Why Getting Outdoors is So Important: Knowing the Power of Play
Tips for Going to the Park
Getting outside to play is something to embrace, not to ignore. If you’re going to get outdoors to play, you might as well make it count. Grab the kids and head outside for the day because getting outdoors is so important and the power of play is irreplaceable in your child’s life.
Pack the right items for the day
I have learned that while getting outside is important, you also need the right tools to keep everyone happy. Packing the right items for the day will make everyone happy. Packing items like sunscreen, water, snacks, and the right shoes are important.
Bring along an activity for the day
Something I started doing with my kids a while ago is packing an activity to take with us. One time I packed art supplies, so that my kids could feel inspired by the nature around them. With that inspiration, they could paint or sketch something they saw around them. You can then take this artwork home and frame it. Another time, I brought along a reusable bag for a nature scavenger hunt. I encouraged my kid to find one “red” thing – which meant finding one leaf, one red stick, whatever is red and they can stick it in the bag. It’s quite fascinating what you can find in nature that is red.
Interact with your kids
It’s okay to get out there and enjoy being with your kids. You need to be outdoors enjoying life, just as much as your kids do. Truth be told, they’re going to love spending time with you and interacting with you! By seeing you outdoors, playing with them, they’re going to know the true power of play and how it encourages them in life.
Enjoy the day
Don’t get too caught up in what you should or shouldn’t do, the power of play means just enjoying the day. Playing frisbee with your kids or enjoying a hike are both things you can do to enjoy the day. You don’t need to have an agenda. We’re only granted so much sunshine a year, it’s important to get out there and enjoy it.
Get outside with the rest of the world
On May 20th, 2017 – everyone is getting outdoors, especially kids! The 7th annual Kids to Parks Day is coming up. Last year, more than 750,000 participants happened and this year, we want to get up to 900,000. Get your kids to a local park! It’s important for kids to get out there and explore their local parks, which is what Kids to Parks Day is all about.
The cool thing is that you can register with Kids to Park Day and will cool prizes for showing up and being a part of this big day! Join us on May 20th for Kids to Parks day and don’t forget to check out your local parks often. Exploration and play are super important to children and we 100% get behind that.
