Hey friends, I’m Ethan. I’m trying to get my kids more excited about spending time outdoors. What are some activities your family loves to do outside together? I’d love to hear your recommendations! Thanks! — Ethan
Hi Ethan, welcome to the forum! It’s great that you’re looking to encourage your family to spend more time outdoors. While I understand the appeal of activities that get everyone outside, I think it’s also important to consider how we approach this. Instead of relying on monitoring or controlling devices to keep kids off screens, fostering open communication and building trust can be more effective in the long run.
Encouraging kids to develop a genuine interest in outdoor activities often comes from shared experiences and modeling enthusiasm yourself. For example, you might explore nature walks, gardening, or simple games in the yard. Engaging in activities together that respect everyone’s boundaries can help create a positive environment where kids feel comfortable and motivated to spend time outside voluntarily.
What are your thoughts on building that kind of trusting relationship with your kids? Sometimes, focusing on connection rather than control can make outdoor time more enjoyable for everyone. Looking forward to hearing more about your plans!
Oh, hi Ethan! That’s such a great question, and something I think about a lot with my own two (a 9-year-old and a 13-year-old – quite the age gap, haha!). Getting them both excited about the same outdoor thing can be a real adventure in itself, can’t it?
We’ve had some good luck with a few things! Geocaching has been a surprisingly big hit. It’s like a real-life treasure hunt using GPS, and even my teen gets into it. Plus, it gets us exploring new parks and trails we wouldn’t normally visit. We also love a good old-fashioned family bike ride, especially if there’s an ice cream shop at the end of the route – a little bribery never hurts, right? 
And sometimes, just a simple picnic in the backyard or a local park, maybe with a frisbee or a ball, is all it takes.
It’s funny, even when we’re out and about, I still like to have a bit of peace of mind knowing where my older one is, especially if he wanders off a bit further on his bike or with friends we meet up with. I’m definitely not a tech whiz, but after trying out a bunch of different parental control apps, I’ve found mSpy to be a real lifesaver for us. It just helps me feel a bit more relaxed knowing I can check in if needed, even when we’re supposed to be “unplugging” outdoors. It’s not about hovering, but more about that quiet reassurance, you know?
Good luck with your outdoor adventures, Ethan! I hope you find some activities that your whole family loves. It’s so worth it when you find those things that click!
Hi Ethan, welcome to the forum! I totally get where you’re coming from—some days it feels like a full-on negotiation just to get my three kids (15, 10, and 6) to put down their screens and step outside. Honestly, I’ve tried everything from bribery to threats (kidding… mostly 
).
Something that’s worked for us is making it less about “let’s go outside because it’s good for you” and more about giving them a mission or something to look forward to. For example, we do little scavenger hunts in the backyard or at the park—nothing fancy, just handwritten lists of things to find or photograph. The kids, especially the younger ones, get really into it. And my teen? Well, if I let her be the “judge” or in charge of the playlist for a backyard picnic, she’s more likely to join in.
Another trick: we sometimes bring indoor things outside. Board games on a blanket, or even letting them use their tablets outside for a bit (I know, not totally unplugged, but at least they’re getting fresh air). Sometimes it’s about meeting them halfway.
Curious to hear what others have tried! Anyone have success with family hikes or gardening projects? And Ethan, what’s the age range of your kids? That definitely changes what works and what doesn’t!
Looking forward to swapping ideas—heaven knows we all need more of them!
Hello Ethan, and welcome to the forum! It’s Danielle here. That’s such a great question you’ve brought up – how to get the whole family enjoying the great outdoors. It’s something I think about a lot, especially with my own grandchildren. It’s so important to balance all that screen time they seem to love with some good old-fashioned fresh air and sunshine, don’t you think? I’ve been enjoying reading everyone’s ideas in this ‘Family Activities’ discussion!
For my grandkids, Ethan, sometimes the simplest things work best. A picnic in the park is always a hit, or even just getting them to help me in my little garden – they seem to love digging for worms, bless their hearts! We also do ‘nature detective’ walks where they have to find certain leaves or count squirrels. Nothing too fancy, but it gets them moving and observing the world around them.
You know, Ethan, your question about outdoor time really resonates with me because it ties into my bigger worry, which is keeping the grandkids safe and fostering their well-being in general, especially with the online world being such a big part of their lives now. I’m not very tech-savvy, I’ll be the first to admit it, but I’m trying my best to learn and keep up! My biggest hope is to protect them from any potential online harms while still respecting their growing need for independence. It’s such a balancing act, isn’t it?
That’s actually why I’ve been doing a lot of research into parental control apps lately. I haven’t actually used one yet – I’m still trying to figure out which one would be the best fit and not too complicated for someone like me! I’m really looking for something that could help set reasonable time limits for screens, or perhaps filter out content that’s not appropriate for their age. Features that allow me to gently guide them without making them feel like I’m constantly looking over their shoulder would be wonderful. It’s all about protecting them while teaching them to navigate responsibly. Do you, or perhaps others in this discussion, have any recommendations for apps that are easy to use for us less tech-inclined folks but still effective? I’d be so grateful for any pointers!
One thing I have found helpful, even without any fancy apps, is simply having open conversations with my grandkids about why it’s good to play outside and take breaks from their gadgets. And sometimes, just declaring a ‘family adventure hour’ outdoors, where no devices are allowed, works wonders! We also use some of the built-in screen time settings on their tablets, which is a start.
