sports

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, TEENS
Finding Balance Between Organized Sports and Free Play for Kids
- March 8, 2022
As our kids get older and start showing an interest in organized sports, many families struggle with finding balance. Organized sports have many positive attributes and benefits for kids. But, they are also a time commitment that can take away from time spent outdoors or with family. Today, Jen Barnes, South Carolina mom of three teenagers, is here with tips and advice for parents on how to find balance between organized sports and free play for kids.

The choice to play sports

For many of us parents, we are living in a world where most of life is filed into the either/or categories. It appears to be no different when looking for a balance between play and organized sports. You either choose for your kids to play organized sports, or you swing in the other direction and choose not to participate in structured youth sports at all.

Many parents seem to think the choice to play sports or not is a clear “either/or” decision. But, I genuinely believe this can be a “yes, and” discussion, instead. The decision to play sports doesn’t have to be all-consuming. You can have kids that play sports and still make time for free play. Your kids can participate in sports and still prioritize nature and outdoor family fun. A balanced approach between the two is the sweet spot, which is what this post is about helping you find.

The difference between play and sports

While it may seem obvious what the differences are, as parents, we can often confuse play and sports. Of course, there are overlaps among both, as well. For the purposes of this article, let me define play as unstructured play or free play, either as an individual or with a group. Sports will be defined as organized sports or competitive youth sports, either as an individual or with a group.

Is it just me or do we often take the negative perspective when weighing parenting decisions? I noticed my frequent language around competitive youth sports contrasted with child initiated play as “don’t”, “can’t”, or “won’t”. As in I don’t want to trap my kids into one sport. As in I can’t structure my life around a sports schedule, or I won’t let my kids learn skills organically.

Together, let’s take a look at the plethora of positives in both youth sports and free play to see if we can marry the two and create a balanced family life for us and our kids. And for those of you who are looking for more outside time for your kids, many sports practices and games take place outside!

Benefits of youth sports

The benefits of playing sports encompass both body and mind. As kids develop physically, emotionally, and mentally, structured youth sports teams can play a vital role and teach them many important skills and values. You will find benefits of individual sports and team sports as kids progress in their skills and level of competitive play. Local youth sports can start as early as age 3 which can give kids a taste with very little commitment necessary.

Health benefits of youth sports

Youth sports organizations were created as a way to invite lots of kids into programs that work on specific skills such as running, jumping, kicking, catching, throwing, and more. The health benefits of sports are rather obvious as kids exercise their muscular and skeletal systems, often while breathing fresh air and soaking up Vitamin D. Coordination and flexibility are enhanced while simultaneously staving off risks of obesity and cardiovascular concerns.

Emotional benefits of youth sports

The emotional benefits of sports can be found in confidence building, a reduction in stress, and leadership skills. As kids are taught how to apply skills in sports, their confidence grows in what their body is capable of. The mere physical exertion creates a way for the body to eliminate stress and improves mental health in kids. Learning to be a good sportsman and to lose well and face failure is also part of emotional development that every kid needs. These are benefits to playing sports that can be difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Social benefits of youth sports

Social benefits include blossoming friendships, and a sense of belonging. Both are crucial to child development. Each of my children have lifelong friends that began on a team or in a skills class/lesson. Kids learn to cooperate and communicate with one another while working together on a sports team. Remember that youth sports participation can be an incredible way for only children to get that extra bit of peer interaction.

Community benefits of youth sports

Local youth sports and summer youth sports are also an incredible way to bring in kids from the community that may not have other opportunities to be active or get outdoors time. Coaching youth sports is also a way for parents to snag extra time with their kids if they are working full time. There are also opportunities for mentoring in youth sports, which bring the community together and provide support to families in need. My kids have gotten to play on teams with kids they never would have met otherwise. It opens up their worlds. There are organizations working hard to create positive community involvement in youth sports.

Benefits of sports in school

Another major benefits of organized sports is the opportunity for kids to represent their school. Whether an athlete is competing as an individual or on a team, there is something special about school sports. Yes, the practice and game schedules can be hectic, but the bonding among student athletes is incredible. Kids will face all kinds of developmental markers like uneven play time, inter-squad competition, and learning from different coaches in new ways. All things, if approached with a positive mindset, that will help shape kids and get them ready to leave the nest in the future. And it helps instill pride for your community and school in your childen.

