city kids outside

  • INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    How to Embrace the Outdoors when You’re Not Outdoorsy

    Getting outside and enjoying nature doesn’t come easily to everyone. Some people are more comfortable inside. Others are intimidated by nature and think that to be “outdoorsy” you have to be climbing mountains and own expensive hiking boots. But, anyone can be outdoorsy – it just takes a mindset of enjoying and appreciating the outdoors. Today, Tiana Kubik, Creative Team member and Chicago mom of two, is here with some advice on how to embrace the outdoors when you’re not outdoorsy. She’s sharing some really fantastic tips for how to get yourself more comfortable and confident spending time outside with your kids. We hope this inspires you to try some new things and want to learn to embrace the outdoors. 

    How to Get Outside and Embrace the Outdoors with Your Kids when You are Not Outdoorsy

    Not outdoorsy

    Some parents introduce a love of nature to their kids because they were raised outside and love spending time outdoors immersed in all things nature. However, some of us went our whole lives avoiding the woods until we had children. Maybe we didn’t necessarily love (or hate) going outside, but it wasn’t a priority. Maybe we just always felt more comfortable indoors? For whatever reason, it was our children who introduced (or reintroduced) us to the beautiful connection we can have to the earth. We’ve grown to appreciate nature, but it doesn’t come naturally. Does this sound familiar? 

    What does it mean to be outdoorsy

    There is no one all-encompassing definition of what it means to be outdoorsy. I think that being outdoorsy just means that you enjoy the outdoors, in whatever capacity you want that to include. Maybe it means that you enjoy sitting around a campfire, telling stories and roasting marshmallows. Maybe it means that you like taking walks in the park, listening to the birdsong, and feeling the breeze. Or maybe it means you love to camp, fish, hike, kayak, climb, ski, bike, or run outside. Being outdoorsy can mean whatever you want it to mean. It’s embracing nature and enjoying spending time outside. 

    Learning to embrace nature

    The good news is that you don’t have to be typical “outdoorsy” to get outside with your kids and enjoy nature. You don’t have to be into mountain climbing or thru-hiking. You don’t have to like bugs or own a bunch of fancy gear. All you need is an appreciation for the beauty of nature and what nature can do for you and your kids. 

    The benefits of getting outside are undeniable. We can all agree that playing outside is great for children. We tend to downplay how important it is for adults as well. Spending time outdoors reduces anxiety, improves overall health, and helps anyone feel more connected to the world and community.

    You can seek nature experiences for your kids, but you can also take it to the next level and seek nature experiences with your kids. This can happen even if you are not outdoorsy or a natural-born nature lover, even if you are itching just thinking of walking in the woods with bugs, even if the thought of hiking is exhausting. You can work to overcome those negative associations and embrace the wonder of the world with your kids. Here are some tips on how.

    How to become more outdoorsy

    Find inspiration through education

    Inspiration and education tend to go hand in hand. If you’re not outdoorsy, it may just be because you don’t know much about nature or the amazing things going on right outside your door! The more you know about nature, the more you can learn to appreciate and respect it. The beginning of overcoming any fear or limitation is wanting to overcome that restriction. So, if you think the outdoors are horrible, you have no motivation to push you out of your comfort zone.

    On the flip side, if you are flooded with inspiration on how beautiful the world is and how much people enjoy it, your FOMO (fear of missing out), will motivate you to explore ways to obtain the experiences and views that others say are not to be missed. 

    After you are motivated to get outside, learning about nature and the earth will snowball your motivation and lead you to take concrete steps to engage in nature. 

    1. Documentaries

    Documentaries are a great family activity for inspiring and educating. Often these documentaries can lead to philosophy shifts and encourage everyone to engage more with the earth. A documentary can motivate you to be eco-friendly and do simple things around your house to be more sustainable. A documentary can inspire you to travel, raise awareness about topics, and give you a glimpse into other cultures. The wonderful thing about documentaries is that you don’t have to wish you were in a location. You can set goals and plan to visit them.

    Some of our favorite documentaries to inspire a love of nature and travel?

    • DisneyNature Series — This is a stunning and heartwarming “Time in the life of…” series for a ton of different animals (penguins, elephants, butterflies, and so many more).
    • Down to Earth with Zac Efron – This is a fantastic journey around the world with Zac Efron (yup, THAT Zac Efron). He takes you on trips to explore sustainable and innovative communities across the globe.
    • National Geographic – Available on Disney+, NatGeo has an extensive library of documentaries on everything in nature, from animals to the ocean to space exploration!

    2. Books

    Books are another great source of information for learning to love and appreciate nature. The options are endless between kid-friendly storybooks and books focused on adults. Either way, reading about nature, animals, and topics such as sustainable living, will leave a lasting impression that will push you closer towards a goal of getting out there.

