How to get kids to PLAY OUTSIDE + Best Outdoor Toys (Simplify Toys Series Ep. 8)
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- Опубліковано 23 вер 2024
- How do I get my kids to play outside longer??? This is a VERY common question these days! Here are 5 toys that keep kids playing outside longer, along with a few surprising benefits of kids playing outside.
(Oh! and one other thing: Just because our family are minimalists, we are NOT anti-toys! We just don't like to keep toys that don't get played with or that are a PAIN to us as parents!)
🚂🐻🏓 SIMPLIFYING KIDS TOYS SERIES:
1. The trick to Organize ALL of your kids Toys in 20 Minutes!:
• Trick to Organize Kids...
2. Should we include our kids when organizing toys?:
• Should kids help when ...
3. Top 3 Ways to get your kids excited about giving away toys they've outgrown or no longer play with | • 3 Ways to get Kids EXC...
4. Ditching Buyer's Remorse relating to TOYS | • How to DITCH Buyer's R...
5. How many Children's Books should we have? | • How Many Children's Bo...
6. How to get your Friends & Family to GIVE LESS TOYS |
• How to get Family to g...
6 1/2. Mom, STOP guilting me about getting rid of toys! |
• Mom, STOP guilting me ...
7. Why its safe to get rid of BIG toys | • Its ok! DUMP all of th...
8. Outdoor Toys that keep kids playing LONGER | • How to get kids to PLA...
9. Organizing Kids Craft & Art Supplies | • Organizing & Declutter...
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...and on my blog: www.TheMinimalM...
R E L A T E D P O S T S:
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Baby Keepsakes- What we keep & how: www.theminimalm...
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Organize Kids Toys
Another thing that has always helped my kids to want to stay outside is when I go out with them. I go out and do some gardening or just tidying up the patio or something and they always want to be out when I'm out then, usually by the time I'm ready to go in, they've gotten interested in something so they'll stay out even longer. and honestly, I need the outside time too. I always feel so good after I've spent time outside.
A few years back, after we started having kids, my parents turned their home into a duplex and gave me and my husband and kids the big side, and moved themselves into the small side, then they had a house built in our backyard for my sister and her husband and kids. We are a very close family and it has been amazing! My sister and I each have 3 kids almost the same ages and they love being able to go outside and play together every day! Anyway, to get to the point, when they were digging the foundation for my sister's house we ended up with this huge pile of dirt in our yard that the kids all really loved to play with. We ended up having to use the dirt for other things, but the kids remembered having so much fun on it that they got together and asked if they could have a "dirt mountain" as a combined birthday present for all of them. We ended up all going in together to have some dirt trucked in and dumped in a huge pile in our yard. It has been such a huge hit with them all for about 4 years now. They still play on there all the time with dump trucks and diggers and all kinds of things. It has been so fun for them that I just thought I'd throw it out here as a suggestion for backyard fun.
We use spray bottles instead of waterguns. Cheap, durable and contains more water.
That's a GREAT idea!!!
We do too! Keeps them busy for a LONG time!
Great idea! I need to get water bottles for my 5 kids this summer!
I love this idea!!
Same here. On rainy days I open the backdoor and let them squirt the "aliens" from their spaceship with their spray bottles. Even though they're still inside, they still get fresh air and they use their imagination
A picnic table! I find that going outside with some inside things on the table helps! Water paint, coloring, little figurine toys! This helps when they aren’t in the mood to run around etc.
As a grandmother, it's so tempting to spoil my grandson, even though I didn't spoil my own children. Thank you for reminding me about what is important. He will have just as much fun with less stuff and more experiences. Love your videos!
We have a small yard and needed a multipurpose toy. We got a metal climbing dome. It's a jungle gym, you can cover it and it'll become a fort, we hang a hammock and swing in it. It's truly multipurpose and takes up a minimal footprint. :)
Love this idea!
I gave my son an old plastic water jug, with the top cut off, to use as a critter habitat. He has the best time finding various creatures to temporarily keep. So far he's caught a salamander, couple of frogs, a gorgeous turquoise garter snake, and currently it is housing a few species of spiders. He is an only child and just loves to be out in nature~!
We set up two hammocks in the yard, and my kids love them. Sometimes they'll just sit together and talk (scheme?) on them, and they also use them as swings. :)
Hahaha, scheme? Exactly!!! I think I would love a hammock in the yard, too! This is a GREAT idea :)
Megan yes they make for a great "extra swing" we only have 2 swings on our swingset, which hey, it reaches them to share! and I love how you said "scheme" my oldest is always planning SOMETHING
Also, the.portable hammock are the best because they help turn the outdoor space on vacation into a place where the kids want to be
I've seen the portable hammocks online and thought how nice that would be!!!
Yes! Our hammock is popular with kids AND adults.