Benefits of free play for kids

There are numerous developmental benefits of free play for children of all ages, and they begin at a very young age. Unlike sports, most free play starts very organically within the family structure. Parents of young children can visibly see the positive effects of free play starting in the toddler years. The effects last well into the teen years as every kid needs time to let their minds and bodies move and explore without instruction.

Physical benefits of play

Coordination and motor skills begin developing at an early age primarily through play. General movement, balance, and strength are all flourishing in the midst of free play. Most kids and parents don’t even realize they are teaching their bodies how to adapt to their play circumstances. Physical risky play is showing their bodies what they can and cannot handle as they fall down and learn how to get up and try again.

Cognitive benefits of free play

As kids play without the interference of instruction or guidance from adults, they are learning to problem solve and expanding their critical thinking skills. Natural creativity and imaginative play can flow without restriction in free play. This is where innovation can truly take shape, no matter the age. Content knowledge and memory are challenged as kids explore the outdoors world. Sensory play in the mud, water, and sand helps kids file away important information for future nature play encounters.

Emotional benefits of free play

Active free play gives kids the opportunity to express themselves without a coach or teacher telling them they are doing something right or wrong, allowing them to develop a sense of self. Self confidence builds as children experience open ended play where scores and points can be ignored or welcomed or made up! Free play also allows the release of emotions in a healthy way through running and jumping and wearing themselves out.

Finding a balance between play and organized sports

What I hope you will see is that many of the positives of structured youth sports and unstructured free play overlap and compliment one another. I can’t tell you exactly how to find a balance, but I can encourage you that a balance is achievable.

First, give those young kids all the free play time you can. Be with them outdoors and foster a love for moving their bodies and exploring the world around them while they are small. Nothing bad can come from that, I promise.

Second, let your children lead you into the organized sports world when they are ready and interested. If your daughter wants to try soccer, let her try. If your son has no interest in baseball, don’t force it. Focus on the importance of movement, not skill development. As your kids gets older and team sports become more demanding, continue to have reasonable conversations about your family’s values of time and money and how sports affects everyone. They may not like your parental decisions at this point, but they can reason and understand.

Third, a balanced family life is of the utmost importance and will look different for each family. We all have dynamics to contend with that others don’t. For example, we have three children in a 5 year span so we could not physically be in multiple places at once when they were young. That affected the decisions we made and the activities they could participate in. Finding balance in life requires boundaries and firm decisions that parents must take control to achieve.

Words of caution on burnout and injuries

A few things to keep your eye on as your kids progress and excel include injuries in youth sports and burnout in youth sports. It should come as no surprise that overuse of arms and legs can wreak havoc on kids bodies. Personally, we never allowed our oldest son to play any travel baseball because he is a pitcher. We didn’t want his arm giving out at a young age so we compromised and found team tournament play to be a good middle ground. Any child who begins a sport young and continues for years and years will face burnout at some point. Give them a break if needed. No sport needs to be a kid’s sole identity.

Another warning would be not to swing too strong in one direction or the other. A healthy balanced life should include some form of organized sports and free play, even if it’s not always. If your child tries youth sports and it doesn’t stick, don’t sweat it! We have close friends who have a child that never enjoyed organized sports, but took to rock climbing and kayaking early. Don’t get too caught up in one way is right and the other is wrong. The point of sports and play is for active enjoyment in life.

Big kids still need free play

As kids get older, it’s seems like a natural progression for them to move from free play to more structured play with rules and parameters. It’s natural and happen. But, I have also found that big kids still need space in their lives for free play. You don’t outgrow play. At times, organized sports, especially school sports, can feel like an obligation or a chore for a child. Make sure to create time for free play for your teens and tweens because their bodies and brains need that release without the responsibility.

How are you creating a balance between play and organized sports?

