Spending time outside with the kids is essential. I think less screen time and more time outdoors is key for a balanced and healthy life. Don’t just take this from me, Mental Floss has a great article about the benefits of being outdoors, including increasing your energy, boosting your immune system, restoring your focus and feeling better overall.
The question today is… how to spend more time outdoors with your kids? After all, now that the weather is cold, rainy and dark, spending time outside isn’t as easy as it used to be in warm weather. However, no matter if it’s rainy or cold, spending time outdoors with the little ones is still important.
Today, I’ve partnered with Designer Shade Solutions, retractable roof pergola experts, who create custom roofs for outdoor spaces all across the country, so they know a thing or two about making the most out of your outdoor areas!
1. Create your own outdoor play area.
Make your outdoors feel as adventurous and thrilling as some of your kid’s favourite play areas. As this article on Parents.com mentions, “From building sandboxes to tree houses, hammocks to tire swings to a mud kitchen den (an outdoor space equipped with bowls, utensils, a sink, water—and mud!), there are many ways you can promote exploration and sensory play for your children right at home.”
Don’t forget to have some weatherproof spaces outdoors. “There is no point in improving your outdoor space if you have no way of enjoying it when the weather is cold and rainy because as you are well aware that’s 99% of the weather we get here in England.” says Eat Sleep Love Travel.
That’s why it’s important to have a weatherproof space, where you can still enjoy your outdoors whilst feeling comfortable.
Modern pergolas by Designer Shade Solutions are the answer for outdoor spaces that need a weatherproof area. Their innovative pergolas feature retractable and tilting roofs that can be easily operated. Plus, these are fully customisable to meet your design and shade needs!
2. Help them plant their own garden.
If you have an allotment or some raised beds in your garden, why not make a little space dedicated for your kids?
Getting them involved in gardening is a great way to teach them where food comes from as well as make them more excited about being outdoors.
3. Plan outdoor activities and playdates.
Even if the weather is cold and rainy, there are always activities that can be enjoyed outside – just put on some wellies, a rain jacket and some warm clothes, and you’re ready for any adventure outdoors!
Outdoor playdates are also a great way to get your kids excited about spending time outdoors. Make sure to plan some activities, such as a nature-based scavenger hunt or hiding a treasure somewhere in the garden and creating a treasure map to help the kids find it!
4. Explore wildlife.
As this article in the Washington Post says, “Taking time to learn about and explore local wildlife with the children in your life is a great way to get kids engaged with the natural world and spending time outside.”
Teach your children about the wonders of wildlife and make them excited about all the living creatures that see your back garden as their home.
Disclosure: this is a collaborative post