I like to consider us “outside people.” We love to be outside, whether that’s on a walk, playing at the playground, or exploring nature somewhere new. In the last year and a half, we have made spending time outside an integral part of our daily rhythms. I am a firm believer that getting outside can solve so many problems – both for our kiddos and for us!
Let’s talk about the why, our experience, and the practical how-to’s of being intentional with outside time!
Why Go Outside?
After we had Simeon, I noticed pretty quickly (and was told by many moms wiser than I) that if we went outside, Simeon’s mood would change. Crying and I can’t figure out what’s wrong? Go outside. Antsy from being inside? Go outside. Overstimulated from being out of our routine? Go outside. And truly, this worked at least 90% of the time.
Children learn best through play and through experiencing the world around them. As a mom, I hope to give my children experiences that challenge them, help them grow, and foster independence. I can think of no better place to do that than outside.
As our kids climb playground equipment and trees, they learn how to become confident in their body’s abilities and movements. As they scoop and pour dirt, they gain fine motor skills that set them up to cook and write. As they pick flowers, notice colors, and watch animals, they learn about the beautiful world God created. They learn how He sustains it, cares for it, and makes it grow and flourish.
So it’s a mood booster (for the whole family!), but it’s also a place to learn and grow and develop.
The 1000 Hours Outside Challenge
I knew that I wanted to be very intentional in making sure I took my kids outside. When I stumbled upon the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge on Instagram, I knew we had to try it! As a plus, I love a good challenge!
The 1000 Hours Outside Challenge was created by Ginny Yurich. The goal is to spend 1000 Hours Outside in a year and spend less time on screens. We decided that we would take the challenge from August 2022 to July 2023. I specifically tracked the hours that Simeon was outside. In our first year, Simeon clocked in at 804 hours and 30 minutes! We “failed,” but we definitely won!
I love this challenge for exactly that reason. Because I was tracking hours outside, it pushed me to make it a regular part of our day. We spent way more hours outside than if I had set a generic goal to “get outside more.” I watched each day as my boy went from a crawling 8-month-old to a climbing and running 1 1/2 year-old. I watched as he gained independence and confidence in his abilities. He learned to love nature and was pretty much constantly covered in dirt. We both made friends on our adventures, and we spent so much quality time together.
We started again this past August, and I think we’ll take the challenge for years to come!
Our “How-To’s” and “Must Haves” for Getting Outside
- 1000 Hours Outside Resources – Before you get started, check out all of the resources 1000 Hours Outside has to offer! 1000 Hours Outside has a website to print trackers, an app to keep up with your hours, a podcast, and several books! I use the app every day to track our progress and color in a printable tracker at the end of the year for picture purposes (because who can remember to color in the tracker every day?!)
- Schedule It In! – This is most definitely my number one tip. We start each weekday morning with the exact same routine – eat breakfast, get dressed, head outside for a walk, and stop somewhere to play. Each weekday afternoon also has the same routine – outside time with mom if I’m not teaching piano, and outside time with dad once he gets home from work. We end each day with a family walk. As long as the weather permits, we have a scheduled three hours of outside time every day. Does it always happen as planned? No. But our daily rhythms of getting outside make it a lot more likely.
- A Stroller – If you’re a mom of littles, I think a stroller is a must! We take daily stroller walks and also use it when exploring new places or taking a trip to the zoo. I couldn’t make it without ours. A good alternative for babies is your favorite wrap or carrier!
- A Blanket and a Lunchbox – Perfect for the baby to lay on and to take around for picnics! Eating outside really helps the hours add up.
- Band-aids, Water Bottles, Snacks, Diapers/Wipes, etc. – Take along your daily essentials, and you’re good to be on the go for a while! Band-aids are most definitely essential if you have a toddler who loves to go hard like mine does.
Now Go Get Outside!!
You really don’t need all that much to get outside – just yourselves and a couple essentials to be prepared! Hot or cold, rain or shine, city or country, find your way outside with your kids. Make sure to stop and notice the tiny details with them. Tell them about how God created it all. Let them guide the walk. Build a rock, stick, or pine cone collection. Run around and play with them.
Let your kids be little and enjoy all nature has to offer. Let them build confidence and independence. Watch as they grow and develop, and allow yourself to grow and develop right along with them. And remember, you can only win!