Additional resources:
- Tips for Spending More Time Outside with Kids
- Free Play in Spring with Kite Flying
About the author

Jen has been married to her original adventure partner, John, for 20 years. She is a mama to 3 teenagers who, although they have busy and independent lives, love to adventure in the outdoors when they can. Jen is a native of Chicago, but has lived in South Carolina for two decades and calls it home. She’s always planning the next adventure for herself or her friends, whether near or far. Hiking, kayaking, sailing with her family, or traveling the world is all about the experience and the journey. Her extroverted nature keeps her talking and smiling with anyone she meets along the way. She’s on a mission to show other busy families that traveling with teenagers is possible and fun!

You can find Jen online in the following locations:
Instagram: @gofamilyadventure
Website: Go Family Adventure
RWMC Posts: Jen Barnes
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER
30+ Fun Trampoline Games and Activities for Kids
- July 16, 2021
Finding ways to keep children occupied during the long days of summer can be a challenge! There is so much daylight and only so many activities you can come up with when your children need some outdoor play encouragement. But, if you have a trampoline (or know someone who does) your options for outdoor family fun are almost endless! Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of 2 (almost 3) recently discovered the endless joys of trampoline play and shares 30+ trampoline games and activities kids (and adults) will love to play!

Trampoline newbies

Our family got our first trampoline this summer. I was a little nervous about it but I soon realized there is SO much fun be had and so many new trampoline games to play. My boys have already spent many hours on the trampoline this summer. Now that we have it I can’t imagine our yard or a summer evening without it. The trampolines of today, with their padded spring covers and fall-proof nets, are so much safer than the trampolines I grew up on. It’s a lot more fun for us parents knowing the kiddos are safe.

Trampoline safety tips

Even though trampolines are designed to be safer than they used to be doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t take some precautions. Here are a few trampoline safety tips for kids. Go over these rules with your little ones before they play and remind them of the importance of being safe on the trampoline.
- Adult supervision on a trampoline is always required.
- Always use a safety net around your trampoline.
- No gymnastic exercises or stunts, such as somersaults or flips.
- Never allow children to bounce off the trampoline.
- To prevent young children from getting on without supervision, do not leave a ladder or chair near the trampoline.
- Make sure your trampoline is on a clear, flat area free from potential hazards, such as fences, hedges, trees, washing lines or other equipment.
- Always carefully review the safety materials included with your trampoline.
Benefits of trampoline play

Jumping and playing on the trampoline have so many physical benefits and healthy benefits for kids.
- Jumping up and down and running around with the resistance of the mat and springs is great exercise and helps to increase circulation and cardiovascular health by increasing the heart rate.
- The uneven and constantly moving surface of the mat helps to increase balance and coordination and improve core strength.
- Little bones are built under the pressure of and stress of contracting muscles. With all the jumping and balancing needed to play on the trampoline, it is great for helping bones grow and increasing bone density.
- The most important physical and mental benefit is all the fun and laughs to be had!!
Photo credit @heather_lee_wilson

Trampoline fun

While my boys are perfectly content just jumping and chasing each other for hours on the trampoline, it is also fun to see their imagination and creativity when it comes to playing trampoline games and making up new challenges. The best part of watching them is seeing their imagination come to life when they create new games or new ways to play classic games. Today, I’m sharing a few of our family’s favorite games on the trampoline. Some of these are classic games and some are new to us.

The fun doesn’t stop on the trampoline, nor does it have to be just for kids. There are a lot of fun games that kids can plan and the parents can join in on from outside the trampoline. Or, if you really want to make your kids’ day, get on there and play with them! I hope you and the whole family have fun enjoying all these trampoline games and activities.

Trampoline ball games

1. Monkey in the middle

2+ players on the edges of the trampoline throw a ball over the “monkey” in the middle of the trampoline while the “monkey” tries to jump and catch the ball in the air. If the “monkey” catches the ball, whoever threw it becomes the new “monkey.”

2. Lava balls

Get as many balls as you can, all different sizes, and put them on the trampoline. The kids will run around trying to avoid the balls touching them. If a ball touches you, you have to get off the trampoline until only one player is left. This also works with a bunch of water balloons! I’ve also heard this trampoline game called “poison ball.” My kids think this is one of the best trampoline games there is!