When I was a child, we had so much fun in a big pile of dirt in a field behind our house. We would dig out little shelves, and collect "food" from the field - buttercups for butter, and little "tomatoes". From the creek, we would spear floating leaves, pretend they were fish, dip them in sand and "fry" them! So much fun!
I am an older mother of 10. My youngest child is 14 now, and I think your advice is great. i used to notice that my children would fight a lot more in the house. In fact, I used to tell the fighting pair to go outside, one out the front door and one out the back and I would tell them to stay away from each other. In literally a minute they would be playing together again and getting along fine.
Loved this! I was so encouraged! In fact...we (me and my 4 kids--including my newborn!!) have been outside for over an hour! We had a picnic and now they are just exploring and playing!! ☺️My 3-year-Old said “Thanks, Mom, for this picnic!! BEST DAY EVER!!” ☺️💕
I just had a baby 7 weeks ago and I’ve struggled with juggling it all (cleaning, meals, school, etc) and finding time to just PLAY with the kids. I met you on Sunday and was inspired to clear out some more clutter! Took 8 trash bags of stuff to the Goodwill on Tuesday. Spent Wednesday cleaning. Thursday running errands. And I’ve set aside today and Saturday to PLAY!!! It’s amazing!! And so feel like I can enjoy this because there is so much less JUNK taking over our house (with 8 trash bags of toys and clothes GONE!!)
One of the greatest takeaways that I had after meeting you in Nashville was “your kids just want to play with YOU!!” They don’t want more toys and more gadgets. They want me! So I’m making it a priority to be with them! (And messaging you my success while nursing the baby outside!!)! I just appreciate you so much! 💕 Blessings, Dawn!
Even though it was raining I stopped this video like 2 minutes in and sent my 6 &4 yr olds outside with an umbrella. They had a great time and even planted sunflower seeds!
YAY! LOVE this and know that it will inspire other moms, thanks for sharing!! :)
Erin Thorpe we took our dress-ups out in the rain as long as there was no lightening.
My kids have spent a whole summer playing on a hammock, swinging like a trapeze artist I can't believe they could think of so many things to do with it. Also a tent, they basically moved out and came back inside for supplies. Love this video x
This is awesome and I know it will inspire other moms, too! THanks for sharing!!!
Your videos are fantastic! You are honest, relatable and make sooooo much sense! Inspiring. Thank you 😊
Wow, thank you, that really means alot!!! :) :) :)
We have a sand table and we love it - one tip that I would give for the sand is to be sure to cover it when it's not in use. This helps prevent too many leaves getting in it and stray cats doing their business in it.
Emily Weir I have concerns about ants, because we struggle with them in our yard already.
I like to limit electronics to certain times of summer day. Maybe kids can have electronics from 1-3 when it's super hot outside. Then they have more incentive to go outside. It's also nice to make a shady area with a tent or umbrella if you don't have shade trees. Finally, kids need a place to hangout whether it's a swing set or a blanket on the grass. That way when they're tired of tag or whatever games they play, they have a place to relax and talk outside. A basketball hoop has been great to have. We've gotten years of use out of it but not everyone likes basketball. My youngest has a shovel and hoe just his size. That seems to keep him occupied the longest. He has a designated area where he can dig and not mess up the rest of the yard.
I have 5 grandchildren and many nephews and nieces (ages 12 - newborn). There are always loads of kids around. My motto during their visits is "Keep the kids entertained, and the adults will have a great time!" My husband and I just built a barn that has turned into our family gathering place. Not everyone can do this, so my suggestion is to come up with some kind of structure to serve as a gathering place for the children. They can store their toys, maybe park their bikes, and have a "place" all their own. The structure could be a small table and umbrella, or an old sheet tied between some trees. Point is it doesn't have to be fancy or expensive.
We live in Florida so summers are really hot and NONE of us want to be out in the direct sun. So I make sure the kids have plenty of drinks, even pack a cooler or use insulated mugs for them to reduce the in-and-out-of-the-house traffic. I use freezer packs in the cooler instead of ice cubes.
I provide scooters, a tricycle, wooden blocks, a set of plastic solo cups (which they stack and knock down like Nerf gun targets), a multi-person web swing, and lots of open space to run. My preteens like to take a portable radio outside with them. The kids usually bring some of their own toys too. Especially things that need more yard space which they don't always have at home.
Might consider a trampoline, kind of a joint Christmas gift for kids that have SO MANY toys in their rooms!
These are great ideas!!!
I love your channel, definitely agree with kids being outside , only thing I will say is that having an only child (not by choice by the way) change this dynamic especially if there not much kids to play with in the neighborhood, how can I keep my daughter engage outside that long being an only child, wish there more minimalist channel cater to only child too mother perspective , not just mother with multiple of kids. I do end up being my daughter playmate most of time. I know we love riding bike and jumping on trampoline together. Thank god she has her cousin that come over a lot.
