By Emily Rietema
52 Amazing Hikes! 1000 Hours Outside! These program headlines get my heart pounding for the next big outdoor adventure. My family loves a good outdoor challenge, and I hope at some point in the summer we get to do something big. But, in reality, most of the long days of summer will be spent at home. The real challenge is to form a practice of spending time each day outside in our own yard.
A couple of summers ago, a garden spider moved into our yard and captured our attention. We checked on it several times a day and spent weeks making observations. We watched it spin its web, capture and wrap up prey, make web repairs, and later form an egg sac. Getting to know that garden spider became a shared family experience that connected us to one another and to God through God’s creation. It showed us life happening right outside our door.
Young kids are really good at paying attention to life around them. They are naturally curious and wonder about the world, and they want to share what they notice. Children seem to lose this wonder a little bit as they get older, which is why time outside is imperative.
Nature ignites our imaginations and aims us toward the Creator. When we look at the elaborate details of a spider web or delight in the song of a bird we’re pointed to God’s goodness and attention. In Genesis 1:31 it says, “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.”
Outside time can be part of a regular day. We eat outside, read outside, play games outside, and do chores outside. Many days my kids initiate their own play outside. Often, it is a requirement that I have to enforce, but either way, it’s part of our daily rhythm.
Unstructured outdoor play is even more important. The broken down pick-up in the alley becomes a pirate ship, Dave the dove is a regular guest, and a simple game of horse morphs into a version with never before seen rules. Even for my teenager who no longer plays pretend with his brothers, just the very act of being outside boosts his spirit and creativity. It is no exaggeration to say that for each person in my family, there is a direct correlation between well-being and time spent outside.
There is a communal aspect to being outside as well. Knowing and being known by neighbors brings both security and joy to the neighborhood. Kids spontaneously play with each other, and kids and adults get to know each other as well. We’re paying attention to life around us in all sorts of ways.
Here are my kids’ current favorite everyday ways to spend time outside:
- Incredibly, all three of my kids still like to be read to. We throw a blanket on the lawn, and I’ll read to them or let an audiobook do the work.
- My 9 year old makes obstacle courses. The rules change by the minute, but it’s always fun.
- My 11 year old shoots baskets as well as observes any changes to the plants in our yard.
- My 14 year old puts on his headphones and walks around or lays in the hammock. When we go on a walk together, that’s when he really talks with me.
When you create a family rhythm of spending time outside, it’s an opportunity to imagine, play, create, and connect with God our Creator. If you are looking for specific ways to enjoy the outdoors as a family this summer, check out the links below.
60 Summer Outdoor Activities for Kids
About Emily Rietema: Emily lives with her husband and three boys in Kansas City, Kansas. She is an experienced educator with a special interest in social justice. Emily is deeply committed to her neighborhood and engages in Christian community development practices to help build a strong and connected community. She enjoys running, baking, and tending the garden.
Emily Rietema serves on the Youthfront Christian parenting and caregiving resource team.