3. Bombs away!

2+ players on the trampoline and one player outside the trampoline enclosure. The player on the outside will have some soft balls and yell “bombs away” while throwing the “bombs” inside the net and trying to hit those on the trampoline surface. If you get hit, you’re out! This is also called “cherry bomb” when the ball is thrown by one of the players on the trampoline, as opposed to one of the outside players.

4. Mid-air catch

A player on the outside of the trampoline throws a tennis ball to the first player in the center of the trampoline. The catcher jumps on the trampoline and tries to meet and catch the ball in mid-air. This is a great game to practice timing and coordination!

5. Dodge ball

Playing dodge ball on a trampoline is a fun way to spice up this classic game and is a great game for older kids. On the trampoline, it’s more fun with higher jumps! Use chalk or painters tape to mark off the centerline. Divide the players up into two teams and have them throw soft balls at the other team. If you get hit by a ball (below the neck), you’re out. But if you catch or dodge the ball, you stay in. First team to lose all their players loses.

6. Keepy-uppy

This is a simple game to see how long you can keep a soft ball up in the air while jumping on a trampoline. Mix it up and try to keep the ball in the air with your feet, head or elbows. You could also use a pool noodle to keep the ball in flight. Balloons and beach balls make good balls to use for this game.

7. Hot potato

One person stands on the outside of the trampoline and either sings a song or counts out-loud while the jumpers bounce around the trampoline passing a ball back and forth, from one person to the next person, in a circle. When the person on the ground stops singing or counting, the last person to touch the hot potato is out. This can be played with anything – a water balloon, ball, bean bags or even a stuffed animal!

Water games on the trampoline

8. Water balloon dodge

Fill up a bunch of water balloons and load them up on the trampoline. The name of the game is for the players to bounce them and start throwing! It’s so much fun to dodge the balloons when you can jump high, or throw them mid-jump.

9. Sprinkler jump

Running through the sprinkler during a hot summer day is a must, but putting that sprinkler underneath the trampoline just makes things that much more fun! Check out your local sports store or online for sprinklers made specifically for the trampoline.

Image credit: @jentheis

Balance games on the trampoline

10. Single leg stand

How long can you stand on one leg? It seems like an easy game, but on a trampoline, it’s much harder to stand on one leg. Get a timer and each take turns. To take this game up a notch, have others bounce around the stander to see how long they can last.

11. Bird dog

Bird dog is a yoga pose where you are on your hands and knees you lift one arm and try to lift the opposite leg without falling. On the trampoline, this is even more challenging, but it makes for some good laughs when you fall over. This is also a great core workout!

12. Twister

Grab some sidewalk chalk, painters tape or go ahead and pull out that twister mat and tape it onto the trampoline and spin the wheel! Twister is hard on steady ground, but it’s extra hard on the trampoline. It becomes exponentially harder when everyone’s laughs are rocking the trampoline mat.

Single-player trampoline games

13. Bubble pop

Have your child blow bubbles, or a parent can blow bubbles from outside of the trampoline, then the child’s goal is to pop all of the bubbles before they get away!

14. Hopscotch

Using sidewalk chalk or painter’s tape, make the classic hopscotch on the trampoline. Then your child can enjoy the game on a much more bouncier surface.

Photo credit @their_wild_little_lives

Multiplayer challenges for the trampoline

15. Telephone

This classic game starts with the first person jumping and doing a pose and then the next child does the first pose and adds their own after it. The next player does the first two poses then adds on again. The game goes on and on until you can’t remember all of the poses.

16. Crack the egg

This classic trampoline game is one of the most popular games for kids of all ages. It begins with one child sitting on the trampoline, bringing their knees to their chest, and then wrapping their arms around their legs. This child is the “egg.” The egg tries to hold their arms and legs together tightly while the other kids jump around them trying to break their arms free. Whoever can hold their egg pose the longest without cracking wins.

17. Marco polo

This game is not just for the pool, it’s just as much fun on the trampoline. One child closes their eyes and yells out “marco” while trying to find and tag the other players. The other players with their eyes open, yell “polo” while trying to avoid being tagged. If you need some fun games for the pool too we have you covered there too!

