You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to enjoy time with your kids. In fact, you can spend quality time with your kids in the backyard of your home.
Whether you have a picnic, build a sandcastle in the summer or a snowman in the winter, or do something else, there are plenty of fun things to do.
One previous study found that kids spend four to seven minutes daily playing outside compared to seven hours or more sitting in front of a screen. Getting kids to spend more time outdoors is good for their physical and mental health.
Continue reading to look at three things to do with your kids in the backyard — and it’s not all about playing either.
1. Cook a Pizza
Do your kids love eating pizza? When it comes to eating pizza, many people call their favorite pizza shop to order what they want. But did you know that over 200 million Americans buy, cook, and eat frozen pizza they get from grocery stores? That’s more than 50% of the U.S. population.
But if you really want to have a pizza party with your kids outside, skip the pizza shop and the frozen pizza section. Get an outdoor pizza oven, and make your own pizzas. It’ll be more fun when everyone actively participates in meal prep.
Set out a table with the pizza dough, sauces, cheeses, and other ingredients in suitable containers or platters. Then, let your kids create their own unique pizzas. If one likes plain cheese pizzas, set out various types of cheeses. Does one of your kids like a meat lover’s pizza while another wants a veggie or even vegan option? You can get the right ingredients so that each person gets an individualized pizza. After they create their culinary masterpieces, they can take turns cooking their pizzas in the outdoor pizza oven. Everyone will enjoy eating their pizzas outside.
2. Build Something
Have you ever built a snowman outdoors with your kids? How about a sand castle? Depending on the time of year, you can join your kids in some fun outdoor construction. If you live in a part of the country where there’s a lot of snow in the winter, wait for a day when the meteorologist forecasts a massive dumping of snow. You can work together to build the ultimate snowman. You don’t have to name the snowman — or woman — Frosty. That name’s been taken. Allow your kids to name their creation, and dress it up in a hat, sunglasses, and maybe a scarf.
Perhaps you and your kids aren’t fond of being outdoors for long periods during the winter. Not everyone enjoys playing in the snow or absorbing the icy cold temperatures. You might want to do your building during the spring or summer months. Do you have a sandbox in your backyard? If so, you can build a sand castle together. Ensure everyone gets involved. You’ll all enjoy building up a magnificent castle. And, of course, let your kids take the lead in its construction.
3. Plant a Garden
With the prices for groceries going up, now’s as good a time as any to start growing as much of your own food as you can. You don’t have to have acres of land to build a garden. Even a small plot of land — like a section of your backyard — is enough to create a garden. You might be surprised at how much it can yield. Get your kids involved in preparing the space, planting the vegetables, weeding, watering, and harvesting. They’ll learn many essential skills by helping to start and tend a garden. And they’ll see the benefits that come from growing their own food.
These three recommendations are a good place to start if you’re looking for ways to get your kids outside. Limit their screen time and encourage them to enjoy the great outdoors. While it can be nice to take a trip and go someplace rural, like a national park, you can get many benefits from being outside right at home.
So, consider these and other ways to spend time with your kids outdoors.