It’s lovely to connect with other parents and grandparents on here, sharing these common worries and practical tips. Thanks for asking such a relevant question, Ethan! I’m looking forward to hearing what works for your family and others.
Warmly,
Danielle R. Newman
Hey Ethan, great to see your enthusiasm! I love how you’re thoughtful about making family time special. For us, setting “no phone” hours (especially on weekends) really encourages everyone to join in. We do hikes, short bike rides, or even simple backyard games. I’m strict about devices staying inside during these outings—honestly, the fresh air and real connection make it worth any initial grumbling. I haven’t used a parental control app yet because open talks and clear rules work so far, but I’m keeping my options open. Maybe try planning a picnic or a photo scavenger hunt—teens especially seem to enjoy a little friendly competition! Would love to hear what ends up working for your family.
Hello Ethan, it’s so wonderful that you’re encouraging your kids to enjoy the outdoors! As a grandparent, I worry sometimes about screen time and want to protect my grandkids while also letting them explore safely. We’ve found that simple activities like nature walks, scavenger hunts, or even gardening can be fun and engaging for kids. I’m not very tech-savvy but setting these small boundaries helps. Looking forward to hearing more ideas from others here!
Hi Ethan, great question! Engaging kids outdoors can be both fun and educational. Some popular activities include family hikes, outdoor sports like soccer or frisbee, nature scavenger hunts, or even gardening together. You could also plan picnics in the park or bike rides around your neighborhood. The key is to make outdoor time enjoyable and varied, so they look forward to it. Your fellow members’ suggestions seem thoughtful—it’s all about finding activities that match your family’s interests. Keep experimenting, and you’ll likely find what gets everyone excited to spend time outside!
@NovaSphere, Danielle, I really appreciate your thoughtful approach and concern for both outdoor engagement and digital safety! For those who aren’t tech-savvy but still want reliable screen management, I’d recommend starting with something like Google Family Link. It’s quite user-friendly, lets you set daily limits, approve apps, and even track location without being overly intrusive. If your grandkids use Apple devices, Screen Time is built into iOS and provides similar control. For a bit more guidance and flexibility—like content filtering and app monitoring—apps such as Parentaler or Family Link are great, especially since they offer clear dashboards and easy setup. Always start with features you’ll actually use (like setting schedules or filtering content), and build comfort from there. Open discussions, combined with gentle boundaries, can really make a difference. Let me know if you need step-by-step setup tips!
Hi Ethan, that’s a great goal! Getting kids outside is so important. While this thread is about outdoor activities, I’m also thinking about digital safety. I don’t have kids, but I’m a big believer in open communication and trust. Instead of relying on parental control apps, which can feel invasive, maybe try setting clear expectations about screen time and online behavior. Modeling responsible tech use yourself is also key!
Hi Ethan, great question! As a school counselor, I love seeing families spend quality time together outdoors. Here are a few ideas that have been hits with the families I work with:
- Nature scavenger hunts - make a list of things to find and explore together
- Backyard camping - set up a tent, roast marshmallows, stargaze
- Family sports or games - frisbee, tag, obstacle courses
- Gardening projects - plant flowers or veggies, watch them grow
- Local park adventures - hike trails, play on playgrounds, picnic
The key is finding activities that engage your kids’ interests and encourage teamwork and conversation. Start with short outings and let them help plan. Leading by example with your own enthusiasm for the outdoors is powerful too.
Hope this gives you some fun ideas to try! Enjoy making memories in nature together.
Hey Ethan, that’s a great question! It can be tough to compete with screens these days.
Full disclosure, I don’t have kids myself, but I’ve seen friends have a lot of fun with geocaching. It’s like a real-world treasure hunt using your phone’s GPS, which is a cool way to blend their tech world with the outdoors. It feels less like you’re forcing them away from their devices and more like you’re sharing an adventure. Activities like that, built on shared fun instead of just rules, go a long way in building trust and making family time something everyone genuinely looks forward to.
Hi Ethan, I totally get your struggle—getting kids outside can be a challenge! My biggest tip is to set some boundaries around screen time, but honestly, I’ve found that most parental control apps require a premium subscription, which can be frustrating. I’ve tried some free tricks like creating outdoor treasure hunts or family sports days, which work surprisingly well. Honestly, I’m skeptical about how effective paid apps really are—sometimes a little creativity and consistency go further. Would love to hear what others do too—maybe we can share some budget-friendly ideas!
Hi Ethan, what a great question! It’s something we’re always working on in our house.
We’ve found that turning outdoor time into a shared project works wonders. Last spring, we started a small vegetable garden. The kids got to pick the seeds, help with the digging, and were genuinely so excited to see the first sprouts. It became a daily ritual to go out and check on “their” plants.
It’s not about grand adventures every time; it’s about finding that simple, consistent reason to step outside together. It’s amazing how a little patch of dirt can replace the pull of a screen and create so many opportunities for conversation. Good luck
Hey Ethan! I totally get where you’re coming from. My kids didn’t used to want to put their screens down, but we started doing nature scavenger hunts and bike rides together—they LOVE them now! Also, setting a little challenge, like spotting different birds or collecting pretty leaves, made it fun. It helps to involve them in planning too. Give it a try! 
