Put Down the Video Games and Go Outside

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Birding , Hiking

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Today's youth are spending less time exploring our natural world. With so many fun, new toys that compete to keep children indoors, how do you inspire your child to put down their video games and get outside?

Read tips on how to encourage children to enjoy the great outdoors from our online community and share a few of your own.

Comments from the Community

Submitted by
KIrk Werner
July 28, 2011

My kids are older now so they do their own thing. However, I still go fly fishing with my son whenever possible, and have done so with him since he was young. I've written a series of fly fishing books for kids and my goal, and that of the books, is to promote fly fishing as a great activity for kids. There's so much more to it than catching fish–it's about the natural experience, learning about conservation, fish, bugs and other critters, and gaining an appreciation for our natural resources.

Submitted by
KG
July 28, 2011

I agree with another post- Go WITH them. Our children learn by example. This weekend I will be knee-deep in a creek with our kids looking for newts and crawfish. After that, three mile hike up Whiteside mountain in NC. Pass on the simple memories of your childhood to them.

Submitted by
MLucas
July 28, 2011

Consider doing it the old-fashioned way - take them fishing or berry-picking. Plan it so they'll be rewarded with some success. Kids have been helping their family gather food in the wild since before we were even human. It's a natural skill, they'll learn to be observant and have fun.

Submitted by
Pam
July 9, 2011

We live near Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. A favorite pastime is to take a picnic to the seashore and then return via Bio Lab Road, where we conduct our famous alligator count. It is simple enough fun, that hones our natural vision and puts us back in touch with all those who have lived here long before there were humans wandering around gouging the landscape and covering everything in sight with concrete.

Submitted by
Yo' Mama
July 8, 2011

Go WITH them! Pack a portable lunch and GO! Go to the local park, a nearby creek, a drive to wherever (count the trees/birds/rocks/whatever nature is visible on the way) and have a picnic and hike (or stroll). Let them stay up late (even if only a ½ hour) and drive to a dark road. Turn off all the car’s lights and stand by the car; just listen and look around and up – no talking. On the drive home discuss what y’all saw, heard, felt, smelled, . . .

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