We’ve all heard the discouraging news. Kids aren’t getting enough exercise. Whether they are spending too much time watching TV and playing video games, there are many children whose health is on the decline. But, it wasn’t always like this. Think back to your youth. Were you spending hours upon hours sitting on a couch exercising your thumbs? Instead, you were likely playing outside, riding a bike, or hanging around with your friends on a children’s swing set.

Making Outside Fun Again

If playing outside was a video game, lots of kids today would excel at it. However, the reality is that getting up and enjoying the outdoors takes more effort and encouragement than it used to. So, in order to make the backyard a more attractive and exciting place to be, read these tips and ideas on things parents and guardians can do to get their kids outside.

Invest In Imagination

When you encourage kids to use their imaginations, the possibilities are limitless. Whether your little ones like to run around and be actively engaged or they want to sit back and hone their creativity with arts and crafts, there’s plenty of opportunities to have fun without ever leaving your backyard.

Even the most adventurous video game player has probably never actually battled a real enemy. Pick up some pool noodles and let them fight to the point of exhaustion. Or perhaps they can reenact a favorite battle scene using water balloons.

Speaking of water activities, the summer season means that pools and waterparks are sure to draw in kids from all over! While families with backyard pools can definitely take advantage by swimming for hours on end, kids can have just as much fun with a Slip N’ Slide or even an inflatable pool. Just make sure that your children know water safety, from proper swimming techniques to knowing where it’s safe to dive.

For kids with a creative streak, let them draw boundaries. Literally and figuratively drawing boundaries can help create play spaces. There are tons of fun, outdoors arts and crafts activities your kids will love. Whether with sidewalk chalk or paint, drawing on a driveway or a chalkboard painted fence is a great way for kids to express themselves.

Just because they’re on summer vacation, that doesn’t stop some kids from wanting to learn more about their natural environments. For the more curious thinkers and doers, the best place to discover science is outside where the carpets can’t be stained and the house doesn’t need to be aired out. Let them discover the joy of flying a kite, launching a rocket, making a baking soda and vinegar volcano, or simply enjoying bubbles.

Kids with green thumbs can benefit from planting their very own vegetable and flower garden. Another inexpensive learning-oriented backyard upgrade, a simple garden can be placed anywhere with the help of some potting soil, seeds, and imagination. Children will learn more about the environment, and a little bit about where their dinner vegetables comes from when they’re growing it themselves!

Overall, encouraging your kids to get outside is a great way to keep them active and healthy. Kids enjoy being in motion, so considering installing a play structure that allows them to climb, slide, swing, and spin. Many kids will particularly enjoy the innovative approach of toys such as the Super Spinner, a revolutionary new swing that allows the rider to both spin and swing simultaneously.

Keep Safety a Top Priority

Safety should always be a top priority for all parents and guardians. From heightened sun exposure to making sure your children are staying within the safety of your home, here are some tips on how you can keep your kids safe while they have fun.

Summer always signals a shift to hotter, sunnier days for most of the country. With that in mind, it’s especially vital for your kids to stay protected while they play outside. Every day your kids are outside, any exposed skin should be covered in sunscreen that should be reapplied regularly. Taking care of their skin and developing good sun care habits while they are young will also help them keep those habits as they age.

While they’re outside, it’s important that your yard is a protected safe haven that gives you peace of mind. However, no matter how well designed and protected your yard is, nothing replaces adult supervision for kids playing outside. If you’re looking after a whole brood of rambunctious little ones, it could also help to institute a buddy system to make sure no one wanders off.

If your kids have a passion for heights and jumping off of things, make sure they always have a soft landing. Be sure that the material under any play structure is sturdy, yet soft. Some families might prefer rubber mulch, others might want sand or wood mulch. But it should be deep enough for safe landings.

For families surrounded by a lot of greenery, it’s also important to have a knowledge of which plants are poisonous. Keep harmful vegetation like poison ivy off of your property. If you’re unsure if your backyard’s plants are safe, consult a landscaping professional.

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to get kids from the couch to outside without having to tear your hair out in the process. With some planning, the right equipment, and some safe rules, any backyard can become an awesome play zone for kids.

Author bio: Andrew Hoffman is a freelance writer and journalist from Los Angeles, CA, who has written on behalf of a range of clients including the Livestrong Network and Demand Media. In addition to writing on various topics of interest, he enjoys physical fitness, surfing in Santa Monica and collecting classic, first-edition novels. Get in touch with Andrew, here.

Images: www.superspinner.com