Motherhood got so much easier when I started prioritizing time outside. When the kids are bouncing off the walls, take away the walls. Kids need fresh air, space to move, and time to explore nature. On the days when we spend a few hours outside, my kids get along with each other better, have fewer behavioral issues, and sleep better. It seems like such a simple thing, but prioritizing time outside makes a huge difference in our daily lives.

Oh, but the benefits aren’t just for the kids. Parents need time outside, too! The same benefits that we see for our kids are there for us too. Time outside enhances our mood, reduces our stress, and helps us sleep better.

What’s even better is that there are so many ways we can bond together as a family outside.

Here are ten ideas to get your family outside in the sunshine this week:

1. Have a picnic in the park. Make some sandwiches, cut up fruits or veggies, and fill your water bottles. Pack them in a cooler and go! We also have used this fun muffin-tin trick to turn an ordinary dinner into a backyard picnic! Simplify it even more by getting pizza or Chinese takeout and eating together at a nearby park!

2. Walk, hike, bike, or scooter TOGETHER. Lead by example and get outside with your kiddos. Choose an activity that you will actually enjoy alongside your kids! We invested in bikes and scooters for the whole family. We love taking after dinner walks or trips to a local park to scooter.

3. Get competitive! Play board games on the deck or on a picnic blanket. If that’s not active enough for your energetic crew, break out the sports gear to play and practice together.

4. Add water. Turn on the sprinkler, have a water balloon battle, get out some water guns and have fun. Better yet, visit a community pool, local lake, creek or beach. When it’s too hot to play outside, water is key!

5. Plan an Outdoor Storytime. Find some fun books and do your own story time outside with your kiddos! Maybe even add a snack and craft if you’re feeling energetic! As a stay-at-home mom, I usually do activities like this with my kids during the day. However, planning it for a time when dad is home makes it extra special.

6. Have a backyard camping night. Set up a tent to play with sleeping bags and lanterns. Make dinner at the campfire or cook dinner on the grill. You don’t have to sleep outside to make this a novel experience. Hanging out in the tent and cooking outside together is fun enough!

7. Spend endless hours at the playground. This is my favorite mom-hack. Try different playgrounds in other neighborhoods than your own. If you’re willing to drive, you can find some really cool playgrounds! The kids will enjoy exploring somewhere new. Pack some snacks, download an audiobook for yourself, and let your kids just play.

8. Check out your local state or National parks. Don’t take your local gems for granted. Make an effort to see the places you haven’t been to in years. Take your kids and rediscover the fun in your own backyard!

9. Involve other kids. Invite your friends or family along for an outdoor play date. If they’re too busy, connect with other families through local mom, hiking, or homeschool field trip group!

10. Do what our parents did. Tell your kids to ‘go play outside.’ It can really be that simple. Boredom can be beneficial to kids. They’ll find something to do. Then you can pull-up a comfortable chair and ‘sittervise.’

Before you venture outside with our family, be sure to check our Tips & A New Resource for Summer Adventures or download our free list of twenty affordable nature-inspired activities.