When we think back to our own childhood, most of us played outside far more than our children do today. Worries about safety, busier roads, and a world of entertainment built around screens all mean that today’s kids simply spend less time outdoors than we did. If you’re looking for ways to shift the balance, here are some useful tips for less screen time and more green time.
Kids Just Aren’t Getting Outdoors Much
Research from Compass Club by Coillte found that half of children in Ireland (51%) spend 30 minutes or less playing outdoors after school, and most parents (64%) agree that this is far less time than they themselves spent outside as children.
Activities like tree climbing and pitching a tent can feel like a thing of the past, often replaced by phones, tablets and streaming. While technology has real benefits for learning, there’s growing concern about what’s been called “nature deficit disorder” — a generation of children spending much less time in green, outdoor spaces.
There’s also a growing body of research showing that outdoor play and learning supports a child’s development, self-esteem and social skills.
Recommended Reading: Why Letting Your Child Take a Risk May Actually Be Good For Them
How Do We Get Children Away From Screens and Back Outdoors?
Here are some tips:
#1. Let them lead
When you head outdoors, try shifting the focus to free play rather than a list of things kids can and can’t do. This gives them room to use their imagination and take ownership of their own play. Just keep half an eye on them for safety.
#2. Make it family time
Kids love spending time with you, and outdoor exploring is a great chance for bonding. Some fun activities to try together outdoors:
- Play hide and seek
- Hold a scavenger hunt
- Pitch a tent — a great team-building activity that supports your child’s development
- Set up an obstacle course
Recommended Reading: Free 50 Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids Download
#3. Dress appropriately
As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Don’t let the weather put you off.
Let kids get as messy as they need to be — touching, smelling and hearing nature is all part of outdoor exploration. Messy clothes can be washed; the memories stay.
Recommended Reading: 5 Reasons Why Play is Important
#4. Exploring is for all ages
We’re not suggesting your teen will want to play hide and seek with you, but plenty of outdoor activities work for children of all ages. A family walk can be enjoyed by a 6-year-old and a 16-year-old alike, and it’s a great way to bring the whole family together.
Geocaching is a fun option worth trying with kids and teens of any age — a modern-day treasure hunt using GPS to find hidden caches outdoors.
Recommended Reading: Geocaching: A Modern Day Treasure Hunt
#5. Look out for nature camps and classes
Compass Club by Coillte is an afterschool initiative designed to give kids a fun foundation in outdoor skills and activities. You’ll also often find nature-based camps and classes for kids, or outdoor adventure programmes for teens, running near you — outdoor adventure centres are a good place to start. Structured classes like these can be a great way to ease your child or teen into more outdoor activity.
Our Review of Compass Club
We were invited to try out Compass Club and brought our son Conor along to a Coillte Compass Club session on a bright, sunny Saturday morning in Massey Woods, Rathfarnham — the perfect forest setting for the group to explore.
The Compass leaders were hugely enthusiastic, and it was clear they were passionate about what they do. The group headed off into the woods chattering and giggling, and we let them get on with it without hovering.
When we came back to collect Conor, his group was deep in the wood, sitting outside an impressive den they’d built from gathered branches, toasting marshmallows. The children were proud and full of stories about their forest adventure.
The woodland setting was lovely, and it was a special experience for the kids to enjoy hands-on activities together in a natural setting with a new group of friends.
Disclaimer: My son was invited by Compass Club to try the class for free; these are my own opinions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is outdoor play important for children?
Outdoor play supports children’s physical development, builds confidence and self-esteem, and helps them develop social skills through unstructured play with others. It also gives them a break from screens and a chance to use their imagination freely.
How much outdoor time should kids get after school?
There’s no single fixed rule, but many children get far less outdoor time than previous generations. Aiming for regular outdoor play — even short bursts most days — is a realistic and worthwhile goal for busy families.
What if my child resists going outside?
Start small. Letting children lead their own play, choosing activities they enjoy (like a scavenger hunt or den-building), and making it a family activity rather than a chore all help build enthusiasm gradually.
Are outdoor camps and classes a good alternative to screen time?
Yes — structured nature camps, outdoor adventure classes and afterschool nature programmes can be a great way to introduce children to outdoor skills in a supported setting, especially if free play at home is a tough sell at first.
Related Articles
- Why Letting Your Child Take a Risk May Actually Be Good For Them
- 10 Mega Fun Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids
- Get Active: Fun Obstacle Course Ideas for Kids
- 5 Reasons Why Play is Important
- Geocaching: A Modern Day Treasure Hunt
- Free 50 Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids Download
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