How to Encourage Children to Play Outside

Children who play outside gain self-confidence, get exercise and learn social and problem-solving skills. With the evolution of video games and the Internet, many children have more interest in playing indoors that outdoors. Encouraging your children to play outdoors will benefit them greatly. Starting when your child is young is important, but it's never too late to teach your child to play outdoors. By exploring the outdoors, your child will gain investigative skills to better understand science, math and logic.

Instructions

• 1

  Purchase safe toys for the backyard that your child will be interested in. You could even ask your child what he wants in his backyard. Some children like swing sets and play sets. Some children would rather have balls, bats, gloves, bicycles or water guns. Find out what your child likes and try to accommodate his interests.

• 2

  Fence in your backyard if you are worried about your young child wandering away from home. Allowing your child to have some freedom will be rewarding, but safety should always come first.

• 3

  Give your child boundaries for playtime. Tell your children that they cannot go past the driveway, the neighbor's house or the next street. Make sure they practice street safety, and tell your child that once the sun starts setting, that is the cue to come home.

• 4

  Contact other parents in your neighborhood and tell them about your efforts. When children play together in a neighborhood, it can be easier on parents to take turns watching out for them.

• 5

  Dress your child in outdoor appropriate clothing. Flip-flops make running, jumping and climbing trees difficult. Invest in a good pair of tennis shoes that your child can move in easily. Also make sure your child has a coat that will keep her warm and still allows movement.

• 6

  Make playing outside fun. If you have time, consider building a tree house or club house with your child. The memories made will be cherished, and your child will have a cool place to call his own.

• 7

  Grab a soccer ball and have some fun kicking it around with your kid. Throwing a baseball is another great exercise and way to connect with your child. Once their skills are developed, encourage your child to invite other neighborhood children to play.

• 8

  Find a park in your area with a good trail. Go with your child on a nature walk, hike or biking adventure.

• 9

  Consider signing your child up for an outdoor team sport. Finding out your child's strengths and interests is important. Ask your child what she would like to participate in, and find a league to join. Going to a sports team practice regularly will likely inspire your child to reconnect with the outdoors.