What’s the point of springtime if you’re going to spend the majority of it inside? Now that the weather is clearing up, spring break is over and everyone’s getting antsy, it’s time to get back outside or in nature...and bring your kiddos while you’re at it.

Playing outside has so many benefits for children, from mental health improvements to more engaged learning. Plus, being in nature is linked to stronger motor development and lower obesity rates, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Kids, especially the toddler and preschool set, are naturally curious and exploratory, so getting out in nature can help them scratch that itch, so to speak. Apologies to any parents whose kids have spring allergies and will literally be scratching; I feel for you because my kid is one of them!

Anyway, here are a few tips on how to help your child explore and appreciate the great outdoors, no matter their age. You can opt for a local wildlife sanctuary, a nature reserve or your own backyard; all outdoor time counts!

1. Start small and local. The key to making a family nature trip fun and not a disaster is by preparing yourselves in advance, says The Nature Conservancy. This can involve asking around for great local spots, starting small (no first-timer needs a three-hour hike!) and showing up over prepared to your destination. Some examples of the latter include wearing appropriate footwear, packing extra clothes for each family member, loading up on band-aids and sunscreen and bringing all the snacks. Seriously, don’t forget the snacks!

2. Make nature a part of your daily routine. As you probably know by now, kids thrive with a daily or weekly schedule. The sooner you incorporate outdoor play into your day, the more likely your child is to want to do it. This can mean going to the playground after school or taking a weekly nature walk on Saturday mornings. Fit it in how and when it works best for your family, and you’re all more likely to stay consistent.

3. Relocate indoor activities outside. If your child is resistant at first to the newness of nature, try moving some activities they already enjoy to your porch, patio or park on good-weather days. This can include painting or crafts (my son knows messy spin art is an outdoor-only activity), reading, or eating a picnic lunch sprawled out on an oversized blanket. 

4. Lean into their outdoor interests. Once you’re out and about, see what it is about the environment that draws your child in. Are they into feeding the ducks at the duck pond? Stepping on crunchy leaves? Inspecting bugs? Whatever it is they’re taking a liking to can become an incentive for you to get them out there and doing it next time. You can even buy or borrow kids’ nature books on specific topics to read up and learn more.

5. Think up unique ways to explore. Feeding off of your child’s interests (and keeping their age in mind) can offer up some ideas on how to really soak in your time outside. Some age-appropriate nature ideas from the AAP include taking your baby outside for storytime or tummy time; having a preschooler build nature structures or ride a bike; and encouraging older kids to walk a hiking trail or kick a ball around. 

And remember, a little dirt won’t hurt! Let kids be kids when they’re playing outside, which can get messy and gross but is all the more reason to bathe them later. This is how so many core memories are made, folks.

How did you or do you plan to get your kids out in nature?

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