Get Outside and Play! How Outdoor Activities Can Help Limit Screen Time for Young Children

As parents, we want to provide our children with the best possible childhood experiences. One of the most important things we can do is to encourage our children to spend time outside and engage in physical activity. With so many electronic devices and screens available to children, it's important to strike a balance between technology and outdoor play. Here’s 5 benefits of outdoor play and along with family-friendly ideas to help limit screen time for your young children.

Make outdoor play a regular part of your family's routine

• Plan family hikes, bike rides, or trips to the park (bonus: set daily step goals on your child’s TickTalk smartwatch to meet as a family!)
• Encourage kids to engage in active play such as running, jumping, and climbing
• Set a goal to spend a certain amount of time outside each day for much-needed Vitamin D 

Provide engaging outdoor toys and games

• Offer toys that encourage exploration and creativity, such as buckets and shovels for sand play or balls for games
• Set up an obstacle course or scavenger hunt to keep kids engaged
• Try nature-based activities like gardening or bird-watching

Make outdoor play a social experience

• Arrange playdates at the park or beach 
• Encourage your child to participate in organized sports or activities like swimming lessons (set Reminders on their TickTalk to keep them on-time and prepared for upcoming practices!)
• Use outdoor play as a way to bond with your child by playing together

Limit screen time before and after outdoor play

• Establish a routine of outdoor play before screen time to help kids get their energy out
• Avoid screens after outdoor play to encourage kids to wind down and relax
• Set screen time limits for the day to prioritize outdoor play and physical activity

Celebrate the benefits of outdoor play

• Emphasize the benefits of fresh air, exercise, and sunshine
• Praise your child's creativity and problem-solving skills during outdoor play
• Make positive associations with outdoor play to encourage your child to continue to choose it over screen time