking at screens instead, there are a few tricks you can try. Give them a new activity to do in the yard and this might draw their interest. Spending time outdoors will be very beneficial for their physical and mental well-being and it also allows them to get in touch with nature. Here are a few simple ways to get your kids off the screens and out into the yard this summer.
Plant seedlings indoors
If you’d like to introduce your kids to gardening you could start your seedlings off indoors. Certain plants and vegetables require this anyway, so you could grow them on the windowsill . This way your kids will see the seedlings start to appear and can help you plant them outside later. They’ll enjoy watching their efforts bloom and you can even make your own plant pots from old mason jars or repurposed household items. There are several benefits of getting your kids into gardening. It’s educational and fun.
Harvest your crops
Gardening is also one of the best ways to relieve stress. If you have your own vegetable plot you can get the kids to help you when it’s time to harvest your crops. This is a good way to keep them busy as it can be a lot of hard work. Growing your own is very satisfying, however. You can also use this as an opportunity to teach your kids about healthy eating.
Get them active toys
It might be worth investing in a couple of new toys if they get them moving. You could check out these radio controlled toys at Alpha Toys, for example. Remote controlled toys help to keep kids active as they’ll go chasing after them outside. You could also consider investing in outdoor games or have a family tournament.
Set them a project
One way to get kids interested in nature is to give them a mini project to do. This doesn’t need to be too much like school, they could simply identify the local flora fauna and learn a bit about them. You could even take this beyond your backyard and go and explore an area of natural beauty near you. This is a great way to get out of the house as a family and will be very therapeutic for your kids. Hiking in nature is also pretty much free, so ideal if you’re looking for a low-cost bonding activity.
Family workout challenge
If the whole family could do with getting in better shape, why not have fun with a family workout challenge? A little healthy competition might be just what your kids need to get motivated. You can see who can do the most burpees in a minute, or even do a mini HIIT circuit. Here are a few more backyard fitness ideas. There are plenty of ways you can keep your kids active this summer. Find the activity that best works for your family.
