There is no debate: spending plenty of time outdoors is one of the best things you can do for your health and the health of your family. Children today spend eight hours a day in school, with short recess times, and often come home to spend too much time in front of a screen once their homework is done.
Children and adults need to spend plenty of time outdoors each day to live a healthy and happy life. Many Americans are vitamin D deficient, a problem that can easily be solved by spending time in the sun on a regular basis. Additionally, increased physical activity is a natural result of spending more time outdoors, decreasing risk for diseases related to sedentary living like cardiovascular problems, diabetes and obesity.
Encouraging Inactive Kids to Spend More Time Outdoors
So, you have either already completed your new outdoor living space or you are planning to install one soon. If you have kids who are leaning towards inactivity and screen time most days, your next goal is probably to encourage them to spend more time outdoors. Chances are, your new backyard retreat is all you need as an excuse to get outside more, but your children might need a little more coaxing.
In general, a planned activity is one of the best ways to encourage your kids to spend more time outdoors. Whether that be a family meal, scheduled pool time as a family or some fun yard games to fill the time. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite yard games to help you plan more outdoor time for your family.
Fun Yard Games Your Kids Will Love
Lawn Twister: Create a circular stencil with cardboard and spray paint a twister board onto your lawn. Don’t worry, as soon as it is time to mow your lawn, the twister board will disappear!
Giant Jenga: All you need to create a life-sized jenga game is 48 2x4x10 pieces of wood. Stack just as you would a tabletop game for a twist on this old classic.
Dodgeball, with water balloons!: When it is hot outside, cool down with this twist on dodgeball. Instead of balls, fill up dozens of water balloons, pick sides and make sure everyone knows face shots are off limits.
Fall back on the favorites: If creating your own do-it-yourself yard game isn’t your style, don’t be afraid to fall back on old favorites. Invest in a croquet set, horseshoes or a badminton net and you will be sure to find your kids will love spending more time outside.
By encouraging your children to spend more time outside, you play a role in raising healthier and happier children who know how to balance the time they spend in front of screens. With a beautiful outdoor retreat, you can create the perfect environment for yard games or family time together by the pool.
To learn more about adding family friendly hardscape structures in your backyard, click here or call (816) 608-8870 to schedule a hardscape design consultation.
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