As we have all seen, this generation of kids spends most of their time indoors on the couch, and in front of some sort of screen, be it a computer, TV, iPad, iPhone or video games. Staying inside all the time like this is bad for kids’ health and well-being.  They’re getting no exercise, and being around electronics too much lowers social skills and abilities. Especially in the spring and summer when the weather’s nice, it’s a shame not to take advantage of the rare beautiful weather days! It’s so hard motivating kids to get outside and be active. To them, it seems way more fun to watch TV than go to the park. Here are some tips for getting your kids outside more! 

1. When your child is having a play date, arrange for it to be at the park, in a field, or on a bike ride. Your kids will be way more motivated to do things if they know their friends will be doing it with them. Plus, they’re not going to object and start a fight in front of their friends!
2. Sign your child up for an organized sport or activity that takes place outside. Choose something that they are interested in and will be willing to go to! Some ideas could be a house soccer or baseball league team or an outdoor day camp. Once your child is signed up and has attended the first few days or practices they will see that a), they love it and b) they want to go. It’s just another way of getting them out of the house and getting active!
3. If you have a pet, especially one that needs walking, make that your child’s chore. It will be their responsibility to walk your pet, and this way you are getting your child outside (not to mention that now you won’t have to walk it)!
4. If you have a big backyard, invest in something for the backyard that will give your kids incentive to go out and play. It can be a swing set, a trampoline, hockey nets and sticks, or even a mini pool. Having these simple toys may motivate your children to go outside and have fun!
5. Do things as a family outdoors. Things as simple as going on a family bike ride, taking a walk to the grocery store, walking your kids to school, or going to an outdoor public swimming pool are all things that are easily done, cost you little to no money, and have so many great benefits! They’ll get you and all of your kids active. When your children feel that they are surrounded by people who are active, they are motivated to be active as well! It’s a fact! So create that active, energetic and outdoor environment for them and they’ll be sure to be outside more often than you’d think!