    Want some recommendations for books about nature? Here are some of our curated book lists for nature books for kids:

    3. Make friends

    “Just go make new friends!” I know easier said than done, but this truly is the best way to be inspired. Find friends with children of similar ages and interests as yours that love being outdoors. Not only will this inspire you to get out, but you will also have buddies to be your co-conspirators. If they already adore the outdoors AND they adore you, they will naturally want to be a resource for you. You can all explore and learn together and from each other about nature and be more willing to try new things.

    You can find friends from your kids school or daycare, from local mom groups on social media, from apps, from visiting local parks or playgrounds, or attending outdoor events. Making new friends as an adult can be hard, but it’s worth it! Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there and give it a try. 

    4. Social media

    Curating your social media feeds to include accounts that are living the life you are working towards is a great way to stay inspired and learn a lot about the real deal of that lifestyle. For getting outdoors, Instagram and Youtube have the most prominent communities and wealth of information for living, traveling, or just playing outside with kids. Not only will you be able to follow accounts to get an accurate snapshot of what life is like for them, but you will also have constantly NEW inspiration with minimal effort. Follow accounts that will introduce you to guides, tutorials, challenges, and resources to help you in your journey to embrace the outdoors.

    Tips for not outdoorsy parents on how to get comfortable being outside

    There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” Scandanavian saying

    Prepare for the experiences you want

    Being prepared will play the most significant part in becoming outdoorsy and having successful outdoor adventures with your kids. That means not only being prepared physically with the right gear and snacks, but being mentally prepared and having realistic expectations.

    Going back to inspiration and education, you can find the best ways to prepare for any outdoor adventure. It is also essential to consider what you are concerned about and prepare yourself for that experience. For example, if the mosquitos love to feast on you, being prepared with repellent, anti-itch, Benedryl, etc., will make your experience much more enjoyable and less irritating. 

    Preparation extends beyond the “things” you will need. Making sure that you are physically and mentally ready is also vital. Here are some considerations for preparing for a successful outdoor experience with your kids.

    1. Mental preparations for getting outside

    Sometimes the first step to becoming more outdoorsy is a mental mindset shift. Overcoming mental blocks, changing negative associations to positive, and healing unhealthy associations will take some work and isnt’ always easy or quick. The amount of work and time depends on your experiences and how deep the associations go.

    But, just because you may have had past experiences that made you dislike or uncomfortable in nature doesn’t mean you’re doomed to be a homebody the rest of your life. The following activities can help you promote a healthy and positive connection to the earth and help you get more comfortable being outdoors.  

    • Grounding – Grounding is the act of connecting your physical body with the earth. The act of grounding (also called earthing) is a therapeutic technique that involves doing activities that “ground” or electrically reconnect you to the earth. Meaning, when you physically touch the ground electrical charges are transferred from the earth – providing positive effects to your body. In simple terms – go outside, take your shoes off, and make direct contact!
    • Yoga – Practicing yoga is about physical and mental grounding. Some benefits will help you physically, however, yoga teaches you to control your breathing and connect your mind to how your body moves. This can be enormously helpful when engaging in outdoor activities.
    • Meditation – Much like yoga, learning to be more aware and present will prepare you to take in and love all that nature has to offer, especially when you reach the point in a hike where cell phones are no longer working. 
    • Sit spotting – Similar to meditation, sit spotting involves the natural world around you and it becomes incorporated into your mindful meditation. The idea of sit spotting is simple: find a special place in nature and then become comfortable with just being there, still and quiet. In this place, nature will surround you, soothe you, entertain you and seep into you. Sit spotting gives you a personal and intimate place in nature which will soothe, comfort and relax you, as you get to know the location.
    • Therapy – Depending on your past experiences, level or fear/dislike, and negative associations with the great outdoors, therapy might be an excellent option for working through mental blocks and creating strategies to shift the narratives you hold about nature.

    how to become outdoorsy

    2. Physical preparations for getting outside

    Physical ability to sustain outdoor activities is usually a huge deterrent for most adults. If you are physically uncomfortable or in pain, of course you’re not going to enjoy the activity. Eliminating any physical discomfort can help you reframe your mindset around spending time outdoors. For example, if you are preparing for a longer hike or adventurous and physical outdoor activities (like downhill skiing or climbing), you can train your body so that you can approach these activities relaxed and ready to enjoy the time in nature with your children. Here are few ways to help eliminate the physical discomfort around being outside:

    • Start taking frequent walks. Choose to walk instead of driving. The the stairs instead of the elevator. Move your body more every day.
    • Take on elevations. Start gradually adding some higher elevation hikes to what you’re already doing. Increase the elevantation and difficulty very slowly. 
    • Strength training can help you in a variety of ways. Not only will it make you feel more confident in your abilities, but will be beneficial when your toddler decides mid-hike that they no longer want to walk.
    • Increase your water intake. This is an easy one that you can do well before you go outside. Hydrate ahead of time while you have easy access to bathrooms while your body adjusts.

