Outdoor play experts reveal how to motivate kids to swap screen time for outdoor time these summer holidays

The summer holidays are here, bringing with them endless hours for children to spend glued to screens. Outdoor play experts at Electric Ride On Cars  offer valuable guidance on encouraging outdoor activities for kids who prefer screen time.

“Outdoor time is crucial for children as they develop their sense of self in the world. It helps them become more confident and knowledgeable about their surroundings, while also promoting physical activity and cognitive development,” says Sid, outdoor play expert at Electric Ride On Cars.

“In a world dominated by screens, parents must seize the opportunity during the summer holidays to leverage the good weather and inspire their children to play outside."

While the unpredictable British weather doesn’t exactly allow constant outdoor time, Sid’s tips below will have your children motivated to spend every second they can outside this summer.

1. Provide structure and routine

The first step in encouraging your child to spend more time outdoors is to integrate outdoor activities into their daily routine in a structured manner. This involves setting specific screen-free times dedicated to playing with toys or engaging in other offline activities. Establishing a routine helps children feel more confident and secure, and incorporating playtime as an essential part of this routine supports the development of crucial areas of their brains.

During school holidays, you can create a structured routine by using a visible calendar placed in a common area of your home. This calendar should outline designated times for screen use, reading, chores, outdoor activities, and any other daily activities your child participates in. By clearly marking these times, children will have a better understanding of what to expect each day and will be more likely to embrace and enjoy their outdoor playtime.

"A consistent routine is vital for a child's brain development. It provides a sense of security and predictability, allowing children to focus on learning and exploration. Regularly scheduled activities, especially those that promote physical and cognitive engagement, are essential in nurturing a well-rounded and healthy brain," says Sid.

2. Lead by example

Children often mimic the behaviours of those around them, making it crucial for parents to model the habits they want to instil. This means parents should also have screen-free time outdoors to encourage their children to do the same. Schedule daily activities outside of screen time, ideally aligning these with your child's routine. Engaging in outdoor activities together allows children to see first-hand how enjoyable and rewarding outdoor play can be.

Incorporating your child into outdoor chores is an excellent way to achieve this. Tasks like gardening, washing the car, or raking leaves are necessary and can be turned into fun, shared experiences. By involving them in these activities, you not only get the chores done but also create quality bonding time and demonstrate the value and enjoyment of spending time outdoors.

Sid says: "Children are natural imitators and often mimic the behaviours they observe in their parents. Leading by example is a powerful way to encourage outdoor play. When parents actively participate in screen-free time and engage in outdoor activities, it sets a positive example for children.”

3. Move indoor activities outside

If you're finding it challenging to come up with outdoor activities to encourage your children to step away from their screens, consider taking your indoor activities outside. Many everyday activities such as eating, reading, playing, and even cooking can be effortlessly transferred to an outdoor setting.

Enjoy a picnic in the backyard, read books together under a shady tree, play board games on the lawn, or set up a small outdoor cooking station for simple meals. These familiar activities, when done outdoors, offer a refreshing change of scenery and make outdoor time more appealing to your children.

"Moving indoor activities outdoors can be incredibly beneficial for children. It not only provides a change of environment that can stimulate creativity and interest, but also allows them to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of fresh air and natural light. This simple shift can make everyday activities more engaging and enjoyable, encouraging children to spend more time outside," explains the outdoor play expert at Electric Ride On Cars.

4. Create a fun and safe outdoor space

If you have a garden, transforming it into a fun and safe outdoor space for your children can be both affordable and quick. Start by removing any hazardous objects such as saws, hammers, and other tools to ensure a secure environment.

In addition to toys, provide comfortable seating options for your children, such as cushioned chairs or a picnic table. This will create inviting spots for relaxation and play. It's also wise to invest in a sheltered area, such as a gazebo, wendy house, cabin or a simple canopy, to ensure they have a place to play even during bad weather. While a sheltered area might involve a bit more expense, it’s great for facilitating outdoor activities regardless of the weather, thus encouraging your children to spend more time outside.

Sid believes these changes can be made with a relatively low cost, saying: “Creating a safe and enjoyable outdoor area for children can be both affordable and practical. Start by removing any hazardous items like tools or sharp objects. Use existing toys and store them in plastic bins or under a simple tarp to protect them from the weather.

“For comfortable seating, repurpose old cushions or use inexpensive folding chairs. You can also create a sheltered area with a budget-friendly pop-up tent or a DIY canopy made from a tarp and some rope. Incorporating these practical and low-cost solutions can transform your garden into a fun and secure play space for your kids."

5. Ask what they don’t like about being outdoors

Children often have various reasons for not wanting to spend time outdoors. They might feel it's too hot or cold, find outdoor activities boring, or be bothered by bugs and unfamiliar surroundings. Engaging in open conversations with children about their feelings towards the outdoors can provide valuable insights for parents.

By understanding these concerns, even small adjustments can significantly improve their outdoor experience. Introducing new and exciting activities, ensuring they are comfortable with the weather and environment, and finding ways to make outdoor play more enjoyable are effective strategies. These efforts not only encourage children to embrace outdoor exploration but also foster a positive relationship with nature from an early age.

Sid says: "Listening to children's feelings is crucial as it allows us to understand their perspectives and concerns better. By validating their emotions, we build trust and strengthen our relationship with them. This mutual understanding empowers us to make informed decisions that support their emotional well-being and overall development."

6. Provide outdoor toys

Toys that encourage outdoor play are pivotal in inspiring children to embrace the outdoors. Whether it's kids' electric cars, swings, slides, or bouncy castles, providing engaging outdoor toys can significantly motivate children to choose outdoor play over screen time. Investing in these types of toys also promotes physical activity and imaginative play. By offering enticing outdoor options, parents can foster a positive attitude towards spending time outside, creating lasting memories and healthy habits.

"Ride-on cars are fantastic for motivating outdoor play because they combine fun and physical activity in a way that captures children's imaginations. These toys not only encourage kids to explore their surroundings, but also promote crucial skills like coordination and spatial awareness,” Sid explains.

“By enjoying the thrill of driving their own car, children develop a love for outdoor adventure that lays the foundation for a lifetime of active play and exploration,"

7. Monitor your kids' online activities and find related offline activities

Several popular online games can be creatively adapted to outdoor activities, providing kids with fresh air and exercise while enjoying their favourite games.

For instance, real-life building challenges using natural materials can mimic Minecraft, while Nerf or water gun battles can bring Fortnite to life. Among Us can be turned into a tag game with tasks, while a Pokemon Go scavenger hunt involves searching for hidden items. Mario Kart can become a racecourse with bikes or scooters, and dance routines from Just Dance can lead to a backyard dance party. Obstacle courses inspired by Temple Run or Super Mario, water balloon fights mimicking Splatoon, and Angry Birds-style knockdown games with blocks add variety. These adaptations blend screen-based interests with outdoor play, encouraging physical activity and creativity.

"Transferring children's favourite online games to outdoor settings can significantly motivate them to leave their screens behind. By integrating familiar game mechanics and themes into physical activities, they can experience the excitement and engagement they associate with digital play, while benefiting from the physical and social interactions that outdoor play provides," says Sid.