Did you know that the average American child spends only 4-7 minutes outdoors each day? That’s far from the recommended amount. Experts suggest that children need significantly more outdoor time—ranging from 180 minutes per day (World Health Organization) to 4-6 hours daily (Charlotte Mason). Yet, most preschool programs are only required to provide 30 minutes of outdoor play daily, and elementary school children often get just 20 minutes of recess. Worse, if it’s too cold or rainy, outdoor time may be canceled altogether.

As parents, this means we need to be intentional about prioritizing outdoor time after school and work. Spring, with its warmer temperatures and longer days, is an ideal time to start building better outdoor habits. Let’s look at why outdoor play is so beneficial and how you can make it a bigger part of your family’s routine.

The Benefits of Outdoor Play

Spending time outdoors isn’t just fun—it’s essential for children’s health and development. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Increased Physical Activity – Playing outside encourages movement, which helps maintain a healthy weight and supports strong bones and muscles.
• Vitamin D Production – Sun exposure is essential for vitamin D synthesis, which promotes bone health and immune function.
• Motor Skill Development – Running, climbing, and jumping help improve coordination, balance, and fine motor skills.
• Better Sleep Quality – Exposure to natural light and physical activity helps regulate sleep patterns, leading to more restful nights.
• Reduced Stress and Anxiety – Nature is calming and helps lower stress levels in children (and adults!).
• Encourages Creativity and Problem-Solving – Unstructured outdoor play allows kids to use their imaginations and develop critical thinking skills.

Making Outdoor Time a Priority

To encourage kids to spend more time outdoors, make it fun and engaging by incorporating their interests and creating a positive outdoor environment. Here are some strategies:

• Set Up Engaging Outdoor Activities – Plan scavenger hunts, set up a backyard obstacle course, or try nature crafts.
• Invest in Fun Outdoor Toys – A great way to keep kids excited about going outside is by providing engaging toys. Check out my list of our favorite outdoor toys for spring: The Best Outdoor Toys for Spring.
• Take on a Family Challenge – Consider trying the 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge. In 2021, my family participated, aiming for 1,000 hours outdoors in a year, which averages to 2 hours 45 minutes per day. For cold climates like Maine, the challenge recommends different seasonal goals:
  • January & February – 1 hour/day
  • March – 2 hours/day
  • April – 3 hours/day
  • May – 4 hours/day
  • June & July – 5 hours/day
  • August – 4 hours/day
  • September – 3 hours/day
  • October & November – 2 hours/day
  • December – 1 hour/day

How My Family Spends Our Spring Outdoor Time

If you’re wondering how to fit in more outdoor play, here’s how my family structures our days in the spring months:

March (Average 3 Hours Outside)

• 7:30-8:30 AM – Neighborhood walk/bike ride and play outside before school
• 10:00-11:00 AM – Playground or backyard play before lunch
• 3:30-4:30 PM – Sledding, bike riding, basketball, sidewalk chalk, or other activities after school

April (Average 4 Hours Outside)

• 7:30-8:30 AM – Neighborhood walk/bike ride and play outside before school
• 10:00-11:30 AM – Playground or backyard play and eat lunch outside
• 3:30-5:00 PM – Bike riding, basketball, sidewalk chalk, and more after school

May (Average 5 Hours Outside)

• 7:30-8:30 AM – Neighborhood walk/bike ride and play outside before school
• 9:30-11:30 AM – Morning snack, playground or backyard play, and eat lunch outside
• 3:30-4:30 PM – Bike riding, basketball, sidewalk chalk, and more after school
• 5:30-6:30 PM – Outdoor spring sports practice or games, cooking and eating dinner outside, or free play

Final Thoughts

The key to increasing outdoor time is to make it a natural part of your family’s daily routine. Whether it’s walking before school, playing in the backyard, or taking on a challenge like 1,000 Hours Outside, small efforts add up over time. As the weather warms up, set a goal to get outside more, and watch as your kids (and you!) reap the many benefits.

How do you plan to increase your family’s outdoor time this spring? Share your thoughts in the comments!