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Outdoor Play Ideas for Tweens free printable

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The summer holidays are fast approaching and I've been thinking about finding more ways to incorporate outdoor play in our summer vacation. My daughters are getting older (12 and 14) and to be honest, it is getting harder to inspire them to get outside, let alone play outdoors. Once they get outside, they always enjoy playing outside, but coming up with the idea that will motivate them to get outside seems to be harder to find. outdoor play ideas for tweens

As parents, we are all fighting the same battle...the "less screen-time battle". Yes, I've put a few summer  house rules in place, but the pull to the screens is very powerful. I find this especially true for my tweens. Younger children will happily go wherever you take them...tweens are a different story.

Fun Outdoor Play Ideas for Tweens

So, I came up with this fun variation on my "I'm Not Bored Jar". What if I filled a jar with outdoor play ideas? Outdoor activities that would appeal to kids aged 9-12 - and even a little older.

outdoor play idea jar A jar filled with activities that could be pulled out and get the kids outside. That's just what I've created...an outdoor play ideas in a jar for tweens. Simply click on the link and print off the strips of activities.  Cut out the activities and pop them inside an empty jar.

How many books can you read in an afternoon?

Take 3 wet sponges and 3 bowls outside and play a sponge toss game

Decorate your bike or scooter and go for a ride

These are just a few of the ideas to inspire outdoor play all summer long. Place the jar in a spot where the kids can easily reach it and open it when they are feeling a little bored. Ours is ready to go...sitting on the kitchen counter, waiting to be opened.

If you have any other ideas to add, jot them down on some strips of paper and add them to the jar. Anything goes when it comes to encouraging kids to get outside. outdoor play ideas for tweens

What will your kids play outside today?

Related Posts I'm Bored Jar Activities for Tweens Keep the kids entertained with an I'm Bored Jar for tweens

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About Jen

Jen Farr is a mother living in Toronto, Canada. She has been sharing her DIY crafts, recipes, activities and parenting advice for over 15 years on her blog Kitchen Counter Chronicle. Jen is the mom of 2 lovely daughters. She believes in the power of taking small steps that can make big impacts on the world.

Comments

  1. Erica @What Do We Do All Day? says

    I love this idea!

    • Jen says

      Thanks so much!

  2. Leila - Mud Mud Marvellous Mud says

    What a brilliant idea! It might help me come up with ideas at home too! I reckon I might make one just for me. Lol 🙂

  3. Emma Lesko says

    This is such a great idea - sometimes it can be so hard to think of something when you get past that bored point of no return.

  4. Hannah @ Making Boys Men says

    Great idea, coming up with ideas of what to do is often a barrier to us going outside especially when the weather's not great so thanks for the inspiration, I'm featuring this tomorrow.