Letting children play outside is good for their health, development, and happiness. Yet, in practice, it is proving increasingly difficult to get them away from screens. With the right approach, you can make outdoor play so appealing that children ask to go outside themselves. In this article, we give you 7 concrete tips to to let children play outside more often, so that exercise and being outdoors become a natural part of their day.
Why children play outside less than before
In the past, playing outside was simply the norm. Out onto the street after school, until it got dark. Now we see a different reality: screens, busy schedules, and a changing living environment mean that children spend less and less time outdoors. That is a shame, because playing outside contributes to healthy motor development, social skills, and better concentration.
The environment also plays a role in this. If there are no challenging or attractive play areas nearby, children will quickly opt for the comfort of indoors. Fortunately, as a parent, caregiver, or municipality, you can do something about this. The following seven tips will help you on your way.
1: Make playing outside a regular daily habit
Structure works. Children thrive on routine, and that applies to playing outdoors as well. Schedule a fixed time every day for your child to go outside, for example, immediately after school or after dinner. Once it becomes a habit, you will have to negotiate less and less.
Start small if necessary. Twenty minutes of playing outside a day is already a good start. As soon as your child realizes how fun it is, they will naturally want to stay outside longer. Consistency is more important than duration in this regard.
2: Choose a playground that offers a challenge
Children love a challenge. A playground with only a slide and a swing is boring for many children after just five minutes. Look for places where they can climb, run, cycle, or balance. The more stimulation, the longer they will stay occupied.
Create a inclusive playground for children of all ages It offers exactly that: variety, movement, and challenge all in one. Children stay playing there longer because there is always something new to discover, whether you are on a balance bike or are a bit older.
3: Let children decide for themselves what they do
Free play is valuable. Children don't always have to be engaged in an organized activity outdoors. Give them the space to decide for themselves what to do. This stimulates creativity and ensures they become intrinsically motivated to go outside.
Don't send them outside with a task, but let them explore. Children who are in control of their own play experience more enjoyment and come outside more often on their own initiative.
4: Go outside yourself as a role model
Children look at what adults do, not just what they say. If you are also active outdoors, you send a powerful signal. Go for a bike ride, join in the games in the playground, or play a game in the garden.
You don't always have to play along, but your presence outdoors motivates children enormously. Moreover, it is good for you too. Encouraging outdoor play starts with you.
5: Invite friends for more fun
Playing together is more fun. Children are more likely to go outside and do so more often if friends are with them. Organize an afternoon in your neighborhood or meet up at a playground in the area. Social motivation is one of the strongest driving forces for many children.
Keep it low-threshold: a simple arrangement to cycle or skateboard together is enough. You don't need to turn it into a big event. View our completed projects for inspiration on playgrounds that are perfect for groups of children.
6: Make outdoor play fun in any weather
Rain is no excuse. With the right clothing, playing outside is possible in almost any weather and even extra adventurous. Give children a raincoat and boots, and let them go. Puddles, mud, and wind are part of a true outdoor experience.
Children who learn that playing outside isn't just for sunshine build a healthy habit that lasts all year round. It also helps to be enthusiastic about bad weather yourself, instead of seeing it as an obstacle.
7: Limit screen time as an incentive for outdoor play
Less screen time means more time outdoors. Screens are tempting for children, but they displace outdoor time. Set clear limits on screen use, preferably linked to fixed times of the day. This automatically creates space for outdoor activities.
Don't turn it into a punishment, but a logical change of pace. Screen time after playing outside acts as a natural reward and provides structure to the day. Children accept boundaries better when they understand why they exist.
Getting more exercise starts with the right playground.
The tips above help you get children outside more often, but the environment makes a big difference. A challenging, accessible, and safe play area attracts children and keeps them engaged. That is exactly what we at Velosolutions are committed to.
We design and build high-quality asphalt pumptracks suitable for all ages and all wheels, from balance bikes to BMX bikes, from scooters to inline skates. A pumptrack for children is not just a playground. It is a place where children are challenged, meet friends, and naturally get more exercise.
- Fully custom-designed and built for your location
- Suitable for all ages and wheelchair accessible
- Certified according to WAS legislation and NEN-EN 14974
- 5-year warranty and annual maintenance included
- More than 100 pumptracks realized in the Netherlands
Discover who we are and read how we have been working on movement-friendly playgrounds in the Netherlands for over ten years. Do you want to know what a pumptrack can mean for your neighborhood, municipality, or recreation park? Request a no-obligation consultation and we are happy to think along with you.