    3. Medical preparations for getting outside

    Slightly different from physical preparation, medical preparation is necessary for anyone that has a medical issue that is keeping them from getting outside. This preparation is very specific to what medical needs you have. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your plans and concerns before making any changes to your medical regime. A doctor can help give you suggestions on how to manage the issue outdoors, prepare you for various scenarios and help you get more comfortable getting out of your comfort zone.

    For example, if you are prone to allergic reactions or dehydration, your medical fears about what could happen might be keeping you from spending time outside. Talk to your doctor to see if there are options for you to find some relief or even underlying causes to treat.

    dad, two kids and dog sitting on the rocks at sunset with a boat in the distance

    4. Having the right outdoor gear

    Having the right gear can really help a “not outdoorsy” parent feel more comfortable and confident being outside. Where your budget allows, purchase high-quality durable items and find room for items on your wishlist. Having the right equipment, and the gear that makes you feel good will make the experience of the outdoors feel more like an extension of who you are.

    While a lot of what you need will depend on where you are going, here are some quick gear items to think about adding to your outdoor gear stash for nature adventures with kids:

    • Waterbottles
    • Weather-appropriate clothing – for travel or hikes, layers will keep you prepared to change at a moment’s notice. This includes rashguards, hats and sunglasses for outdoor play in the summer, as well as wool layers, hats and gloves for wintertime play. 
    • A great camera or phone with a great camera
    • For younger children, a compact baby carrier so that you can walk but be prepared to hold them and keep your arms free.
    • A great backpack for ALL the water, diapers, and snacks!

    5. Setting realistic expectations for outdoor activities

    Setting realistic expectations about getting outside with your kids might be the hardest part of the adventure, but it will set you up for the best experience. Going into any activity that you previously found difficult and expecting to love it is not realistic. Shifting your mindset can be a gradual experience and it may take a bit of time. Start by taking notice of the things that you liked, enjoyed or appreciated during the activity. Focus on the good and try to hold on to those feelings and let everything else go. 

    The goal is to curate love and embrace nature as a beautiful part of your life. There is time to let that love grow, and if you are frustrated because you didn’t love it, you are less likely to try it again. It’s ok not to love it. But do try to appreciate the good and be willing to try again. The more you do something, the easier it will become and you may just find yourself enjoying the activity. 

    So, go into a new activity open-minded but know this relationship will grow over time and not need to be an instant connection.

    How to spend more time outside with your kids when you're not outdoorsy

    Now, go play outside!

    Once you’ve addressed the ideas and issues discussed above, it’s time to get outside and learn to embrace nature and the outdoors. There’s so much out there waiting for you. So many adventures to be had and memories to make. Let’s get started embracing nature and becoming more outdoorsy. 

    1. Create a plan and stick to it 

    Start planning your experiences. Make a list of the things you’d like to do. Include realistic things that you can do now that are comfortable and easily accessible. But, also include a few things that are stretch goals that you’d like to be able to do someday. Those will keep you motivated to keep going.

    For each outdoor adventure you take, get yourself comfortable with the outing before you ever leave the house. Map out where bathrooms are, think about any snacks and meals, consider what gear and clothing you’ll need. Then do it! Eventually, you will find things won’t take as much planning, but being over-prepared ensures that you won’t run into as many unexpected problems.  

    2. Start small and work your way up to bigger adventures

    If you’re not outdoorsy, but want to spend more time in nature, taking baby steps will ease you in and create a snowball effect for embracing the great outdoors. It will also help you narrow down which experiences you really like and which ones are just not for you.

    For example, before you go camping for a whole weekend, do an under-nighter outside. Sit by a fire, cook outdoors, sing songs and tell scary stories, all with the expectation that you are going home at the end of the night. (This can also be done in your backyard.) Once you are comfortable with that, try camping overnight somewhere familiar and close to home (so you can bail in the middle of the night, if you need to).

    Same with hiking. Start with a walk in a flat nature preserve. Then seek out longer hikes with more inclines. Just like setting realistic expectations, you are building a foundation and nurturing your relationship with nature. Start small and build the trust over time. Jumping into something well beyond your comfort zone is dangerous and a sure-fire way to make you never want to try that activity again. 

    two kids on a boat with binoculars - best outdoor activities and adventures for kids

    3. Say yes to adventure

    As adults, we often find that saying no to non-preferred activities becomes a habit. Particularly, if you are not outdoorsy, saying no to a hike, canoe trip, or camping weekend will come out without even considering the experience. But sometimes there are opportunities to get outside all around you if you just start looking for them and saying “yes” when they come up. Friends are more likely to start asking you to do outdoor things if you make a habit of saying “yes!” to experiences you previously said no to. The more you agree to being outdoors, the easier those yesses will come and the more opportunities will arise. 

