Getting kids to be more active and motivated for outdoor adventure can be a challenge in today’s world of cool technology. With so many compelling reasons to stay indoors, like smartphones and streaming video, how do you convince your little ones that the great outdoors is, well, great?
Here are a few ideas to inspire outdoor play and even to use their love of technology to help lure them outdoors:
Plan a Scavenger Hunt
Turn a simple day outside into an exciting adventure. Create a thematic challenge that can be carried out in the yard or a nearby playground and set the kids loose for a mental and physical challenge.
Use your kids’ interests to get them motivated to participate, or help foster a new interest by having kids seek out specific items in nature.
Record the Action
Encourage outdoor activity with cameras and wearable devices designed with kids in mind. For example, the affordable VTech Kidizoom Action Cam features a robust, durable design and comes complete with mounts for attaching to a bike, skateboard or scooter. The waterproof case allows kids to take videos and pictures up to six feet underwater — perfect for snorkeling and splashing fun.
The camera, which was named the number one breakout hit on the TTPM Summer Play List, features a 1.4 inch color LCD screen and can take stop-motion videos and time-lapse photos in addition to regular videos and photos. It lets kids get creative with features, effects, frames and photo filters. It also includes three games and a micro USB cable to make it easy to upload photos and videos to a computer. More information can be found at www.VTechKids.com/ActionCam.
Mix Things Up
Your own backyard can be home to new and exciting adventures every day, especially for children with active imaginations. Nevertheless, kids will welcome an opportunity for a change of scenery. From the playground to the pool to the skate park, take kids on mini field trips whenever you get a chance.
Build Confidence
For many, a lack of confidence may be a barrier to getting involved in neighborhood pick-up sports and other local activities outdoors. Bear this in mind and strive to build your child’s confidence.
Even if your home possesses a state of the art home theater and all the latest gadgets, with a few simple strategies, you’ll have kids off the couch and begging to play outside.
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