I was provided a complimentary kit from The Outsideologist Project and compensation for this article, but all opinions are my own.
Did you know that a majority of today's parents (72%!) believe their family doesn’t spend enough time outside? When their kids do get into the fresh air, 49% of parents report that their kids find the outdoors boring!
To arm parents with tools and resources to encourage more time outside, Claritin® has launched The Outsideologist Project, which aims to get 1.2 million kids outside for an extra hour per week. The initiative provides families with expert-guided activities to bust boredom and foster a love of the great outdoors.
In partnership with Claritin® and The Outsideologist Project, Plymouth Macaroni Kid is bringing you some fun ideas to get outside using our Summer Bucket List! Check out the list below!
1. Jump in puddles: We get our share of rain here, and a rainy day is no reason to stay inside. We get out the rain gear (rain boots are a must!), grab our Outsideologist kit, and go on a puddle hunt through our neighborhood.
2. Check out a "new to you" playground: There are so many great and fun playgrounds in the area. Take advantage of a beautiful day and go for a ride to a new one. Don't know where to start? Check out our Playground Guide for some inspiration.
3. Take an after dinner walk: Savor the "golden hour" and get outside for a walk. We love to bring along our binoculars from our Claritin® Outsideologist Kit to check out all the action. PLUS - research shows that exercise can help kids sleep better and who doesn't want that?
4. Go fly a kite! : Take advantage of the winds and go fly a kite. Find some great spots here. Don't have a kite? Don't worry! Check out the video below to make your own!
5. Plant something: Whether you prefer planting flowers or vegetables, get your child involved. There is so much to be learned about taking care of something. Give your child the responsibility of checking on the plants each day and making sure they are well taken care of. We received the CUTEST gardening tools in our Outsideologist Kit. T can't wait to get outside and check on his plants using all of his tools! Having the convenient bag helps him learn responsibility and clean up each time!
6. Complete an outdoor color scavenger hunt: Kids getting bored outside and need some inspiration? Suggest a color scavenger hunt! Challenge them with a color - or even give them a paint color swatch - and tell them to see how many items they can find with that color. If you are leaving your own backyard, you may want to bring along some gloves!
7. Have a backyard picnic! Choose a meal, any meal (we love breakfast) and bring it outside! Bring a blanket and a few stuffed animals for a true picnic feel. Involve your child by having them set the table, create a menu, or write invitations for all your "stuffed" friends.
8. Immerse your senses and take it all in: Encourage your child to sit quietly and enjoy the time outside. Have them pay attention to their senses: What do they hear? smell? What can they see when they open their eyes? Feel? The binoculars from our Outsideologist Kit helped so much with this activity. We practiced being silent for 30 seconds while looking through the binoculars. That way, we could really focus on what we were seeing!
9. Go for a "hike": Does going for a hike with your children sound intimidating? Start small! Go for short walks and bring a carrier for the littles. Be sure to pack water, sunscreen, and snacks (of course!). Want more ideas for hiking with your kids? Check out "11 Tips for Hiking with Toddlers" (or any kids, really.)
10. Have an outdoor YES Day (within reason 😉): Sometimes kids' suggestions for play are different than what we had in mind, but sometimes, they're the most fun! Practice saying "yes" to suggestions your child makes with play (safety first, obviously), even if it feels out of the box.
Enter to win an Outsideologist Project Kit, from the makers of Claritin®. Each kit includes items to inspire your child’s outdoor exploration as well as samples of Children’s and Adult’s Claritin® so Outsideologists of all ages can get the powerful, non-drowsy allergy relief they need to embrace the wonders of the outdoors. Use as directed. Click HERE to enter! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the United States who are at least 18 years of age at time of entry. Sweepstakes commences at 12:00AM ET on 7/16/21 and ends at 11:59PM ET on 8/16/21. Subject to Official Rules at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OKoHGMu9cg8htJrFilAV4UN8ydyvRki5mBEdRKfXLrs/edit. For prize descriptions see Official Rules.
Be sure to join along in the activities and get inspiration from @OutsideologistProject on Instagram and Facebook, and share your adventures using #GetOutside!
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