    4. Move your favorite activities outside

    Do you love to read? Are you a fabulous cook? Do you enjoy working out? Is your home filled with plants? Do you paint or draw? Start with the things you love and enjoy and slowly shift them outside. Ttaking the things your family already does inside to the outdoors will add a whole new level of excitement and help you get more comfortable being outdoors. Piggybacking things you already enjoy to unknown experiences will give you a head start knowing you will enjoy it.

    How to hold yourself accountable for spending more time outside Creative ways to hold yourself accountable

    If you’re intimidated by the outdoors or need some additional motivation to get outside, one of the best things you can do is to find ways to hold yourself accountable to your outdoor goals. Sometimes this means enlisting help! Here are some ways that you can help hold yourself accountable to your goals of getting outside more often with your kids. 

    1. Tell your kids

    Nobody on earth will hold you more accountable than your kids. They are watching you. They probably want to go outside! Make it a family goal to get you to love the outdoors as they do. Let them call you out when you aren’t meeting your goals. Let them show you how much they love the outdoors and how much fun they’re having. They will be empowered as human beings and will be your best cheering section when you show them how much you want to embrace changes.

    2. Use a tracker

    If you’re someone that loves seeing your progress or finds comfort in trackers and lists, consider using a fitness tracker, step tracker, or even just a calendar for goals you want to reach. Create a goal that you can reach and find tangible ways to measure your outside time. Having concrete goals will keep you accountable while you are forming a new habit. And make sure to celebrate when you hit that goal! 

    3. Do it with friends

    There’s nothing like having a friend to get you through some of the initial hurdles and make it less scary. Find friends with similar goals and friends who are natural-born outdoorsy people. Set up playdates with mom friends outdoors and let the kids explore together. Picnics, hikes, and camping are all great activities to do as a group.  Take turns checking out new parks, new trails or new activities. Or you could even start your own forest playgroup with some local like-minded friends!

    4. Start a social media account or a blog

    Small or large following, having a social media account is a fun way to keep people updated with what you are doing and hold yourself accountable. Post a photo and caption about all of your adventures and create an online community of people to cheer you on! Share your experience and what you learn. Not only will it help motivate you to continue trying new things and getting outside, but you may also inspire others to do the same! 

    5. Challenges and paid activities

    Spending money is one of the most potent tools we have to help hold us accountable. There has been a lot of research on how paying for something gives us a sense of obligation. Sign yourself up for a paid challenge to get outside more. We have a great one that’s designed for parents of little kids with 7 themed days of fun (and easy) outdoor activities called The Wildhood Challenge. Paying for a curated experience will motivate you to follow through and help you be prepared for a great experience.

    Enjoy the transformation to becoming outdoorsy

    So, are you feeling “outdoorsy” yet? We hope these ideas and advice will help get you over any hurdles you might have to embrace the outdoors and get more confident and comfortable outside. Bookmark this post and refer back anytime you need some extra motivation or encouragement.

    Now, take a deep breath and get ready for a new, nature-loving you. Find those adventures that feed your soul and bring your family closer together. The kids will love having you present in their world and you will love feeling on your way to becoming outdoorsy. 

    About the author

    A city girl through and through, Tiana wasn’t always thrilled with outdoor adventures. However, learning the importance of nature + play through her journey to a Master’s in Early Childhood Education changed her heart. She still prefers the hustle and bustle of city life. She also has learned to love all that nature is and gives. Tiana has discovered unbelievably amazing North American destinations by traveling in a DIY converted Sprinter Van with her husband and two kids. She looks forward to new adventures and discoveries every day.

    You can find more from Tiana in the following online locations:
    Instagram: @usalongtheway
    Website: US Along the Way
    RWMC Posts: Tiana Kubik

  • FAMILY TRAVEL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, URBAN NATURE

    Finding Nature in Urban Settings with Kids

    It is a wild misconception that being a “city kid” means depriving young minds of nature and the benefits of a free-range life. When done intentionally, children raised in the city have a unique opportunity to tap into a larger community of nature lovers. While there are some considerations and logistics to giving urban dwellers a sense of connection with the earth, it is possible, and even enjoyable, to find parks and nature within a concrete jungle. Today, Tiana Kubik of @usalongtheway, a city-dwelling and nature-loving mother of two, provides answers to how you can find urban nature with kids. It’s closer than you might think! 

    How to find nature in urban areas with kids - exploring urban nature with kids

    Why you should get your city kid into nature 

    There are many reasons your children should find nature, even in the city. The big takeaway though is that taking the time to connect with nature is good for them, others, and the earth. It is a one-stop-shop for well-being. Here are some additional reasons city kids need nature too.

