14 Things That Helped Us Do The 1000 Hours Outside Challenge
They say time slows when you are in nature and especially when you are experiencing new things.
It feels like my kids are growing up faster all the time!
I want to enjoy their childhoods as much as I can while they are little, and I want them to enjoy it too.
I know I can't literally slow time down, but I find that I get more out of life with my kids when we get outside year round.
I have certainly noticed that the weeks seem to fly by when we are inside doing the same things everyday.
In contrast, spending significant time outside brings extraordinary memories and it really does feel like time slows down.
The number one factor that has determined how long my kids will stay outside, regardless of the season, is their gear.
After all the work it takes just to get out the door I want to stay out as long as possible.
So, here are some things that have been useful for us as we have spent more time away from home.
This is not a list of outdoor play "essentials," but maybe a few of these items will be helpful to you too.
There are the obvious outdoor accessories like a bucket hat for babies, a bright baseball cap to make it easier to spot your kid, and hiking shoes for little kids.
But I've listed some things you may not have thought of that make outdoor living a whole lot easier.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own. Thank you for your support and help in keeping The Bucket List Chronicles running!
Turkish towels make swim days much easier. They are lightweight but still absorbent.
They also roll up super small and dry so quickly.
And you don't need expensive Sand Cloud brand towels.
These inexpensive Turkish towels work perfectly. There are many colors to choose from and each towel comes with a travel bag.
 |
| The pink towel on the right is one of our Turkish towels. I can easily fit six of them in a backpack! And they dry much quicker than conventional towels. |
2. I make a loose plan for the week
I don't make a detailed plan for every day because that stresses me out.
However, it has been extremely helpful to have a general idea of what we will be doing outside for the week. I've got my list of ideas categorized by season that I can reference at the start of every week.
I'll choose a few outdoor activities we could try and maybe a hike or park we could go to during the week. I make several decisions all at once so I don't have to think of ideas on repeat everyday.
Next, I'll make small preparations for the week.
If the kids ask to go swimming, I will pack the beach bag so it's ready to go whenever we decide it's time.
If it's likely to rain, I'll put their rain jackets where they are easy to access.
It's not so much about making a set schedule, but the idea is to help things flow and make outdoor play less of a hassle at the last minute.
3. Water shoes
These are especially helpful when my kids want to switch between the splash pad and playground on repeat.
And of course they are perfect for exploring alongside streams and lakes.
This particular pair is sturdier than other water shoes we have tried and have held up well.
And these toddler water shoes are lightweight on top with sturdy soles. Velcro straps make them easy to put on and remove.
4. I pack the night before
I do things like packing lunches and snacks and fill water bottles the night before our outing. I also pack the beach bag or hiking backpack if needed.
For snow activities, I load all our winter gear into a couple laundry baskets and place them in the back of the car. Then, in the morning, I only have to get the kids in the car.
This makes it simpler to get out the next day. Not only do we leave the house earlier, but I am less likely to back out because I am already prepared for the day.
 |
| Getting out the door really is faster when I prepare the night before. We spend less time scrambling to get ready and more time at parks and on the trails. |
I prefer items that have several types of uses.
Sure, we like a quality insulated water bottle for keeping our drinks cool, but they have also come in handy on cold days when we take hot cider or hot chocolate with us.
I prefer an Owala bottle instead of Yeti or Stanley because they are lightweight for my kids to carry.
I suggest bright color 16 oz bottles for little kids so they are easy to find when left somewhere outside.
You can also get a larger one for sharing with babies and toddlers
I recommend this half gallon bottle as a thermos to keep soup warm for winter picnics. It's bulky but comes with a strap and you can remove the straw while Owala straws are built in.
Sunglasses keep my kids more comfortable and therefore more willing to stay out and play longer, especially on sunny days in the snow.
These durable kid sunglasses are near impossible to break so they're perfect for toddlers and little kids. They have shatter-proof lenses and bendable temple arms.