18. 4 corners

Using sidewalk chalk or painter’s tape, draw a big cross in the middle of the trampoline. The edges of the cross go from one side of the trampoline to the other. One player sits in the middle of the cross and counts to 10, while the other players pick a corner. When the sitting player gets done counting they will point to one corner making sure to keep their eyes closed. Everyone in that corner has to get off the trampoline, and the game continues until there’s only one person left.

19. Bum wars

Bum wars is one of those classic trampoline games I remember playing as a kid. As all the players bounce on the trampoline, one person calls out “1, 2, 3, 4. I declare a bum war!” and all the players must land in a seated position on their bum, immediately take one bounce and get right back to their feet. If anyone bounces on their feet or on their bottoms more than once, that person is out. As a variation, players can add additional moves like “1, 2, 3, 4. I declare a knee war,” upon which everyone lands on their knees before bouncing back to their feet.

20. Rock paper scissors

The classic game can also be played on the trampoline between 2 players. To play rock-paper-scissors, start with the players chanting “Rock, paper, scissors, shoot.”On “shoot,” each person jumps on the trampoline and lands in one of the positions: (1) curled up for a rock, (2) stretched out for paper, or (3) in a sitting position for scissors. Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock.

21. Sword fights

Cut a pool noodle into thirds and wrap one end with silver duct tape to make a light saber handle. Use your pool noodles to have an epic sword fight or light sable battle on the trampoline!

Dancing trampoline games

22. Dance battle

This game is great fun for your musical and dancy kids! Turn up some upbeat music and give each child 15 seconds to jump, dance, and flip to the beat of the music. The best dance wins!! Or have the kids come up with a dance or routine together and have them perform it for the rest of the family.

23. Strike a pose

Taking turns ask the kids to jump as high as they can to the beat of the song, and do a funny or cool pose while mid-air. There’s no end to the fun trampoline tricks your kids will come up with. There’s also usually no winner to this game. It can go on for a long time and it’s always funny to see what kids will come up with.

Photo credit @entophos

Sports on the trampoline

Playing classic sports like baseball and basketball on the trampoline not only makes them more fun, but it can help improve skills for when kids go back to playing those games in school, or competitively. Trying to pass a volleyball back and forth on uneven surfaces can help increase coordination. Trying to hit a baseball in the air can help improve timing and teach kids how to better keep their eye on the ball when playing on the real baseball diamond. Here are some fun ways to shake up these classic games, but can also really improve skills and boost confidence.

24. Volleyball

Pass a volleyball back-and-forth while on the trampoline. Toss the volleyball up and try to jump and spike it over the side of the trampoline net (if you have one). This would be a good game to play if you have some players who are not jumping (outside the net of the trampoline) and want to participate too.

25. Basketball

Set up a basketball hoop inside the trampoline net and practice jumping and shooting the ball into the hoop.

26. Baseball

Have a parent or another kid toss the ball from outside of the trampoline. Have a hitter on the trampoline jump and try to hit the ball mid-air over the trampoline net.

27. Football

Jump and catch, then jump and throw the football.

28. Soccer

Practice dribbling footwork around the edge of the trampoline. It’s a lot harder to control the soccer ball on such a bouncy surface, but practicing this way can really improve ball control once back on the field.

29. Karate/Taekwondo

Take all your punches and kicks to the next level with jumps before and after. Just make sure we’re doing air punches not punching each other!

Best trampoline games for little kids

30. Ring-around-the-rosy

This classic sing-along game is tons of fun on the trampoline, especially for younger children. All the little kids hold hands and spin in a circle singing the chant, “Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes, we all fall down.” Then, they all fall down and laugh hysterically.

31. Freeze bounce

Everyone bounces around the trampoline at the same time and then a designated referee will yell “freeze!!” Everyone has to stop bouncing and the last person to have their feet hit the trampoline or the last person to stop moving loses.

32. Simon says

One player (or a parent) play the role of “Simon” and issues orders to the rest of the players on the trampoline, prefaced with the words “Simon Says.” These can be things such as jump as high as you can, touch your toes, sit down, etc. Every now and then, Simon should give an order that doesn’t start with the magic words (“Simon Says”) to see if someone will perform. If they do, they’re out!

