August 29, 2025

How to Raise Little Explorers: 4 Easy Tips for Encouraging Kids Outdoor Play

By: Haley Cottey

Download our nature activities booklet for free here.

Why Outdoor Play Matters for Kids

Daily time spent outdoors is essential for raising little explorers. Just one hour of outdoor play offers powerful developmental benefits: it strengthens the immune system, boosts fitness and agility, enhances concentration and mood, and nurtures problem-solving skills, imagination, patience, and an appreciation for nature.

There’s truly no downside—just be sure to apply sunscreen, use bug spray, and supervise!

4 Simple Ways to Inspire Outdoor Adventure

1. Let Kids Get Dirty, Take Risks, and Learn by Doing

Allowing kids to explore, get messy, take risks and test boundaries teaches resilience and independence. While supervision is important, kids need to take risks without us interfering in order to learn and develop. Giving them the freedom to explore from a safe distance builds confidence and curiosity. However, always trust your mom/dad gut and interfere if necessary.

I know for me, sometimes I see my kids get dirty and I immediately wanted to stop them because I don't want to deal with the cleanup but I have to remind myself, it is good for them to get dirty. When my kids were younger I did need to watch them more or they may eat a rock but I try to watch from a distance and let them take risks, break rules and learn how the world works on their own. As they are getting older, I'm working on letting them have more freedom even though my mom heard wants to scream sometimes when they jump off a rock. Sometimes it helps me to remember my own childhood and all the outdoor adventures we had and the crazy things we did and we turned out ok :).

2. Balance Family Outdoor Time with Independent Play

Schedule shared outdoor adventures—like gardening, hiking, or biking—and also encourage solo play in nature. If boredom strikes, suggest building forts from sticks, painting rocks, or using our Nature Activities Booklet for scavenger hunt ideas. Sometimes, joining in play yourself sparks the most meaningful moments for our kids.

Participating in play is so good for us as adults too. It helps us destress, reconnect with our inner child and even helps us with problem solving skills.

3. Lead by Example: Be an Explorer Too

Children model what they see. If you want your kids to appreciate the environment, be confident and tough and strong and have great problem solving skills, you need to practice these things yourself. Be the outdoor adventurer you want them to become: mountain bike, explore local trails, or simply immerse yourselves in nature together.

Don't be afraid to be bad at something and learn with them. Modeling enthusiasm and curiosity helps kids develop problem-solving skills, confidence, and a deep appreciation for the environment. I have been learning how to mountain bike with my girls and it has been an adventure.

4. Hold Expectations Loosely and Go at Their Pace

Adventuring with kids looks different than adventuring solo. Sometimes you’ll need to slow down, turn back early, or change your plans altogether—and that’s okay! Kids benefit most when outdoor time feels safe, fun, and unpressured. By holding expectations loosely, you teach flexibility, patience, and the joy of the journey over the destination. The best memories are often made in the small moments: tossing rocks in a creek, spotting bugs on the trail, or stopping for an impromptu snack break.

We have turned back after a few minutes on the trail many times because the kids just weren't having it. We have also had park days turn into hikes because the kids found a trail they wanted to explore. Letting your kids set the pace and make the plan often helps them to buy in. We never forced our kids to hike or do a specific activity when they were young but as they are getting older, there are times that they want to be done hiking but have to learn that you still have to walk back to the car. These times also help teach them resilience and that they can do hard things.

Time Outdoors for Kids: A Declining Trend

Across decades, kids’ opportunities for unstructured outdoor play have dropped dramatically—raising serious concerns about their health and development:

Children today spend just 4–7 minutes per day in free outdoor play, while spending around 7½ hours daily in front of screens. (NRPA, Children in Nature)
Over the past 20 years, outdoor play for children has fallen by nearly 50%, meaning kids now spend roughly half as much time outside as previous generations did. (MSU, The Consequences of Children Spending Less Time Outdoors)
A recent UK study finds that one in three children don’t play outdoors after school—and one in five skip outdoor play on weekends—despite its positive impact on their social and emotional development. (The Guardian, Third of children do not play outdoors after school)

The consequences are significant: reduced outdoor time is linked to higher rates of childhood obesity, increased anxiety and depression, diminished attention spans, and weaker social skills.

Why Reconnecting Kids with Nature is Crucial

Encouraging little explorers to spend time outdoors isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Connecting with nature helps kids become healthier, more creative, emotionally resilient, and environmentally aware. In today’s digital-heavy world, making outdoor time a priority helps balance screen time, fosters independence, and encourages a lifelong love of exploration.