They come in red, mint, pink, and deep green.
 |
| My kids are willing to stay out longer when they aren't being blinded by the sun. Flexible sunglasses don't break like your typical pair of toddler shades. |
7. I keep the car stocked
Keep hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and sunscreen in the car. Extra reusable water bottles that are already filled come in handy too.
Getting myself and the kids ready to go feels more peaceful knowing I have backups in case I forget something which happens more often than not.
When I have a toddler, I find it's helpful to have a small toddler toilet with a small grocery bag and a diaper to catch the mess. I keep these in the back of the car in case of bathroom break emergencies.
Be sure to check your car once a month or so to resupply if needed.
8. Shoe chains or cleats
These not only make hiking on snow and ice easier, but possible with little and big kids alike.
We can go much farther and we have more fun when we're not slipping all over the place.
These chains for adults and these cleats for kids, including toddlers, stretch to fit over any hiking shoes or boots.
Wool socks are better at keeping feet warm especially if they get wet compared to synthetic fiber.
Be sure to check product materials when shopping for any wool clothing. The ideal for material is more 50% wool or more.
These merino wool socks for kids are 70% wool but not itchy.
10. Wool gloves
These have made the biggest difference in how long we can play in the snow.
They aren't bulky and allow for more dexterity than padded water resistant gloves.
And my kids' hands don't instantly freeze when they get wet like they do when wearing synthetic fiber knit gloves.
These kids gloves are 100% wool with a fleece lining for comfort.
 |
| I enjoy hiking and sledding with my kids even more when they aren't fussing about their bulky mittens or wet synthetic gloves. Wool knit gloves make winter play better for all of us. |
11. We are intentional with screen time
The creator of 1000 Hours gives the impression that screen time is bad while outdoor time is always best, but that's not true at all.
There are benefits to having regular screen time as long as it is intentional.
And it doesn't always have to be educational. In fact, I prefer it to be primarily entertainment. Kids need to relax and take mental breaks too.
One of the greatest benefits of screen time in my home is that I get a break while being a stay-at-home parent.
The key for us has been to find harmony in using screen time for our kids.
When they are addicted to video games or watching shows for most of the day it's immensely harder to get them outside.
For example, my kids usually get to watch a movie or part of a movie for their screen time. With a movie it's done when it's done whereas TV shows are designed to keep kids watching.
If being screen free for a few hours in order to play outdoors is miserable for you and your kids, maybe it's time to assess whether screen time is serving you or if you are a slave to a screen addiction.
I love hiking and contact naps and it's the best ever when I can do both at the same time!
I have loved my Ergo baby carrier and have used it with each of my three babies. It's an investment that has been well worth it.
Not only is it adjustable for me and my baby. It also has a sunshade built in and a zipper pocket in the front for a diaper, small packet of wipes, and a snack for me.
 |
| Taking my third baby on a waterfall hike at 4 months old. |
I am not at all affiliated with Reima, I just think these playsuits are cool.
They're better than snow pants at keeping little ones warm and dry because they are more waterproof. Plus they are less bulky than snow pants and built to last.
You can layer warm clothes underneath for snow play and use it on rainy days too.
It's perfect for both splashing in mud puddles and going down wet slides without getting soaked.
If you have multiple kids or plan to have multiple kids, get your playsuits in bright but gender neutral colors so they can be handed down to younger siblings.
14. We don't have tablets or iPads for our kids
No shade of you love having tablets for your kids. You can have them and a lot of outdoor adventures too.
I prefer going without tablets altogether so I don't ever have to deal with tantrums or negotiations over them.
Getting outside is so much easier when I don't have to drag my kids away from a tablet.
I've noticed a big difference with my kids compared to other kids I have cared for who expect iPad time throughout the day.
Honestly, I would only get one for an overseas flight with little kids. And I would only want one for them to share.
What is something that helps you and your kids play outside everyday?
Let me know what my list is missing in the comments!
Comments
Post a Comment