Yeah. Sending your only child out side alone is not the Same as having siblings. :( I know..
Glad she has cousin.
Yes, it's definitely not as fun as with kids, and I know what you mean about being the playmate!
Our son was an only child for 5 and a half years before we had our daughter, and although it was very hard for him at times, he learnt to be very creative and make things fun for himself.
He learnt to play with anything on hand, and invented an army of imaginary friends (literally 😆 he loves playing army games) to keep him company.
He talks about them much less now that he's started school and his little sister was born 7 weeks ago.
If I could do my time again, I'd definitely plan things differently and have my kids closer together. However, he did survive, and he's awesome at playing by himself, which is a very useful life skill 🙂
Currently I’m a grandmother to 4 who live a block away. Our neighborhood is new so no trees, my yard is small but all plantings are in. Currently I have a storage bin with the plastic toy dishes as well as some balls. I learned to store those dishes away until summer so they didn’t get water all over my house during the “indoor” play! Summer patio time is better suited for tea parties. What I enjoyed as a child was “his” and “hers” sandboxes. Hours of play there for 8 years. Of course we made mud pies and “food” from grass and tree beans like your kids do. Later our favorite was a jungle gym for climbing and tent making. Can’t beat the classics. I did hear what may work for me to made a sand pile on the patio.....add sand in the floor of a small dome tent. It would give Shade and a way to contain the sand (somewhat) and zip up to keep out debris and critters.
I am a grandmother. I love when the grandchildren come over for a visit. I have an above ground pool, a trampoline, a sandbox, a swing set, a slider swing, swings from the trees, a Thomas the Train riding toy, bikes (we live on 20 acres) , basketball net and a climbing rope course. They can be very busy if they like. They also like to spend time on the deck drawing or reading. We go on hikes at times since there are many hiking trails in the area. We also have a small pool and a sprinkler. Love the outdoors.
My daughter got a super fun science set with beakers and measuring scoops and funnels, etc. For her birthday. I had idyllic visions of us working through experiments in a clean (haha) kitchen, but it NEVER happened. One day she convinced me to let her take it outside, and it was magical. Her and her siblings (2,6,7) spent the whole quarantined summer being scientists on our back porch. They ransack our recycling for empty jars to put their potions and carry them around in an old pet carrier! It's fantastic.
Loving these videos!! Hello from Ireland. Someone in a practical minimalist group recommended your channel today and I've watched 8 videos of yours so far lol! Myself and my boys did a massive purge of toys this morning and they were so positive about it. They played all day with about 3 small toys!! And no fighting 🙌 thank you for sharing all of your tips
I didnt know about the 3 hrs a day outside! That's so great to know! No time for TV this summer! We need a swingset!
Love this video! I had no idea! Thank you for sharing so much great information! I’m loving your channel. Would love to see this same video for winter.
Thank you and yes, that is a great idea to do a winter edition, adding it to my list!! Thank you!! :) :) :)
@@TheMinimalMom Have you already done a winter edition? I love the summer version and am excited for your winter ideas! 💕
YES! Please do a winter edition. When you said that 3 hours of outdoor play is recommended? I ask myself, how can I reach anywhere close to this on a daily basis when its below freezing and snow on the ground for the next 5 months? :(
Thanks SO MUCH for your videos! I LOVE how specific and applicable they are as opposed to general minimalist theory.
Yes, would love to see a winter edition!
😂😂😂😂The thermostat trick is hilarious! My hubby would be super grateful if I did that bcs we would save $$$ on AC! You are motivating me to be more brave about this. Thank you!
Betsy Olsson-Mackowski we keep our temp in the house 85 it still circulates air and so it doesn’t feel as hot as it sounds! And it’s not a shock for me or the kids with going out side and coming back in and for my husband from working in a 100 degree shop can’t have it really cold because going from one extreme temp to another is hard on the body
I definitely think the issue is more with me! Lol I love being outside during the fall, winter, and spring but it’s actually summer that I loathe...the bugs, snakes, and HEAT! I just want to hibernate til fall! 🤪
Haha, I totally get that!!! I hate when I walk outside for five minutes and get all sweaty, and then I think, don't complain, winter will be here before you know it! ;)
Same!!!!
Spring & fall are the best!
I've considered sandboxes, but then I'm always stressing about the sand staying in the box. So now I'm all for dumping the sand in a big pile somewhere in the yard. There's a "nature park" nearby that totally did that and the kids love it! A pile of sand, a pile of wood chips, a pile of dirt, a pile of gravel. Best play spot ever.
LOVE this! SO easy!!!
When I was 5 yrs old (in 1987-1988) my nursery school had mulch delivered to the school to be layed down around the play ground but it took for ever for the landscapers to finish the job. So there was this pile of mulch just sitting there. It matter how many times our kindergarten teachers would yelled at us to stop climbing on top of the malch pile and playing with it. That didn't stop us.
