If you have been around this blog for a while then you know that I try to make an effort to get outside with the girls as much as I can. Some days it can be super challenging to motivate myself to get outside, especially in the colder winter months. This year I am joining in with the 1000 Hours Outside challenge, but I wanted to share this free 100 hours outside winter printable tracker with you.
You can get the free PDF here. I also have a summery one here.
I created another fun tracker seen below. Get the free pdf here.
Why is outside time so important?
As an early child educator I know that outside play (and play in general) is so crucial to the development of children. Kids learn so much through open ended play. They work on problem solving skills, get physical activity, and just gives them the chance to learn about the world. For example, my girls have learned going down the slide in your snow pants makes you go super fast, and is super fun. They’ve learned that light fluffy snow is not as good at making snowmen, and that they need it to be warmer to make packing snow.
I think it’s important to note when I take the girls outside, I really don’t “play” with them, but instead let them use their imaginations. Sometimes they play Ladybug and Cat Noire, other times they are pirates on the high sea. A favorite thing to do now is to make snowballs and throw them at the play structure. I really do love watching them use their imaginations. I hear “I’m bored” far less often when we are outside than when we are inside.
Honestly, I can’t wait until we get more snow (it’s been a bit sparce here in MI). There is soooo much fun to be had in the snow. Building snowmen, digging tunnels, trying to make castles, and I now know of super close park with a great sledding hill. Plus doesn’t hot chocolate taste the best after a long day outside?
I also plan on trying to check out more local parks with walking trails. Now that Aubire is older she loves actually walking (as opposed to being in the stroller) and I think she’d love to check out some of the local parks.
So are you going to join in the challenge of playing outside more this year??