You may be familiar with the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge, but if not it is a movement encouraging families, individuals, and communities to immerse themselves in nature for a thousand hours within a year. If you are like me, living somewhere its dark and cold most of the winter, this may seem like an impossible goal.

With spring and summer right around the corner, it is a great time to think about an outdoor hour challenge that feels doable for your family and commit to it!

The Essence of the Challenge

Nature has so many benefits for physical and mental well-being. Committing to a certain number of outdoor hours will help your family get regular doses of fresh air, sunshine, and greenery. Whether it’s hiking through forests, picnicking in parks, or simply stargazing under the night sky.

Pick an outdoor hour goal for your family that feels challenging yet doable. For my family I plan on shooting for 250 hours which is right around 2 hours a day outside each day May- August. Of course some days will have more outdoor time than others.

Next, find a way to track it with your family! A whiteboard, a pen and paper or a fun calendar can do the trick! Every moment spent outside contributes to the overarching goal.

Here is a tracker I whipped up in MS Word you can print to use! Simply color one flower petal for every hour spent outside. Busy schedules, bad weather, and competing commitments may come up and make your goal seem out of reach. Even on hectic days, carving out a few minutes to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and marvel at the beauty of the natural world can make a world of difference.

Tips for Getting More Outdoor Time

Here are some simple ways moms can encourage outdoor exploration and play:

1. Create Outdoor Play Spaces: Designate an area in the backyard or nearby park specifically for outdoor play. This could include a sandbox, swings, climbing structures, or even just a patch of grass for running around.
2. Lead by Example: Children often mimic their parents’ behaviors, so if moms prioritize spending time outdoors, kids are more likely to follow suit. Take walks, go for bike rides, or enjoy picnics in the park together. On nice days I will pack PB&J’s and bring them along to the park to eat outside instead of coming home for lunch.
3. Organize Nature Scavenger Hunts: Make outdoor excursions more exciting by organizing scavenger hunts. Create a list of items commonly found in nature, such as pinecones, wildflowers, or animal tracks, and challenge kids to find them.
4. Plan Outdoor Activities: Organize outdoor activities like camping trips, nature walks, or visits to local parks. By making outdoor adventures a regular part of family life, kids will develop a love for nature and outdoor activities.
5. Limit Screen Time: Set boundaries around screen time and encourage outdoor play as an alternative. Designate specific times of the day or week for outdoor activities, ensuring that kids have ample opportunities to explore and engage with nature.
6. Encourage Unstructured Play: Allow kids the freedom to explore and play outdoors without constant supervision or structured activities. Unstructured play fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and a deeper connection to nature.
7. Gardening Together: Start a small garden together, whether it’s in the backyard, on a balcony, or in pots on a windowsill. Involving children in gardening teaches them about plant life, responsibility, and the satisfaction of growing their own food.
8. Outdoor Art and Crafts: Take arts and crafts projects outside for a change of scenery. Gather natural materials like leaves, flowers, and rocks to create artwork, or simply let kids unleash their creativity with sidewalk chalk or watercolor paints. BONUS- It is way less messy to craft outside!
9. Join Outdoor Clubs or Groups: Look for local outdoor clubs or nature-based organizations that offer family-friendly activities. This provides opportunities for kids to socialize with peers while exploring the outdoors under adult supervision.
10. Embrace All Weather Conditions: Encourage outdoor play in all types of weather, whether it’s sunny, rainy, or snowy. Dress appropriately and teach kids to appreciate the beauty of nature in every season.

By incorporating these simple strategies into daily routines, you can help to inspire a lifelong love of the outdoors, fostering a deeper connection to nature and promoting physical and mental well-being.

What are some ways you get your family outside more? Let us know in the comments below!