Get creative with your trampoline games

The most important thing when it comes to trampoline games is to have fun! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make up new games and new rules as you go. Children are often incredibly inventive, so make sure to play along to their games, even if the rules don’t make much sense. Trampolines are a great way to be physically active and to get outside this summer without going too far from home. We hope you and your kids enjoy these fun trampoline activities this summer.

If you take photos of your kids on the trampoline, tag us on Instagram! Use the hashtag #runwildmychild for a chance to be featured on our account.

What are your kids’ favorite trampoline games?

About the author

Meghan is a country living, mom of 2 boys in rural central Illinois (with a baby girl on the way). She is a Physical Therapist Assistant by trade but spends most of her time outside with her family. At home, she has large flower, herb, and vegetable gardens to tend to and 3 large dogs to play with. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and helping her in-laws show and raise livestock. Photography became a hobby while in isolation after her oldest son’s bone marrow transplant. It has since become a passion to capture her family’s daily life. Throughout her family’s journey with rare disease and transplant, the outdoors have been a safe space for the whole family to grow, learn, and thrive.

You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
Instagram: @meghangarriott
RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott
BEACH, BIKE, CAMP, FISH, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
9 Character-Building Outdoor Activities For Kids
- September 17, 2020
Technology is everywhere these days. Our children are growing up as digital natives in an era where screens are pervasive and they’re plugged-in to multiple devices throughout the day. It’s no wonder why kids today are so adept at technology. However, the last thing parents want is for their kids to be screen-addicted or penned inside. Now, more than ever, it is important for families to make spending time outdoors and off-screens a priority. There’s no better way for kids to build character, confidence, and improve their physical and mental health than being outside. Today, we have Creative Team member Michelle Garrett, California mom, and creator of Wonder Club Explorers here sharing nine character-building outdoor activities to get your kids outside and having fun in the sun.

Overcoming the challenge of getting kids outside

2020 has been a hard year in so many ways. The challenge of spending time outdoors right now is compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, pervasive wildfires, diminished air quality, and more. With education shifting towards an online and virtual format, kids are spending their days inside and in front of a screen. Plenty of education and mental health professionals (and parents) are concerned about the long-term effects of remote learning environments. Now more than ever, it’s important to ensure that children have opportunities to spend time playing outside and in the fresh air.

Being cooped up and inside the house has the opposite effect of being outdoors. Between obesity and Vitamin D deficiency, not to mention higher stress levels, spending too much time indoors is detrimental to a child’s physical and mental well-being. If society’s goal is to raise healthy and happy kids, then it’s time to unplug, power down devices, and head outside. We owe it to our kids to give them the benefits of nature and outdoor play time.

Character-building benefits of being outdoors

So what’s a parent to do right now? In the era of virtual learning, the lure of electronics is strong. Screens provide kids constant new information, a changing view, and countless things to do. But guess what…so does being outside! As parents, it’s our job to take the lead and demonstrate that outdoor activity is a non-negotiable, essential activity.

Start small, but make outdoor time a priority. Don’t give up after a few minutes or the first time your child says they’re bored. Boredom means that they’re going to have to get creative! After a while, kids will begin to develop new habits, start thinking outside the box and reap all of the benefits that come from playing outside. Benefits include physical exercise, lower stress levels, better temperaments, better sleep habits and lower anxiety.

Playing outdoors also helps to build character. Certain intangible qualities can be fostered thru particular character-building outdoor activities. From confidence and resilience to respect and kindness towards others, these are things that children can develop by playing outside.

We are builders of our own characters. We have different positions, spheres, capacities, privileges, different work to do in the world, different temporal fabrics to raise; but we are all alike in this, — all are architects of fate.”
John Fothergill Waterhouse Ware

Exploring, bouldering & climbing trees

During a child’s formative years, they learn about their relationship to their physical environment. They learn about their limits and how to push past them. Kids learn how to take risks, problem-solve, compromise and overcome obstacles. Character-building outdoor activities such as exploring, bouldering, and climbing trees are a few easy ways to get children moving and taking healthy risks. Other than a good pair of shoes, water, and sun protection, these activities do not require much equipment and don’t need a lot of planning. They just need a parent willing to get them outside and let them play!

