New Year, Fresh Air: Building Outdoor Routines with Kids

As we welcome a new year, there’s no better time to set intentions that bring joy, health, and connection to your family’s daily life. One of the simplest yet most impactful resolutions you can make is to build outdoor routines with your kids. Fresh air, movement, and nature—it’s a combination that fuels happiness and health for children and adults alike.

Here’s how to kick off 2025 with outdoor habits that will make your family thrive.

Why Outdoor Routines Matter

Outdoor routines offer countless benefits for kids and parents:

• Physical Health: Fresh air and exercise help children build strong bodies and healthy immune systems.

• Mental Well-being: Time spent in nature has been proven to reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve focus.

• Family Bonding: Outdoor activities create opportunities for meaningful connection without the distractions of screens or household chores.

• Curiosity and Learning: Exploring the outdoors fosters a sense of wonder and encourages kids to ask questions about the world around them.

For more information on the benefits of outdoor play, check out this external resource from the National Wildlife Federation.

Simple Outdoor Routines to Start Today

1. Morning Nature Walks
Begin the day with a walk around your neighborhood or a local park. It’s a peaceful way to set the tone for the day while observing birds, trees, and other natural wonders. As Adriana, the founder of Play Outside, I love taking my kids on these walks before breakfast. Watching them spot squirrels or marvel at morning dew makes every early wake-up worth it.

2. Outdoor Playtime After School
Dedicate 30 minutes each afternoon to unstructured outdoor play. Let kids dig in the dirt, climb trees, or ride bikes—the possibilities are endless! I’ve found that keeping a few outdoor toys handy—like chalk, buckets, and shovels—makes transitioning to outdoor play easier for my little ones.

3. Weekly Family Adventure Days
Pick a day each week for a family nature outing. Whether it’s hiking a new trail, visiting a botanical garden, or exploring a nearby beach, these adventures can become cherished traditions. Last summer, my family started calling these "Wild Wednesdays," and it’s amazing how much joy it brought us to explore somewhere new each week.

4. Stargazing Nights
Once a week, step outside after dark to gaze at the stars. Bring a blanket and let your kids’ imaginations run wild as they spot constellations and dream about the universe. I remember one evening when my youngest pointed out what she thought was a shooting star; it was actually an airplane, but her excitement was contagious.

For inspiration on planning adventures, explore our Play Outside blog on Family Nature Activities.

Making Outdoor Routines Sustainable

Here are a few tips to ensure your family’s outdoor routines stick:

• Dress for Success: Invest in weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing for your kids to keep them cozy and dry.

• Be Flexible: Life happens, and sometimes you’ll need to adapt. Even a short 10-minute outdoor session is a win.

• Start Small: Focus on manageable routines to build momentum and prevent burnout.

• Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate milestones, like completing a month of morning walks or discovering a new favorite hiking trail.

For sustainable gear ideas, visit our Play Outside collection.

The Long-Term Benefits

Building outdoor routines isn’t just about the immediate benefits—it’s about creating a lifelong love for the outdoors. Kids who grow up spending time in nature are more likely to care for the environment and prioritize outdoor activities as they grow older.

Let’s Make 2025 an Outdoor Year

At Play Outside, we’re passionate about inspiring families to embrace outdoor adventures. Let’s make 2025 a year of exploration, fresh air, and unforgettable memories. With a little planning and a lot of enthusiasm, you can build routines that will keep your family happy, healthy, and connected to nature.

Here’s to a year of fresh air and outdoor fun!

Love Adriana

Founder of Play Outside