Bye-Bye Screen, Hello Outdoors: 6 Fun Ways to Keep Your Kids Active This Summer

Summer is a time for kids to break free from the routine of school and enjoy the sunny days, but with screens becoming such an integral part of their daily lives, it can be a challenge for parents to get them outdoors.

 Whether it’s tablets, smartphones, or video games, screen often steals attention away from the fresh air, physical activities, and nature. So, how can parents motivate their children to embrace outdoor play and stay active all summer long? Here are a few tips and ideas to make outdoor fun irresistible.

1. Make it a Family Adventure

One way to encourage kids to step away from their screens is by making outdoor activities a family event. Plan nature walks, hikes, or bike rides that everyone can enjoy together. The key is to get everyone involved. For example, create a treasure hunt at a local park or nature reserve. Kids are more likely to engage in an activity if they know it’s a fun and shared experience. A family picnic in the park can also turn into an outdoor treasure trove of games and exploration, making it easier for kids to forget about their screen.

2. Incorporate Their Interests

The best way to get kids involved in outdoor activities is by aligning those activities with their existing interests. Does your child love sports? Take them to a nearby park with sports fields, or encourage them to join a local league. Are they interested in wildlife? Plan a trip to a nature reserve or botanical garden where they can explore and learn about local flora and fauna. Whatever their passion, try to connect it to the great outdoors, ensuring they have an active and meaningful experience.

3. Introduce New and Exciting Activities

Sometimes, the usual outdoor games don’t seem appealing enough to pull kids away from their screens. Instead of the typical game of catch or frisbee, why not introduce something new and exciting? Think about paddleboarding, rock climbing, or zip-lining—activities that are both physically engaging and thrilling enough to capture your child’s attention. When kids are exposed to new, fun activities, they’re less likely to get bored and more likely to stay active outdoors.

4. Set Screen Time Limits

Setting boundaries around screen time can help create a natural balance between time spent on devices and time spent outdoors. Create a summer routine that allocates specific times for screen-based activities and outdoor play. You could even set up a reward system: for example, after an hour of outdoor activity, they can enjoy 30 minutes of screen time. By limiting screen time, you are encouraging kids to explore alternative forms of entertainment and helping them develop a healthier lifestyle.

5. Show Them How Fun It Can Be

Sometimes, kids don’t realize how fun outdoor activities can be simply because they haven’t experienced them enough. Take your child on a new adventure and show them how exciting nature can be. Try roller-skating, swimming, or a scavenger hunt in the local park. Some parks even have kid-friendly features like playgrounds, splash pads, and bike trails. When children experience the joy of playing outdoors, they are more likely to want to do it again and again.

6. Leverage Local Parks and Outdoor Spaces

Montreal and its surrounding areas are home to some incredible parks that are perfect for outdoor adventures. Here are a few parks to check out:

• Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal): A vast green space with hiking trails, playgrounds, and even a pond for family picnics and exploration.
  

• Parc La Fontaine: A beautiful park with playgrounds, sports fields, and an idyllic pond to paddle around.
  

• Parc Jean-Drapeau: Home to the iconic La Ronde amusement park, it’s perfect for a mix of outdoor fun and entertainment.
  

• Parc Maisonneuve: Offering wide open spaces for play, sports, and relaxation with easy access to the Botanical Garden.
  

• Parc Angrignon: A park with a large pond, playgrounds, and sports facilities. 

• Parc Jarry: A wonderful park featuring baseball fields, playgrounds, and a peaceful pond. 

• Parc Frédéric-Back: A natural park ideal for hiking, cycling, and birdwatching.
  

These parks are perfect for family-friendly outings and can keep kids active and entertained all summer long. Whether it’s hiking, biking, or just playing games, these green spaces offer countless opportunities to get outside, be active, and disconnect from screens.

Conclusion

Getting kids outdoors and away from screens during the summer months can be challenging, but with the right strategies and a bit of creativity, it’s entirely possible. By introducing exciting, nature-filled activities, setting clear limits on screen time, and enjoying outdoor spaces like local parks, you can help your kids create lasting memories and lead an active, healthy lifestyle. So, pack a picnic, head to the nearest park, and let the outdoor adventures begin!

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