    • The most pressing reason is the care and knowledge of our earth and nature. As we construct more buildings, creating time to appreciate and engage with nature will be more critical than ever. The more we know about how the earth functions, the more we can preserve it for all living beings.
    • Yoga and meditation have shown that grounding and connecting to the earth and all the elements, fosters positive self-awareness and supports healthy social-emotional development in children (and adults). In fast-paced city life, seeking moments with our earth can help children calm their nervous systems and lead happier lives.
    • The earth is the one thing that connects us with every living being. Finding friends and meeting new people through nature activities supports bonding and social awareness of others. Not to mention, a healthy earth is good for our fellow citizens. So, learning to care for the planet is also about learning to care for each other.

    Now that you know the benefits of exploring urban nature with kids, let’s get outside.

    2 kids in lawn chairs on the Chicago Riverwalk - ways to make city kids more outdoorsy

    Exploring urban nature with kids

    The most basic start to finding nature in urban settings is to get outside. Not every location is nature, but there is nature in every location. Yes, you read that right. Nature is in every outdoor location, even if it isn’t as obvious when you are surrounded by skyscrapers and cement. 

    Here are five easy ways to explore nature in a city environment

    1. The sun, the wind, the rain, and the temperature outside? All nature. Take a mindful and adventurous walk and explore how these elements affect you and the people and things around you. Splash in puddles or play in the rain. Feel the wind on your face or watch how the wind sways the trees. These are things that are all a part of our earth. 
    2. Even the most densely populated skyscraper city has a tree or a patch of grass, someplace. Find it. Study it. Play in it.  
    3. Bugs, birds, squirrels, and so many more critters make their homes in densely urban settings. Go for a walk and count the birds you see, find a bug and study what it does. Find some skat (bird and dog poop counts) and see if you can figure out what kind of animal made it. 
    4. Grabbing a picnic or even patio seating at a restaurant is a practice in enjoying nature. Soak in the experience. Find a farm-to-table restaurant or farmers’ market and get to know the enthusiastic people about where our food comes from. I guarantee most of them will be thrilled to chat up young nature lovers about their process.
    5. Flowers are often planted outside businesses and in various places for landscaping. Find some and smell them. Can’t find any outside, meander through a farmer’s market and find a flower vendor or walk to a grocery store and stroll through the floral department. Flowers do not need to be wildflowers to be enjoyed in nature.

    2 kids running through a community garden in Detroit, MI - getting kids outside in the city

    Enjoying city parks with kids

    Almost every city has a park district. Park districts are a great place to start for some more extensive and often inexpensive activities. Parks are also the perfect place to explore and discover urban nature with kids.

    Going to a city’s park and recreation department website can tell you a few things:

    1. The location of all of the city-owned parks, playgrounds, beaches, conservatories, zoos, farms, pools, splash pads, or other features. This is great for planning and getting the most accurate information on location, hours, and potential activities.
    2. Scheduled activities and programming. The park districts often have classes for kids, adults, and often families. They also may lead volunteer opportunities, concerts, animal encounters, and tours. 

    Once you arrive at a city-owned park, explore the signs and plaques that will often give information about the history or essential facts about where you are. Every city park has a unique story. Especially as urban areas build bigger and taller buildings, nature’s survival in urban areas is a task and a beautiful story of love and care.

    Morton Arboretum Sculpture with 2 girls playing - how to find nature in cities and urban areas

    Explore arboretums and gardens

    Ready to kick it up a notch? Gardens and arboretums are usually the places to go within a city to really up the “WOW” factor. For example, The Morton Arboretum in Illinois has nature+art exhibits throughout the grounds. So, you are getting some great nature plus some art and culture.

    We highly recommend becoming a member at a conservatory or nature center in your local area. There are usually some great benefits. Here are a few of the things we love about being members of an outdoor arboretum or botanical garden.

    1. Take a look at the location you wish to have your membership and see if they belong to any reciprocity organizations like the American Horticultural Society. This will get you into hundreds of similar gardens all over North America, with free or discounted admission. This is especially wonderful if you travel or want to explore lots of places as you travel.
    2. Being in the loop. With social media, this is not as big a consideration. However, members do get the first notices on new exhibits, tours, and programs. And sometimes there are special “members only” events or days where the lines are short and members enjoy special access and treatment. If you are not a natural nature person, getting “personal” invitations to exhibits and programs is a good nudge to get out there!
    3. Your membership fees support those doing the heavy lifting to keep mother nature alive and well. Having a membership to an arboretum or garden will help them continue caring for the earth. Even if it is just within their own space, we need every bit of green world we can keep.