When kids explore, they are fueling their curiosity about new places and things. Exploring allows kids the opportunity to build confidence and courage as they work through frustrations and challenges. Figuring things out builds problem-solving skills and promotes independence. This teaches kids that they can tackle bigger challenges the next time they encounter them.

Hiking, backpacking & fishing

Fostering a love and appreciation for nature is just one of the benefits of being outside. Hiking, backpacking, and fishing are three activities that require minimal equipment and can lead to lifelong loves of these activities and the outdoors. Each activity helps to teach survival skills. They also bring real-life science and ecology lessons to life so kids can learn about ecosystems and where their food comes from. They turn kids into tiny naturalists that instinctively want to protect their planet and the nature around them.

But beyond these practical skills, activities like hiking, backpacking, and fishing are character-building outdoor activities as well. Through these activities, kids learn patience, perseverance, diligence, and resilience. To land a fish, kids have to wait and be patient until they get a bite. To go the distance on a trail, kids have to put in the effort step-by-step and be tenacious. With each activity, there are sure to be challenges; overcoming adversity and doing hard things helps to develop resilience and grit.

Youth sports, water sports & bike riding

There are plenty of benefits of playing sports that are reason enough to encourage kids to run, jump, and play outside. Physical benefits include reducing the risk of obesity, increased cardiovascular fitness, and the healthy development of bones and muscles. But outdoor activities like youth sports, water sports, and riding a bike have character-building benefits as well.

Kids who are drawn to the camaraderie or competition of sports will cultivate certain character-building traits. When children participate in sports they learn social skills like sharing, respect for others, communication, teamwork, and self-advocacy. Youth sports expose children to situations that help foster these important social skills.

While swimming is regarded as a life skill, it has character-building benefits, too. The adage sink or swim helps to illustrate that a person must succeed by their efforts or fail. Waterborne kids learn to be attentive and hardworking if they want to stay afloat, both in the water and in life.

Cycling is another great character-building outdoor activity for kids to engage in to reap all of the physical, mental and emotional benefits of being outdoors. Developing proficiency in bike riding is not only a rite of passage but a way for kids to be independent. For kids to take their two-wheel adventures away from home, they have to prove their trustworthiness and demonstrate responsibility. They also learn skills such as navigation, awareness, and observation.

Programs that encourage outdoor time

It’s never too early to encourage children to reap the character-building benefits of being outdoors. If you’re looking for a program that encourages outdoor adventures and character-building activities, check out Wonder Club Explorers. I created Wonder Club Explores a few years ago to encourage my child to explore outdoors. It’s an independent scouting program for young children where they earn merit patches by completing nature-inspired activities. We’ve found that kids are delighted to get outdoors and love the bonus of earning a patch that they can proudly display. Parents love that we help facilitate activities and give them a reason to get outside and play.

Older kids looking to socially distance and be physical at the same time might consider forming an outdoor physical education pod to stay active once “virtual school” lets out. Outdoor playdates and scheduled activities give parents some help and accountability in prioritizing outdoor time for their kids. Find a few families with children your kids’ ages and schedule a meet-up! Make it a weekly (daily?) thing and watch as your kids gain independence and confidence week after week by playing outside.

Build character through outdoor activities

There are any number of ways to encourage the fun of outdoors without making it seem like it’s a chore or something kids ought to do. Whether you’re doing any of the character-building outdoor activities mentioned above or simply letting your kid run around outside and be free, the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of outdoor activity are clear. They far outweigh any obstacles, difficulties and drawbacks, especially when outside play is approached with the happiness and spirit that comes with being a kid. Now more than ever, we hope you’ll find ways to encourage your kids to get outside and play.

About the author

Michelle spends her days working on projects to improve the quality of life for the citizens of her community and her nights reading books to her 6 year-old about every kind of dinosaur there ever was (there are 900 validated species, in case you’re wondering). Together with her son, Michelle created Wonder Club Explorers, a company to inspire wonder and curiosity in kids. She carves out time for herself on the weekends as an early morning exerciser and metalsmith of fine jewelry. She resides in Altadena with her husband and son amongst California Oak trees and a stone’s throw of the San Gabriel Mountains.

You can find Michelle online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wonderclubexplorers
Website: http://www.wonderclubexplorers.co