Real-life examples of encouraging outdoor play instead of screen time

Everyday examples of encouraging outdoor play instead of screen time

Let’s start with what you probably came for: real, specific ideas you can try this week. These examples of encouraging outdoor play instead of screen time are designed for regular families with limited time, mixed-age kids, and not-always-perfect weather.

One powerful example of a simple shift is the “outdoor first” rule after school. Instead of walking in, dropping backpacks, and heading to a device, some parents set the expectation that the first 20–30 minutes are always outdoors. No arguing, no bargaining – it’s just “how we do things.” Kids can choose what they do: shoot hoops, ride scooters, dig in dirt, or just wander. The structure is the rule (outdoor first), but the freedom is in the activity. Over time, many kids start to look forward to this reset after a long day indoors.

Another of the best examples includes “screen tokens” that can only be earned outside. For instance, 30 minutes of outdoor play might equal 10–15 minutes of screen time later. You don’t have to present it as a bribe; you can frame it as “We balance our day with movement and rest.” This system works especially well for kids who are very motivated by screens and need a clear, concrete connection between choices and privileges.

Examples of outdoor play that compete with screens (and win)

If you want examples of encouraging outdoor play instead of screen time that kids actually choose, they need to be interesting enough to compete with a highly stimulating screen. That doesn’t mean expensive or elaborate. It just means a bit of thought and some novelty.

One example of a low-effort, high-interest idea is a backyard or balcony “challenge course.” Use what you already have: chalk lines to balance on, a few buckets to jump over, a jump rope, or cushions laid out as “lava rocks.” Time your child and write down their “personal record.” Many kids will repeat the course over and over just to beat their time. You can rotate obstacles weekly to keep it fresh.

Another of the best examples is the “neighborhood mission.” Instead of saying, “Go for a walk,” which sounds boring, try: “Let’s see if we can find five different kinds of leaves,” or “Let’s count how many dogs we see in 15 minutes.” For older kids, you might turn it into a photography mission using a basic camera or your phone with Wi-Fi off: find something red, something tiny, something that looks like a face in nature. The structure makes the walk feel more like a game than a chore.

Families also report success with evening light play as days get shorter. Glow sticks, flashlights, and simple headlamps turn the yard or driveway into an instant adventure zone. Think flashlight tag, shadow puppets on the fence, or “treasure hunts” where kids look for reflective stickers you’ve hidden. This is one of those real examples where kids forget to ask for screens because the outdoor option feels special and slightly mysterious.

Examples of encouraging outdoor play instead of screen time by age

Kids at different ages need different hooks. Here are real examples of encouraging outdoor play instead of screen time that line up with typical age interests.

Preschool and early elementary

For younger kids, sensory and pretend play usually win. One example of a simple setup is an outdoor “mud kitchen”: a few old pots, spoons, and containers, plus dirt, water, and leaves. You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy build; a plastic bin on a low table works fine. Kids can “cook,” mix, and serve “soup” for a surprisingly long time.

Another example of a hit with this age group is nature scavenger hunts. You can keep it super simple: “Find something rough, something smooth, something that smells good, and something that makes noise when you shake it.” This encourages kids to slow down and really notice their environment, which supports sensory development and curiosity.

Tweens

Tweens often need a social or skill-based reason to go outside. One of the best examples includes turning outdoor time into a mini project. That might mean learning to shoot baskets from different spots, practicing a skateboard trick, or building a simple bird feeder from a kit. The key is to frame it as “Let’s see if you can master this” instead of “You need to get off your device.”

Some families have also had success with “outdoor jobs that feel grown-up”: washing the car, watering plants with a hose, or setting up a small vegetable or herb patch they’re responsible for. When tweens feel trusted and competent, they’re more likely to head outside without a fight.

Teens

For teens, autonomy is everything. Real examples of encouraging outdoor play instead of screen time for this age group often involve transportation and freedom. That might mean biking to a nearby coffee shop, walking a dog solo, or organizing a pickup basketball game at a local court.

Another example of a teen-friendly approach is tying outdoor time to fitness or mood goals that matter to them. Many teens are aware of mental health struggles among their peers. You can share that regular physical activity and time outdoors are associated with better mood and lower stress (see, for example, research summarized by the National Institutes of Health). Then, instead of “You have to go outside,” it becomes, “When you’re feeling fried from school or social media, a 15-minute walk or run can actually help your brain reset.”

Using routines: examples of outdoor-first habits that stick

Most families don’t need more willpower; they need better routines. Here are examples of encouraging outdoor play instead of screen time that rely on habits rather than constant nagging.

One widely used example of a routine is the “screen-free window” each day. For instance, from 3:30–5:00 p.m., no one uses personal screens, adults included. That time is for homework, outdoor play, or indoor non-screen activities. Because it’s the same every day, kids stop arguing as much. They know screens simply aren’t available during that window.

Another of the best examples includes pairing outdoor time with something your child already loves. If your kid is obsessed with audiobooks or music, you might say, “You can listen to your audiobook, but only while you walk, ride your bike, or bounce a ball in the driveway.” Suddenly, going outside becomes the way to access something they enjoy.

Some families also create weekly outdoor rituals: Saturday morning park trips, Sunday evening family walks, or “Friday Night Backyard Games” with simple contests like longest Frisbee throw or most jump rope skips. These predictable events give kids something to anticipate, and they slowly shift the family culture toward seeing outdoor time as normal, not optional.

Community-based examples that make outdoor play the default

You don’t have to do this alone. Some of the strongest examples of encouraging outdoor play instead of screen time involve other families, schools, or community spaces.