    2 kids on a row boat in Central Park, New York City - ways to find nature in the city

    Finding urban nature that fits your adventure family

    Are you a rock climber, swimmer, kayaker, hiker? Many urban areas have found innovative ways of retaining or creating these experiences. A quick internet search will send you down the rabbit hole of companies and organizations that focus on your specific specialty.  

    Finding experts in your preferred activity will give you the best access to the areas best suited for what you want to do. For example, the local yacht club may offer sailing classes. The park district may have bike and boat rentals. The local nature center may hold classes or nature trips for families.

    You may also connect to small local organizations that have taken on the education and community building around family fun outdoor engagement. For example, Chicago Family Biking in Chicago hosts family bike rides and educational events that help families realize the ease of biking with kids. Big Muddy Adventures in St. Louis hosts family-friendly canoeing and paddle adventures in the Mississippi River, Missouri River, and surrounding rivers and streams. 

    Family Eating beignets on steps in City Park New Orleans - finding urban nature with kids

    Enjoy the city life and nature

    Even with activities that aren’t usually considered nature-y we can discover a connection to the earth and all it gives. Here are a few examples of how you can find and enjoy urban nature with kids in unexpected ways.

    1. Are you going out to eat? Ask to sit outside and admire the planters, trees, sounds, and smells on their outdoor patio.
    2. Walk, ride bikes, scooter to activities as often as possible.  
    3. Volunteer to pick up trash. This can be organized or just buy a grabber and make a habit of going out as a family and picking up trash.
    4. Plant a garden or if you lack space, join a community garden. 
    5. Look for fun programs like outdoor music concerts, festivals, farmers markets.
    6. Use public transportation to check out new neighborhoods and parks.
    7. Take a class. Find family yoga, outdoor art, and movement classes in your urban area.

    Hold your family accountable

    Ideas are great but holding your family accountable to your outdoor goals (or any goals you have) is the only way to increase your outdoor time. Need some inspiration on how to do this? Below are a couple of options.

    1. Join Facebook groups. Run Wild My Child, Hike it Baby, and other outdoor-focused organizations often have online communities where you can gain motivation and learn from like-minded people. There are also likely some local outdoor family groups too.
    2. Follow social media accounts. Believe it or not, seeing pictures of people with their kids outside or reading posts of what others are doing will help you stay motivated to take your own kids outside too.
    3. Join outdoor focused challenges. This is a great way to keep yourself motivated to get outside and may even help create new habits.
      • Hike it Baby hosts a HiB30 Challenge twice a year, with the goal of getting families outside for at least 30 minutes three times a week for one month.
      • The 52 Hike Challenge isn’t geared toward families, but you absolutely can choose to take your kids on 52 “hikes” over the course of the year. And yes, a walk through the same park once a week totally counts.
      • Our Run Wild My Child team is launching a new 7-day challenge that you can use to “rewild your child” called the Wildhood Challenge. This challenge is 7 days, each with a different theme for outdoor play, and will help encourage and inspire you to spend more intentional time outside for a full week, showing you just how easy it can be to prioritize time outside with your little ones when you’re intentional about it. 
    4. Step/health trackers. Seeing how many steps you take each day (whether it’s a few or a lot) is a great motivator to keep taking walks with your kids.
    5. Great a schedule or calendar. If you have a hard time finding time to get outside, set alerts on your phone or schedule time into your calendar. 

    Helping make a difference

    We are big believers that nature should be accessible for all. And spending time outside in nature shouldn’t be just for kids that live in the country, on farms, or in the mountains. City kids need nature and outdoor playtime just as much (if not more) than ever. According to the national PTA organization, one-third of all US children live in urban areas. Living in urban areas can mean it is difficult to access natural areas, even when they’re not far away. Longstanding systems of inequity have influenced the design and distribution of green spaces in and around cities and urban areas.

    Cities across the country are searching for ways to bring nature’s benefits to all children. As are parents, community leaders, educators, and people like YOU (and us) that believe in the importance of nature for all. Achieving change requires a community-based approach and lots of help. Organizations such as Children’s Nature Network have great resources and toolkits to get you started if you’re interested in helping more city kids discover urban nature and making it more accessible for all.

    Additional resources

    Here are a few other resources from our team all about getting city kids outside discovering urban nature with kids! 

    two kids on scooters on a sidewalk - urban nature with kidsFamily on scooter with Chicago skyline behind themPhotography by Thomas | © 2019 TK Photography | http://www.tkphotographychicago.com

    Now go run wild, my city child!
    How do you find nature in the city?

    About the author

    A city girl through and through, Tiana wasn’t always thrilled with outdoor adventures. However, learning the importance of nature + play through her journey to a Master’s in Early Childhood Education changed her heart. She still prefers the hustle and bustle of city life. She also has learned to love all that nature is and gives. Tiana has discovered unbelievably amazing North American destinations by traveling in a DIY converted Sprinter Van with her husband and two kids. She looks forward to new adventures and discoveries every day.

