Kiddipedia
Getting your kids excited about being outdoors is harder than it sounds! Especially with the temptation of the internet, online games, and television shows making it more appealing than ever for your kids to stay inside. So, for our top tips on how to get your kids to venture out, just keep reading!
1. Turn Your Backyard into an Outdoor Adventure Park
If you turn your backyard into an outdoor adventure park, your kids won’t be able to resist coming outside! Consider setting up sturdy swing sets, a decked-out sandpit, a bouncy trampoline, or even a swimming pool! By installing these exciting items in your backyard, you can easily entice your children away from their computers, video games, and television screens. For wholesome family fun that lasts for hours, you could even turn your outdoor equipment into an interactive obstacle course!
2. Organise Backyard Games and Other Outdoor Activities
Photo by Allan Mas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/little-boy-playing-with-plastic-shovel-in-backyard-5623736/
There’s nothing quite like a backyard game to get the kids playing outdoors. Think running races, shuttle relays, and other activities. You could even set up a game of musical chairs. The sky is the limit! Of course, the key to any game is to make sure the winner’s prize is exciting. The most appealing prizes are often in the form of snacks or treats. If you’re interested in keeping your kids fit and healthy, you could try making a more nutritionally-balanced treat to reward the winner of the game. For example, coat slices of banana in dipping chocolate and freeze them. Alternatively, sugar-free lollies also make for a great prize!
3. Plan for a Scavenger Hunt, Complete with Treasure Chest
In keeping with the theme of outdoor games, you could also arrange a backyard scavenger hunt. To make this activity even more exciting, you could set it up with a pirate theme! Don’t forget the grand prize of a loaded treasure chest. Your kids won’t be able to resist the hidden loot of chocolate gold coins. A fantastic treat for any deserving pirate!
4. Arrange a Garden Tea Party
For a somewhat more civilised outdoor activity, try organising a garden tea party. All you’ll need is a table that sits low to the ground, and a fancy, pastel-coloured tablecloth with table napkins to match. Scatter around comfortable cushions for tea party guests to sit on. You’ll also need colourful cutlery and paper plates for the tasty tidbits your guests will be consuming. Cupcakes, cookies and finger sandwiches will go down a treat! You could even arrange the tea party in an Alice in Wonderland or Mad Hatter theme – complete with oversized tea cups and fun decor.
5. Organise a Family Working Bee
Truth be told, getting outdoors is not always all about fun and games. You also need to tidy up and keep the place clean! So, what better way to get the family involved than to organise a backyard working bee? Allocate different tasks to different members of the family. Younger family members can be tasked with picking up scraps of rubbish or sweeping leaves, while the older kids can help with more difficult tasks, like pruning bushes or weeding the garden. Just be sure they know how to safely use garden tools such as shears, clippers and shovels!
6. Throw a Backyard BBQ
There’s nothing like a backyard barbecue, especially in the summertime! For the best kind of BBQ cook-up, be sure to stock up on all of your family’s favourite meats. Think lamb chops, chicken skewers, barbequed dim sims and beef sausages. For the ultimate barbecue spread, make sure you also bring along all the trimmings! Onions, tomato ketchup and mustard sauce are all essential. If you’re thinking of preparing the classic Australian ‘snag’, you’ll also need plain white bread – preferably, with all the crusts cut off!
7. Invite Your Kid’s Friends Over for Al Fresco Snacks
Lastly, make the most of the fresh outdoor air with al fresco dining. It doesn’t need to be a fancy spread. Even chips and dips are a crowd favourite! Other crowd-pleasers include vegemite sandwiches – or the all-time winner, sandwiches with peanut butter and jam. If you prefer a sweeter snack, try baking chocolate chip or blueberry muffins. Freshly cut-up fruit also goes down a treat when eating outdoors. As does a cheese and charcuterie platter!
Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/love-people-summer-girl-8385863/
Admittedly, it can be challenging to get your kids excited about being outdoors. Most of the time, they are glued to their online games and tv screens. However, by setting up your backyard to be as exciting, appealing and attractive to kids as possible, you can eventually draw them outside! That way, you can enjoy hours of wholesome outdoor family fun together, right from the comfort of your very own backyard.
