“Today my kids are past the age for outdoor playgroups. For our family it worked well to focus on outdoor play when our kids were small and gradually introducing longer hikes and skiing trips on weekend trips. We focus more on outdoor adventures as a family today and feel lucky to have backpacked in Arctic Norway, Western Norway and in Ontario. We have explored most of the parks in Ontario by skis and explored many of Florida’s springs by kayaks. ” Kari Svenneby 2019
There are a lot of things parents can do to get their kids outside, regardless if you live in Toronto or in Orlando.
Here are my tips for getting families outside all year around.
Create or join an outdoor playgroup
– I think adults often forget that outdoor adventures start in the small; being in a ravine or a small park can be a big adventure for a little kid. We have stay-at-home moms, entrepreneurs, doctors and teachers who are all organizing outdoor playgroups where they live in the winter, spring, fall and summer. –
Check out how you create an outdoor playgroup
Create a Playborhood
Mike Lanza, a dad from California, created his backyard with the sole purpose of attracting the neighborhood kids to come and play on his property.There really are thousands of ways to be a community activist. Another great way to build community in the winter is to build an outdoor rink in your backyard or local park.
Read more about how to create a playborhood
Daycare and School
Let your school and/or your daycare know that outdoor play and outdoor learning is important to you. When you choose a daycare look for and choose one that is outdoor play friendly.