    You can find more from Tiana in the following online locations:
    Instagram: @usalongtheway
    Website: US Along the Way

  • GEOCACHING, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PRINTABLES, SPRING, URBAN NATURE

    10 Outdoor Social Distancing Activities for Kids in a City

    With social distancing firmly in place and schools being closed for the foreseeable future, parents all across the country are trying to figure out what to do with your kids. While it’s probably no surprise to anyone reading this website, we HIGHLY recommend getting outside and into nature with your kids. But only if that’s a safe and viable option. If you have access to the great outdoors and time to spend, by all means, we hope you take advantage of it.

    However, outdoor social distancing may not be easy for everyone. Particularly those who live in a city and may not have close access to wide open (and remote/unpopulated areas). However, there are still things you can do outside as a family that keep your distance from others and give your kids the chance to burn off some of that energy. Today, we have Desirée Macke, Southern California mom of 2 here sharing 10 ways to get outside while being socially distant in a city.

    10 Ways to Get Outside With Kids When Social Distancing in the City

    An unexpected turn of events

    This spring was supposed to be full of travel and adventure for our family. However, in the blink of an eye, like the rest of the country, our plans were quickly thwarted due to COVID-19. When schools were canceled for multiple weeks I quickly went to work planning where we could go exploring with the kids. Joshua Tree National Park immediately popped into mind. It’s one of our favorite places. I had full intentions of loading the kids up to go rock climbing to get away from it all. Then, things regarding health and safety escalated and our plans were set aside.

    Social distancing in a city

    For a moment I went into panic mode. How in the world were we going to get the kids outside while social distancing in a huge city? All the places we enjoy going (National Parks, the beach, local parks, etc.) are always full of people. It’s not like we can simply turn to our backyard…we don’t have one! We live in a townhome. Right now, for many people in urban areas, getting outside while being safe can be a bit challenging, particularly because we all like to go outside to the same places.

    I took a deep breath, looked at what we do have at our disposal. I put together a list of 10 outdoor social distancing activities for kids and families in cities so that you can still get outside all while staying safe and active.

    geocaching in the city - outdoor activities for kids

    1. Geocaching

    A while back we covered the basics of geocaching. Our kids don’t get much screen time, so geocaching is really fun and exciting for my kids.  When I hand over the phone to my son so he can follow the map, read the clues, and search for geocaches, it’s a really big deal. We’ve found several caches in our neighborhood while out for a walk. There are many more near us that we’ll be hunting down in the next few weeks. We’ll have plenty of time to do so!

    2. Agents of Discovery app

    This may be pretty specific to Southern California, but, there are a LOT of people here, so I hope I’m reaching someone who is searching for things to do with kids! While visiting a local nature center/trail we enjoy hiking, we discovered there is an interactive app that is great for kids to utilize while hiking. Along the trail, there are multiple challenges the kids complete to earn points.

    I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes my kids lose interest in our hikes very quickly. However, this app keeps my kids engaged while on the trail. Bonus points: the whole family learned a copious amount of information on the flora and fauna in our area. Now my son wants to visit all the trails included on the app. It’s beeen a great outdoor social distancing activity for my kids to keep them active and entertained.

    During this time, please use your best judgment on whether being out on the trials is smart and safe for you, and those you may encounter on the trail.

    outdoor apps for city kids

    3. iNaturalist app

    I promise this is the last tech/screen suggestion. But, this is one of my favorite apps because it can be used anywhere! Since we’re stuck around the house, we’ve been taking many walks around our neighborhood. I’ve learned over the years that the kids need a goal on our walks to keep them occupied and entertained. Otherwise just walking around can get pretty boring for them.

    During our walks, I ask them to find plants, flowers, even animals, that they don’t know the names of. We then turn to iNaturalist, snap a photo of said plant/animal. The app then pulls up a list of items that are likely to be what we have discovered, and we select the answer that best fits what we have found. It’s been really neat to learn together what we have right here in our little neighborhood. Using an app like this to learn and document our adventures has been a really fun and educational outdoor social distancing activity for the kids.

    4. Scavenger hunt

    Anyone can do a scavenger hunt! Anywhere! Trust me, they’re super easy to put together and really fun for the kids! It only takes a few minutes of planning. I usually compile a quick list of easy-to-find items just before we head out the door. You can write them all down on a piece of paper, in your phone or keep a tally in your head. Tell the kids what they’re looking for and let them explore! Once the kids find all the items on their list they earn a prize (which is usually just something from our pantry).