I love that - 'Creativity Lies Just Beyond Boredom'
I pitch my son (8) a little open tent in the yard, the kind people use on beaches to protect against the wind. He loves hanging out there on blankets with his friends, reading, playing. I may also pitch our real small camping tent next summer and leave it out in the yard for the kids to enjoy.
My husband made a new sandbox last year. Our kids play with it but they really love to play in a graveld area which we originally were planning to use as a grill-spot. So there is a fire bowl all year round. It fills with rainwater, with ice in winter, and they love to „cook“ in this bowl. So, you may not even have to build a sandbox, just a pile of gravel or sand or something will do. What we are also doing is not cleaning up everything, so there are some branches laying around, stones in different sizes and so on. They build houses for snails. We also try to do garden work, so if we cut bushes its their job to carry the cut parts away. They have little carts and they love to load an unload them.
Completely agree with everything in this video. Summers are a flop on the years we haven't had a pop-up pool for them to play in. We're in Texas heat, so 100+ degree summers and it's dangerous to be outside in that heat if you don't have a way to cool off. But on years that we've put a big enough pool to accommodate our 4 kiddos, I can barely get them to come in. The problem is we need places to hang wet towels and suits so the house isn't strewn with clothes all summer. If we have a pool, they don't even necessarily spend all the time in the pool, but they're in and out and will refill squirties, and come up with other random games. We also have an in-ground trampoline which is a great investment too. Having shrubs, trees, hills, or play structures (but I agree the traditional playset isn't what it's cracked up to be) is good too because the kids want to play hide and seek or nerf wars where having a dynamic playfield keeps it from being boring. We have used plastic laundry hampers to store toys that work reasonably well, but they need to have access to some covered space so that it's EASY for them to pickup and protect their toys from the elements. But know that anything that goes out may well end up destroyed or sunbaked....just be okay with that. We must be doing something right because my kids' aunts and uncles talk about how our kids play in their yards, endlessly entertained, while their own kids hardly go outside. My oldest is almost 14 so I reject the notion that kids outgrow wanting to be outside. I think one point you're missing here is that limiting screen time fosters imagination and a thirst for the outdoors. I believe (and would wager a bet that studies show) that screens are the number one reason kids' love of playing outside diminishes.
My 2.5 year old loves his cups and water buckets, "washing" his toy cars, etc. It can keep him entertained for hours!
Start early! I've taken my son outside (starting with just walks in the stroller/carrier) ever since he was tiny. He's 14 months now and cries when we have to come in. He LOVES outside. We have a tiny yard, but he has a swing and a big stump that he loves to sit and play on. He just needs a wooden spoon and a pinecone and he's good to go!
I just discovered your channel and I am loving it! I love that you list your upcoming videos! It gives me something to look forward to and gives me time to think about certain subjects before watching. Thanks for the great videos!
Oh good, I'm glad that is helpful and THANK YOU for the kind words-- ALWAYS appreciated!!! :) :) :)
Pots and pans are a big win, we live on an old property and they find them in the woods and make all kinds of things with them, bird feeders, play food, “chicken soup” which is a mix of worms and weeds they then feed to our chickens, they collect pine cones in them, or moss, or acorns. Really outdoor play is fantastic. Really, my own incentive to get my own indoor work done is so I can go outside too! Which is my number one tip, go outside and play with them :) take walks, open your eyes, you’ll be amazed at the little things you start to notice around you.
This is so true. I'm really happy when I hear my kid saying, 'im bored', cos it's just the prologue to some cute creative game she makes up.
Our first successful outddor buy for our new yard was a hammock!!
My husband made an area flat for a play set... He put tiny rocks for in the 'pit' surrounded by big boards and still no playset set up but they sure play w/those rocks w/trucks and sand toys!
When we moved from our townhouse they just wanted to keep playing on concrete. Our front yard faces a busy street so I'd rather they be out back if less supervised... It was a struggle but finally this year our 2-11 years Olds will be outside for HOURS!
I love how you categorize toys as "something that __________" instead of listing a specific toy. My one year old loves playing with the outside shower, her swing, and our market wagon. The pots/pans and the sandbox are things I'll definitely consider!
