Stay Inside or Play Outside? How to Make That Decision
Schools and daycares have rules or guidelines in place to help teachers determine if the children can enjoy some playtime outside or if it is safer to stay indoors. As parents and individual caregivers, however, the choice is made solely by us. So here are some tips to help you make that decision:
Temperature
The first aspect to think about is the temperature. Is it too hot or too cold? Or is it a sunny, slightly breezy day that’s just right? The general rule for local schools and daycares is that if the temperature, heat index (how hot it feels), or wind chill (how cold it feels) is above 100F or below 32F then children must stay inside. This keeps kiddos from getting either too hot or too cold and getting sick.
I follow this guideline except with the bracket of 40F-90F because that is when the temperature starts causing issues for myself. If the temperature is below 50F, then the children must wear either a jacket or coat. Dressing for the temperature is an important step if you choose to spend some time outside.
Weather
In addition to the temperature, you also need to consider the weather. Are there a few clouds to provide a break from the hot sun? Is it snowing enough to play in? Are storms in the area? Will the wind blow the kids around?
The biggest weather issue we have here is wind. Days with sustained winds of 20MPH or more make it difficult to actually enjoy any outdoor activities. But on hot summer days, a slight breeze helps keep us from getting too warm. Also, strong winds can cause some activities to be dangerous, such as trampolines or sand.
Kiddos love to play in rain and snow. For snow, obviously the temperature will be cold. I just bundle everyone up, and we only stay outside for a maximum of twenty minutes, less if the temperature is below 20F. The kids beg to play in the rain – and rain puddles – no matter what the temperature is. However, I only allow them to go outside if the rain is not accompanied by lightning and thunder and if it is warm to the touch. Cold raindrops cause cold kids.
Home versus Park
When the temperature and weather are cooperative, you now have the option of staying home or taking the kiddos somewhere such as a park. Some homes do not include a yard to play in, such as apartments. Then, of course, a park, zoo, or other outdoor location are your only choices. For those of us with grassy areas or maybe even a playground or outside toys, though, we can choose to stay home.
When I need to decide between keeping the kids home or taking them to the park, I rely on several factors. First of all, what is the weather? On days that there are no chances of bad weather and no strong winds, then we have a chance to go somewhere. But if there might be storms, winds, or drastic temperature changes, then we stay where we can get inside quicker.
I also take into consideration how much time we have. If the children won’t have at least thirty minutes to play, not including the drive there and back, then we don’t go anywhere. Do the kids have activities like sports or clubs? Then we stay home so they can get ready and go when they need to. But if we have a full afternoon with no plans? We head for their favorite local park or, on a more selective occasion, a nearby petting zoo.
Timing
Speaking of having time, just how much time do kids need to play outside? Experts recommend at least one hour of active movement every day. The best place to get that energy is outdoors. Now how much sunlight children need is debated. Thirty minutes? Two hours? Three? Ultimately, it is up to the parents on what each child needs.
Before the kiddos started school, I scheduled outside time twice every day – once before lunch and once after snack. The morning “recess” lasted 30 minutes-1 hour, depending on what else we had going on that morning. After snack, we either went somewhere fun, like the park or the local children’s museum. If we didn’t go anywhere, then I let the kids play until their parents made it home.
This changed seasonally, of course. During winter, we usually had free time inside in the mornings when it was cooler and would go outside in the warmer afternoons. In summer when temperatures often reach 100F, outside time would be in the morning with free play inside in the afternoons. Except on the days we went to the local splash pad to cool off, of course.
Fun Activities to do Outside
Need some ideas what to do with your kiddos outside? Try these:
Chalk Drawings – Get out the chalk, find some concrete, and have an art contest! Have your child lay down and trace around them. Practice writing letters, numbers, or even their name.
Go for a Walk – Walking is great exercise, a fun way to get rid of extra energy, and can lead to some fun exploration! You can go for a short trip around your house, or see what you can find along a path through nature.
Play Some Sports – Have a basketball goal, soccer goal, baseballs, or any other sports equipment? Roll a ball back and forth. Hit golf balls and let the kids find them. See who can make the most baskets.
Read a book – Grab your child’s favorite books and read them in the sunshine! Or get books related to nature. Read the book and then see if you can find the pictures in real life!
Explore – Go somewhere that kids can explore nature. Find bugs, flowers, birds, or even different types of grass and trees.
Ride Bikes or Scooters – Get out the bicycles and helmets. Even if your little one is too small to ride a bike, there are bicycle trailers that can attach to your own that lets them enjoy the ride. Or get a scooter and let your child ride circles around you!
Educational Activities Outside
Want your kiddos to get messy, learn, and enjoy the sunshine all at the same time? Check out my DIY volcano activity! LET’S TALK ABOUT DINOSAURS
Comment below how your family gets outside to enjoy nature!