    The great thing about scavenger hunts is that you can completely customize them to your specific location and to your children’s ages and skill level. I will often make two different lists. For my son, I’ll ask for specific things, such as, “find a maple leaf”.  For my youngest, I keep it pretty basic for her, “find a yellow leaf”.

    blank BINGO card for nature hunt outdoor activities for kids

    5. Nature bingo

    Much like the scavenger hunt and iNaturalist, we utilize nature bingo while we’re on our morning walks. This is a great and easy outdoor social distancing activity for kids. Each child has a BINGO card filled with plants, flowers, and animals we typically see in our neighborhood. The game is a great way to keep the kids moving along our sidewalks with little to no complaining, and a goal to reach. They get pretty excited when they hit a BINGO, and I get excited that we’ve clocked more hours outside.

    Above is a blank Bingo printable you can print off and fill in as you go.

    Outdoor activities for city kids when socially distancing

    6. DIY sidewalk chalk paint

    You’ve probably seen this fun and easy craft idea, but it’s worth repeating because the kids love it. I’m not sure what they enjoy more, the making of the paint, or the actual painting. Either way, it keeps them busy, entertained, and outside.

    Here’s what you’ll need to make your own sidewalk chalk paint:

    • 1 cup warm water
    • 1 cup corn starch
    • Food dye colors of your choice
    • Muffin tin
    • Mixing bowl
    • Whisk
    • Paintbrushes

    In your mixing bowl add the warm water and corn starch. Whisk until cornstarch is dissolved. Pour your mixture in equal parts into the muffin tin. Add food dyes. Let the kids grab a paintbrush and go to work!

    We are fortunate to have a patio, so the kids generally head out there to paint the pavers. But if we’re feeling extra adventurous we’ll paint the sidewalks around our front door.

    7. Obstacle courses

    We are lucky to have an alley that serves as our makeshift back yard. When the kids get tired of just riding up and down the alley on their bikes/scooters/etc. we’ll make an obstacle course. Getting the kids in on the creation of the course makes it that much more fun. Seeing their minds work to put together their course is just as much fun as watching them navigate the course. We use whatever we can find in our garage: jump ropes, plyo boxes, sidewalk chalk for the start and finish line, anything we can pull out!

    I know not everyone has an alley, but many obstacle courses can be created in parks that have large green space! Think cones and hula hoops! Again, please use discretion during this time when visiting your parks.

    outdoor activities when you don't have a backyard

    8. Slackline

    We may not have a yard or huge trees. However, we DO have a garage. That space has been maximized to the fullest. We purchased the kids a slackline and have it set up in the garage! We have it hung high, with different ropes and rings hanging from the line. The kids like to pretend they are Ninja Warriors, and monkey across it, aiming for the best time, or simply making it across without falling. If you don’t have a garage, check out parks with open spaces and large trees. It’s been a fun alternative to the monkey bars and traditional playground equipment we’re used to, but trying to avoid.

    outdoor activities to do while socially distancing

    9. Leaf confetti

    We mentioned making leaf confetti in our 100+ Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids,  but it is worth mentioning here, and applies any time of the year! And, this project has been our saving grace on those afternoons where we’re starting to get the wiggles and need an activity. This one engages our gross motor skills (walking around our neighborhood), fine motor skills (paper punching), and eye-hand coordination.

    As we walk around our neighborhood the kids collect leaves they deem worthy of paper punching. Once we’ve gathered a hefty amount, we head home and start punching away. The different shaped punchers give the confetti a little more of a whimsical feel, but any shape will do. After a large amount of confetti is made the most fun is tossing it in the air!

    Outdoor social distancing ideas for kids

    10. Puddle jumping

    More often than not, my kids are in school when it rains, so many puddle opportunities have slipped by us. However, during our time social distancing, we have had several days where it has rained. We could view this as doomy and gloomy. But, instead, we have taken advantage of all the puddles! All we need our rainboots and rain jackets, and we go. to. town. on every puddle we find. The kids always have so much fun splashing away, and this activity is perfect to get outside, as most people opt to stay indoors when it rains.

    During this incredibly crazy and uncertain time, one thing holds true. We all need to get outside for our health and sanity.

    If you live in an urban area, what are some of your favorite outdoor social distancing activities for kids?

    About the author

    I’m Desirée; wife to Scott, mom to Marcus and Julia. I’m the domestic engineer (that’s my fancy term for stay-at-home-mom) of the family. My husband, kids, and I love the outdoors. Our favorite ways to explore are hiking the coastal trails near us as well as combing the tide pools for aquatic treasures. To quench our thirst for wide-open spaces beyond the hustle and bustle of our urban jungle. We love to visit state and national parks, as well as conservation areas and nature preserves.

    You can find Desirée online in the following locations:
    Personal IG: @desireemacke
    Cookie Biz IG: @coolingrackconfections