I was born in 1982. I grew up in the 80's and 90's. I don't have kids of my own but looking back at my early childhood we had most of these things mentioned in this video to play out side with. I think if you want your kids to play outside. You have to start young. I know it can be scary letting your toddler play outside when there are cars driving through the neighborhood. But you would keep your toddler under complete supervision anyways, right? RIGHT! Looking back at baby pictures of me in the 80's, my parents did a lot with me outside. I've got baby pictures of me as a infant/toddler with my parents playing in a baby waiting pool in the back yard. I got cute pictures of our neighbors' daughter (who was about 6 years old or so) on two different occasions, riding her tricycle with me on her lap down the sidewalk and I was only one and two years old at the time. As me and my brother got a little older my Dad baught us a metal swing set. He baught me and my brother the big wheel tricycle bikes that were popular in the 70's and 80's for little kids. My Dad built me and my brother a sand box with a wooden frame for us to play in. We used to run around the perimeter of our house chasing the neighborhood kids around the front and back yards. We would play hide and seek outside in our yard. I was a really observant little kid. I loved exploring the back yard and plucking a blade of grass and holding it up really close to my eyes and observing its riggid lines in the blade of grass. My Mom would watch me looking at a blade of grass for like two whole minutes and wonder what on earth was so interesting to me about a blade of grass. My mom would call me her nature girl. I mean these are the things kids SHOULD be doing. Play and exploring comes naturally to kids. Its how we learn about our world around us.
Wonderful reminder! Grandma of 8 here. Just moved to a 1/2 acre property last year and my grandchildren all want to run wild outside when they visit, even though the property is undergoing major clean up. There are no toys or play structures but they still spend hours outside just playing in the dirt, in the water, running, screaming, and laughing. Being a city kid myself, I have forgotten how much joy being outside brings to our spirit. Its an even bigger blessing to experience it with the children in our lives.
Great video! Needs to go viral...too many kids on screens for hours. We have a pool...best thing for older kids
Thank you Lisa! And I'm glad to hear your big kids love the pool, too!
You make the most awesome content!! So spot on...thank u!! Good reminders...😉🎉🙏🎉
I agree all children are playing not enough outside! In autum when it is raining, and school all day, especialy!
Our toys:
Trampoline
Chalk
"Pedaling" anything
Soap bubbles, water sprays
Old pots
And ofc. the most important:
Grass, plants, flowers, stiks .... Bugs,cat,dogs... simple space and nature!!! Those are best toys!
And balls! How did I forgot!?!
YES! I love this! Honestly, we could probably get rid of even more as long as they get to keep the grass, plants, flowers, sticks .... Bugs,cat,dogs... simple space and nature!!! ;) I'm glad you shared this, I hope it encourages other moms, too! :)
Ha! Funny-I just realized that a few things I’ve decluttered could have been great outside! I’m a huge fan of outside, just didn’t think of it as I was getting extras out of the kitchen! 😂
I think being outside with your kids and showing them how to be outside is big, too. We are big gardeners and my daughter always plays outside or helps while we work in the garden or do yard work. She got children’s gardening tools for Christmas and asked for them on a cold day to go out and do some yard work to surprise her dad! Garden tools should definitely be on the list!!
I LOVE the kitchen idea! My daughter loves her kitchen but my husband can’t stand it. I upcycled it from an old TV stand and it happens to have an old spigot faucet on it. I can hook the hose right up to it so it will double as our water toy!! Thanks for the tip, Dawn!!
When my kids were little I would take them to Toys 'R Us several times to see which toys they kept going back to. And, like you, I found that bikes and trikes (along with balls) are the main attraction.
These are such great ideas. We just moved into a house with a nice backyard and I've been trying to think of things to get my son to stay engaged outside
We have all those things and mine play outside quite well. I do need to add some more sand to the sandbox and some more pots and pans though... I'm thinking about putting a "counter" on our swing set/fort after watching this!
We also have shovels and rakes, but that's obviously a temperament thing because you don't want anyone getting wacked with a rake.
I also need to put some sort of tub outside for them to dump the smaller toys into every evening so I don't mow over things!
I love the old pots and pan idea! I think I'll hit up my local thrift store to grab some cheapies.
Love love love love LOOOOVE THIS VIDEO SOOOOO MUCH!!!!! Thank you for the encouragement and I’m beyond with you on this girl! Awesome job!!!!
Awesome advice. Thanks for this. My son is only 2 but you can never get good parenting advice too early IMO!
Living in Phoenix where it is consistently over 110° daily during the summer, it is really hard for the kids in our neighborhood to play outside. From about October to May is when the neighborhood is flooded with kids playing outside. I wish we lived somewhere they could play outside during the summer. I have such great memories of spending summers outside as a kid.
YES, this would make it much more difficult! I often feel this way when it get really cold in the winter, no matter how you dress them, some days 20 minutes is all they can stand outside :(
It was a chance discovery coming across your channel. I really appreciate all the suggestions and information you have given.
That's awesome, thank YOU!!! :)
Growing up we played on a swing set SO much and we had a rope swing too. It was awesome. My kids have most of the things you mentioned (besides the swingset) plus a park behind our house. They spend at least 4 hours a day outside but what helps them stay outside most is other kids to play with. I only have two so maybe that’s the difference. Luckily we have two neighbor kids and the four (ages 4-9/10) play forever if we let them. They don’t even want to come in to eat.
A tent is good too!
Oh yeah, that's a great idea!
