WILD CHILD: Choose OUTSIDE in 2024
With a new year comes all the suggestions for changes and challenges. If you are looking for some fun outdoor year long challenges we invite you to consider these fun options and enjoy all the benefits that more time outside brings.
1000 Hours Outside
This project challenges you and your family to spend an equal amount of time outside as the average child spends on screens each year. The average child in North America will spend 3 hours a day on screens, or about 1000 hours over a year. Can you spend the same amount of time outside? For some families this may seem easy and for some challenging. But I encourage you to try it. Not a summer person spend more time outside in the winter, not a winter person spend your time outside in the summer. You will find that the time adds up quickly.
This challenge is to complete 52 hikes in the 52 weeks of 2023. In this challenge we break from our pattern and recommend against purchasing their package, but we want to credit this organization for their idea as we think it’s amazing. Set aside one day a week and head out for a hike with your family. It can be short or long, it is up to you. Looking for some great local options? Check out our review of local ESAs, check out the Middlesex London Trails nearby, or challenge yourself to try some of Ontario’s amazing longer trails. You can try 52 different hikes, the same hike 52 times, or a combination. Just head outside and have some fun exploring!
100 Things to Do Before 12
If you like a list you can check off full of fun ideas, this may be just the challenge for you. Generation Wild has collected 100 activities every child should do before they turn 12. Similarly if you like a little more explanation the UK National Trust has created 50 things to do before 11 3/4 years. These are great inspiration for fun simple activities that will create those quintessential childhood memories (we recommend trying them as adults too because these are just so fun!)
30 Minutes a Day 3 Days a week
If all these ideas just seem too much, start a little simpler. Try to get outside 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week with your family. This can be as simple as going for a walk together after a meal, heading outside before school and exploring your way to school or the bus stop, or heading to a park. Wherever you find yourself, we hope that this year you will take the challenge to enjoy some intentional time outside as a family.
Still feeling uncertain, join us at one of our 3 weekly outdoor playgroups to meet other families who want to get outside and meet our facilitators who can help you feel confident having fun outside with your children.