One example of this is forming a “neighborhood play hour.” A few families agree that from, say, 4–5 p.m. on weekdays, kids will be outside in front yards, driveways, or a shared green space. Kids are much more likely to put down a device if they know their friends will be out too. This mirrors the kind of unstructured neighborhood play many adults remember from their own childhoods.

Schools and after-school programs can also help. In 2024–2025, many schools are paying more attention to physical activity and outdoor time because of rising concerns about sedentary behavior and mental health. The CDC highlights how regular physical activity supports both physical and emotional well-being. If your child’s school offers walking clubs, outdoor clubs, or sports “try-it” days, those are real examples of encouraging outdoor play instead of screen time that you can support and reinforce at home.

Community organizations—like YMCAs, nature centers, and local parks departments—often run family hikes, nature play days, and low-cost sports programs. These events show kids that outdoor fun isn’t just a “parent rule”; it’s something lots of people do. Check your city’s parks and recreation website or local YMCA for upcoming events.

Turning screens into tools for outdoor play

Here’s an angle that surprises some parents: not all screen use is the enemy of outdoor time. Some of the best examples of encouraging outdoor play instead of screen time actually use technology as a bridge.

For instance, you might let your child use a step-counting app or a simple fitness tracker to set a daily movement goal, then go outside to reach it. Or you might use a star-gazing app to identify constellations during a nighttime backyard hangout. The key is that the screen is a tool for engaging with the real world, not a replacement for it.

Older kids might enjoy using phones (with data or Wi-Fi off if needed) to document outdoor projects: time-lapse videos of a plant growing, photos of birds that visit your yard, or a video of a trick they’re learning on a skateboard. These are real examples where screens support outdoor engagement instead of pulling kids away from it.

If your child loves gaming, you might look for outdoor-themed challenges inspired by their favorite games. For example, if they like building games, challenge them to build a “base” or “village” out of sticks, cardboard, and natural materials in the yard. If they like adventure or quest games, turn a hike into a “quest” with checkpoints and rewards.

Why these examples matter: what the research says

You don’t need a study to know your kid is in a better mood after running around outside, but it can be reassuring to know the science backs you up.

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that excessive screen time is linked with sleep problems, behavior issues, and higher risk of obesity, while active play and time outdoors support healthy development and mental health. You can read more about their guidance on media use and physical activity in their Family Media Plan resources from HealthyChildren.org (the AAP’s parent site).

Research on physical activity summarized by the CDC shows that kids and teens who are active have better cardiorespiratory fitness, stronger bones and muscles, and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. Time in nature has also been associated with improved attention and lower stress in children.

All of this doesn’t mean screens are “bad” and outdoor play is “good” in a moral sense. It just means that, from a health and development standpoint, kids benefit when we regularly choose the kinds of examples of encouraging outdoor play instead of screen time that tilt the balance toward movement, fresh air, and unstructured exploration.

FAQ: Real-world questions about encouraging outdoor play

What are some simple examples of encouraging outdoor play instead of screen time on busy weekdays?

On hectic days, think small and automatic. One example of a realistic routine is a non-negotiable 15-minute “fresh air break” right after school or before dinner. Kids can choose the activity—shooting hoops, chalk art, scooter rides—but the outdoor part isn’t optional. Another example of a quick win is eating a snack on the porch or steps instead of at the table with a device nearby. That tiny shift often leads to a few extra minutes of spontaneous outdoor play.

Can you give an example of outdoor play that works in a small space or apartment setting?

Yes. A classic example of this is turning a small courtyard, patio, or even sidewalk stretch into a chalk zone with hopscotch, target circles for tossing beanbags, or “roads” for toy cars and scooters. Another example of space-friendly outdoor play is bubble games—kids can chase, pop, or try to keep a bubble in the air as long as possible. The key is repetition and routine: if you keep a small outdoor bin by the door with chalk, bubbles, and a ball, kids are more likely to grab something on their way out.

What are examples of outdoor play ideas for kids who say they’re “not sporty”?

Not every child wants to play organized sports, and that’s fine. Real examples of encouraging outdoor play instead of screen time for non-sporty kids include nature art (collecting leaves, sticks, and rocks to make patterns or “pictures” on the ground), bug or bird watching with a simple notebook, or building tiny “fairy houses” or “animal shelters” from natural materials. You can also try quiet outdoor reading on a blanket, or cloud-watching and making up stories about the shapes you see.

How can I use consequences or rewards without turning everything into a battle over screens?

Many parents find it helpful to frame outdoor time as a normal part of family life, not just a condition for earning screens. That said, some examples of balanced approaches include: “We do 30 minutes outside before any gaming,” or “Weekend screen time happens after we’ve done something active outdoors as a family.” You can also reward effort rather than time: “If you try that new scooter trick for 10 minutes, you can tell Grandma about it later on video chat.” The idea is to link screens to real-world experiences, not make them the main event.

Are there examples of outdoor play that also help with my child’s mental health?

Many families notice that outdoor movement helps kids who are anxious, moody, or wound up after school. Gentle walks, biking at a comfortable pace, or playing catch can all support emotional regulation. Some parents create a routine where they talk with their child about their day only while walking outside together. This makes outdoor time a safe, calm space. Research on physical activity and mental health, including work highlighted by the NIH, supports what you’re seeing: regular movement and time outdoors are linked with better mood and lower stress.

You don’t need perfect weather, a giant yard, or endless free time to make this work. Start by choosing just one or two examples of encouraging outdoor play instead of screen time that feel doable for your family this week. Try them consistently for a couple of weeks, tweak what isn’t working, and keep going.

Over time, those small, repeatable choices add up. Screens stop being the automatic default, and outdoor play slowly becomes just “what we do around here.”