Nicole Millard I've done that a few times. But oldest basically turns it into a nest to haul stuff from inside - outside and then Noone wants to clean it up. Should I just set better bounderies
Haha, I could see our kids doing this! They sometimes bring pillows and blankets out to the trampoline to play house with, but yes, for us, everything has to be back inside before they go to bed!
@@seivardhouserules5782 yes i would make it be they have to put things back inside by bedtime or no tent the next day.
Wow, I need to change my mindset on outdoor play. My kids love to be outside I struggle with sending them out. Thank you for the eye opener!
Yeah glad to hear you are joining the outdoor play club! How has it been since you posted on here is there anything you are running into that you need more suggestions for? :)
Toys that kids actually play with:
1. Something to pedal
2. Cheap swing set
3. Sand box (old fashion wood box)
4. Something with water (pool, squirt guns)
5. Old pots and pans
6. Trampoline
Tips:
1. Set timelines
"Creativity lies just beyond the boredom..."
2. Offer rewards, make it fun.
3. Bump the thermostat
4. Gear up
Need at least 3 hours a day outside for all sorts of great benefits...
Our kids love playing with die cast tractors and bouncy balls.
We do a lot of the ideas you talked about...our 2 and 4 year olds love their Strider balance bikes. This year we completed an 1000 hours outside challenge (which ends up being 3 hours/day through the whole year). I found that starting out with a walk or something purposeful is a great way to get started. For us it's walking to the end of the driveway to get the mail (because we have a long driveway). Every time without fail, they see something that peaks their interest. Sometimes I will even set out a couple different toys out in the open and they will gravitate toward anything that is different. In nice weather I like to bring out something we'd normally do inside...you really can do most things outside that we do inside - drawing, painting, reading books, etc.
Thank you so much for this video. I took my son out of school to increase his expressive speech. After buying all these toy. I took on the challenge and omg. On the first day 6 hrs. Just running around n using all those toys. He is a only child and for the first time he wasn't running behind me each time I came inside. Thanks.
Bubbles...creating a tent with a bed sheet & some outdoor furniture with teddy bears and tea sets..
We live in a townhouse in CA with a yard the size of a postage stamp. The things that help my kids to play outside more are: squirt guns, basketball hoop in driveway, soccer balls to kick against side of house and play handball, and razor scooters. And we have an association pool across the street thank goodness. I do have them signed up for soccer because I feel like there isnt enough here in this environment to truly get their physical activity needs met. We meet for a homeschool parkday once a week for several hours and that is like a nice long extended recess with friends.
I love your videos! Thank you soooo much for sharing all those amazing "life hacks" about kids, decluttering, simplifying.. And they really work! You have no idea how much it has helped our family. Greetings all the way from Poland! ☺
Dogs! When I was a kid, I would get home - change into my play clothes and run outside ro see my beagle Archamedies- I would spend all day playing with him and jumping on our trampoline- and we had a small neighborhood yard - so u don't need alot of space - I think the magic of the outdoors is found and not told
I am so thankful to have found your channel! Your videos are amazing and I’ve been binge watching. I couldn’t put my finger on why I can’t relate to so many minimalists on UA-cam, but you nailed it with your video about how you’re not an organized person. I’m not either! Haha. Your videos have been extremely helpful-we purged 5 huge Rubbermaid tubs of toys and a massive amount of “big” toys today because of your videos. It’s unbelievable how much we had! Can’t wait to see the benefits in my kids. My kids love the trampoline and we got a simple swingset with a slide that they love. They also have a roller coaster that’s always a favorite. I am going to add some sand to their water table to get them more interested in that, and put some old pots and pans out there. Thanks again, you’re so inspiring! ❤️
Love the sandbox. What is the size / dimensions of the sandbox in your video? Looks perfect.
My kids love playing with balls! Balls to throw, kick, bounce with on the trampoline-- you name it! We try to keep all the balls as outside toys but we do have a few bean-bags for our baby to toss around inside the house. He can throw the beanbag and it doesn't roll under the couch or hurt anybody if it hits a sibling on the head.
Telling them that they’ll have to help with chores sounds perfect to send them back out
Growing up, our mom couldn't keep us kids indoors. We were busy riding bikes, playing soccer in the street (we lived on a dead end), heading to the park for a swim in the community pool (or to ice skate on the frozen pond in the winter), enjoying candy and popsicles from our local Sweet Shop, or just hanging out with friends on their porches. We got bored when we had to stay indoors!
