10 Tips for Raising Kids Who Actually Love the Outdoors

Let’s be real, getting kids outside isn’t always easy. Especially in a world where screens are the go-to babysitter and “nature” feels like the WiFi went out. But raising outdoor-minded kids is possible, no matter their age or starting point. Whether your crew is just learning to walk or already asking for the keys, it’s never too early (or too late) to help them find their footing outside.

Here are ten ways to do it right. No lectures. No guilt. Just straight-up tips for raising kids who actually want to get out and stay out.

1. Make the First Taste a Good One

Outdoor time should feel like freedom, not a forced march. If you’re just getting started, keep it low-pressure and high-reward. Go out with zero agenda other than fun. Pack snacks. Let them bring a favorite toy. Let them lead. When the outdoors feels like a win from the start, they’ll want more.

2. Start Small, Scale Later

It doesn’t have to be an epic hike or a multi-hour paddle. Ten minutes in the backyard counts. A half-mile on the trail counts. An evening paddle close to home? Definitely counts. Especially for younger kids, start small and stack the wins. For older kids, build in challenge but let them find their own pace. It’s not about conquering, it’s about connecting.

3. Stay Consistent

You don’t need to be hardcore. You just need to show up. Whether it’s a Sunday paddle, an after-school walk, or a weekend float with friends, build routines that revolve around the outdoors. When outdoor time becomes part of their regular life, it doesn’t feel like a chore. It feels like home base.

4. Gear for the Conditions

Nothing kills a good vibe faster than cold toes or soaked clothes. Pack for the weather like a pro. Have a grab-and-go kit ready in the car or garage: dry clothes, water shoes, rain jackets, sunscreen, bug spray, extra snacks. When they’re comfortable, they stay out longer, and complain less.

5. Drop the Expectations

You might dream of a long, peaceful paddle through the mangroves. But your reality might look more like a 20-minute float with sibling splash fights and someone yelling about a snack. Roll with it. Let the day unfold. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s presence.

6. Be the Example

Your kids are watching. If you’re always inside, they’ll follow your lead. But if they see you grabbing your paddle board after work, lacing up your boots for a morning hike, or unwinding in a Hangout Chair after a long week, they’ll pick up on it. Invite them along. Let them see what joy looks like outdoors.

7. Let Them Pick the Gear

Ownership matters. When kids get to choose their own gear like a paddle, a water bottle, a pair of shades, they’re more likely to use it. Whether it’s a full setup or just a waterproof pack, involve them in the process. Gear isn’t just functional, it’s personal.

8. Make It Age-Appropriate

For toddlers, skip the stroller and let them walk, even if it’s slow. For school-aged kids, give them a task or a bit of independence. Let them lead the hike or help carry the gear. For teens, offer freedom, not structure. Let them float solo. Let them bring a friend. The outdoors doesn’t need to be a “family outing” to matter. It just needs to be available.

9. Encourage Free Time, Not Just Activities

You don’t need to plan every minute. Let them get bored. Let them figure it out. The best kind of creativity often shows up when you leave space for it. From playing tag in the yard to inventing paddle board games, let them make their own fun outside and give them time to do it.

10. Keep Learning Without Overthinking It

You don’t need a parenting podcast to tell you the outdoors is good for your kid. You just need the right mindset (and a little gear doesn’t hurt either.)

That said, if you’re new to the lifestyle or just want some ideas, there’s no shame in pulling a few tools from the shed. Trail apps like AllTrails, local paddling or hiking groups, and even gear forums can be a goldmine for finding new spots, connecting with other families, or getting real-world advice on what works.

Need more inspiration? Keep it simple:

• Follow outdoor brands or athlete parents who share how they get outside with their crew.

• Bookmark local event calendars for community events like paddles or cleanups.

• Look for regional guidebooks that highlight parks, rivers, and trails near you.

The point isn’t to be perfect, it’s to get out there. Learn as you go, make memories while you’re at it, and show your kids that the good stuff doesn’t happen on a screen. There’s no single right way to raise outdoorsy kids. But the common denominator is always the same: just keep showing up. Offer them the outdoors early, often, and without pressure. And then? Let them take it from there.

Chances are they’ll surprise you. Probably while paddling past you with a grin.