It's so much easier if you live in the countryside, then live in town. There are more worries when you live in town and send your kids out alone. I grew up in the country we were outside all day playing with whatever we found. The one main rule was don't touch any of dads tools. I agree with you it is very beneficial for children to play outside no matter what the seasons are. Thank you so much
The best toys we have had for the kids outside: a large exericise ball, sticks, rocks, a "large" kiddie pool with a mosquito netting cover, a sand box with a lid (lots of neighborhood cats), and a play house! The playhouse provided shade, a swimsuit changing area, an outdoor kitchen and a place to hide out. We also had a female yellow lab that trailed the kids like a mama when they were younger and gave them more space when they got older. I also set a timer, from the time they were 18 months up until I don't know 4th grade and everyone had at least 30 minutes of outside playtime daily--year round. That way it was "something we do" not a new "rule". It also helped that my kitchen sink looked out onto the backyard, so I could look for the dog to find the children while I washed dishes or made supper.I also let them take out a cup of water with them--pool toys!
Bikes, sprinkler, sandbox, digging tools 😊. I totally forgot about pots and pans!!!
We live in Ontario, so we understand how long and bitter the winter can be. We only have a swing set in our backyard, but we also live across a massive school field. We have neighbours who the kids play with a lot too. I do admit, in the winter, it is extremely hard to get them to go outside to play because I don’t want to be out to watch them as I hate the cold. However, when and if they ask to go outside, despite having to dress up in “snow man attire”, I have to suck it up and go out with them unless they are ok to just play in backyard, then that way I can watch them as I work in the kitchen. But we do have to encourage them to go outside. The younger ones still love it, the older ones are less so nowadays. Yet once their friends are out on the sidewalk, they tend to feel more intrigued to go play outside with them.
I wish I had this info when my daughter was young. Also, she is an only child and we seemed to live in "boy town". She would play outside when she had friends over. We had riding toys, a basket ball net (adjustable) and a swing set. We should have had a sandbox. We always had chalk and spray bottles. Colored water in the spray bottles in winter was a favorite. Spray bottles that you get at the hardware store have an adjustable spray and lasted much longer than squirt guns. She could also take an old digital camera outside to play with. She became a good nature photographer. Also, a wagon to pull, a wheelbarrow (kids size) to push and hula hoops.
My mom always told us we couldn't come in til our socks were dirty. I don't know why we fought to come back inside, but it was a clear goal like your timer. Likewise, growing up in MN we did more homework on the trampoline than any other single location. It really was our fort April/May(snow mostly melted) to Oct.
I don't know if your kids do this, but growing up in the cold we loved sun bathing in the winter in the light of south facing windows w our beach towels in the family room, it was a little make believe vacation. We would also set up a tent to camp in the living room. I see you've made so much creative space in your house, it is such an inspiration!
I love that: don't come in until your socks are dirty! And love the sun-bathing idea, too, we will definitely have to try that!
I have 4 boys that spent their summers in the back yard. Sandbox, hose, a couple of trees and bicycles. They had trucks, cars, buckets, shovels and “gasp”, sticks. Very few injuries and I just poked my head out the door or looked out the window occasionally. As parents we need to relax and let our children be kids. Drinking out of the garden hose won’t hurt them.
That is so awesome glad to see here in the comments that there are parents still letting their kids be kids. This is how my parents raised me and my brothers. They didn't even get mad when we had a mud fight just washed us down with the hose before we came in. I can't wait to have kids some day and let them explore and play outside like this and I hope more parents will be doing the same ^_^
Found your channel a couple weeks ago and you are my new go-to for inspiration on simple family living! I have always cringed at the idea of outdoor/mud kitchens (I know the kids would love it, but the mess... lol!) but I can see how the kids would love it so I’m going to try it this week. I wish I could do a sand box, but we have lots of cats in our neighborhood that already leave messes, without a giant litter box to tempt them. Thanks for all you do!
This is so awesome to hear! Thank YOU!!! :)
I know this is late, but I always quote Charlotte Mason (a late 18 century teacher and one that studied children), "don't send them outside, take them outside!"
LOOOOVE this!!!
I do both lol
I agree with this. When my parents sent us outside it was very clear that it was because they didn't want us around, were tired of looking at us. Very important to make sure they understand that you are not trying to get rid of them
Officially, we will be implementing this for our 6 and 4 year old. Getting rid of half their toys, removing toys from their room completely, and enforcing more outdoor play are all incredible changes that you have helped inspire. And we all THANK YOU!!!! A few questions...(because I'm probably overthinking this) Do you allow indoor toys to venture outside? And do you still shoot for 3 hours of play outside during the school year? Between homework and dinnertime, we might be able to only give 2 hours, but I'm thinking that's still pretty good for our family!
I had all boys so we had a sandbox for trucks and the like. Squirt guns was and is just fine. Bikes 🚲 pool, pick nick table for lunches. Neighbor hood kiddos always in my yard. I have a big yard. I loved and still love being outside.
All great ideas! Another we'd add is sidewalk chalk.
I love all these ideas. We don’t really have a yard, so my kids never go outside in less they make special plans to take them somewhere.
For those that do not have a yard, it takes a lot of extra effort because we actually do need to go somewhere to get our kids out in nature.
That said, I will try to incorporate these ideas as best I can in the environment that we do live in. 😊
Water and some old paint brushes and rollers to "paint" the fence keep kids pretty busy on hot summer days
Honestly I’m so glad to see this video. Even though it’s two years old. I’ve been doing this anyway as far as getting them to play outside. Giving them a time they have to be out there and a reward. I need to start doing this when it’s rainy. I just haven’t wanted to deal with the mess either.
Yes trampoline is a must, my kids never used a swing set but the trampoline is the only way I can get them outside lol
Oh My GOSH! THE BEST toy suggestions!!!
Thank you, I appreciate that!!
My daughters favorites were her jump rope and chalk.
My 5 year old daughter and 2 year old son both love digging in the dirt and rocks under a shady tree. Just give them each a couple of old spoons and they are happy campers :) they gather all sorts of outdoor debris and create campfires, they love their bikes and I let them take out cars, mini shopping carts (any push toy will do) and a little wagon with mega blocks. My daughter has had fun with a little critter house outside and always asked to do tea parties and picnics on our big blanket. Live in a 110+ degree summer area, so I try to get them out in the morning when I can withstand the disgusting weather 😜
This video prompted me to actually do something! I'm getting my yard cleared up so I will have room for a kiddie pool and swing. Lots of good ideas in the comments too!
Ahhh loved this, my littles don’t love being outside, now I’ll clean up our yard and have some of these toys mentioned accesible to them
Just joined your channel. Such great info thank you. Ive recently adopted an 8 yr old and these tips are perfect! Too many kids addicted to screen time.
Oh that's so cool, congratulations!!! And thank you :)
We have a disc swing that our two older boys lay on together and chat and goof around. They love it! Most of the time they just like playing in their “fort” which is in behind the bushes along the fence line - sticks, rocks, and whatever nature they find seems to be their favourite toy.
And gardening. or mud gardening. The best thing ever is to grow a little bit of food and let them help to collect beans or peas or select which is the best watermelon to harvest.
Found your channel yesterday and looooove it!🙏 Watched like 10 clips already and find useful tips all the time! Thanks so much! Warm regards Petra from Sweden
Sweden! That's awesome! I'd love to come and visit ;) And thank you for the kind words!!! :) :) :)
I live in CT, and I spent tons of time as a kid exploring the woods behind my house. Now I worry about bears and ticks (we have a ton of both!) thanks for reminding me that it’s not about giving them exactly what I had, it’s just about getting them outside, even if that’s in our driveway💗
Awesome video! It is all so true!!! My kids grew up with a $5.00 used swing, and they loved it! We let them help us paint it, and they had such pride in it! Jennifer
My daughter definitely loves water, chalk, swings, bikes, etc. My two struggles are that I have trouble getting myself outside in the heat and my less than 1 year old! He wants to crawl, but it can be hard in the grass and the driveway scratches him all up... ANY TIPS FOR BABIES OUTSIDE???
Thank you so much for all the reminders about how important it is to go outside. I just stumbled across your channel today... and I've already watched 5 of them! I guess now it's time for us to get off the couch and get outside! (I did already adjust some laundry things in our house too. Thank you.)
This is awesome! Babies outside can be a little trickier, definitely! We'd usually put a blanket down so that they could still lay on it, but they'd love to scoot to the edge and grab the grass, that texture is hard to resist! ;)
A pack and play outside is good too. But once they can walk it’s not as hard. So it won’t be forever.
I remember the baby days! It can be hard. I had twins and I would bring their walkers outside and they would scoot around and look at all of the trees, bushes, etc., it was so cute! The fresh air is so good for them and they napped so good after being outside! :)
I used an old cotton full bed top sheet, it was large, cool, had room to move without grass stains and scratches. We used it at the beach, park, the backyard, anywhere outside until the kids were in middle school. I loved that there was always room, even as they grew!
We bribed our kids with a big slide when we we're trying to get them to sleep without holding their hands at night. 4 years later they still love it. And the mud pit...
My kids favorite outside toys are swings, a picnic table, balls, and old pans. During the summer they love the sprinkler too!
I like having picnic supplies ready and bug catching kit. My son loves I look at bugs and we like to eat picnics outside. I want to invest in some good nature guides to keep with my picnic bag.
Yes, these are great ideas!! I've noticed I've started to spend more time with the kids outside and I'm really enjoying, picnics would be especially fun!
Sidewalk chalk, as someone else already mentioned. Our yard is small, so having more to do on the driveway and sidewalk keeps them out longer. And we definitely do all the above as well (except trampoline), with scooters added in the mix (we have lots of visible sidewalk accessible, since we're in a small cul de sac, hence more time spent on them).
We had a cul de sac at our last house and it was AWESOME! That is really nice, now we have a gravel driveway that isn't quite as kid-friendly!