With screens dominating so much of our children’s time, getting kids to play outside can feel like a challenge — even in a year-round, warm-weather paradise like Southern California. But it’s easier than you think to make outdoor play exciting and engaging. From backyard setups to local adventure spots, here are some creative ways to encourage your kids to embrace the great outdoors.
Make your backyard an exploration zone
You don’t have to go far to inspire outdoor fun. A little creativity can turn your backyard into a play paradise.
- Obstacle courses – Use pool noodles, hula hoops, and cones to set up a simple but fun obstacle course that keeps kids moving.
- DIY mud kitchen – A few old pots, spoons, and some dirt and water can create hours of imaginative play.
- Outdoor art station – Set up an easel, sidewalk chalk, or a giant roll of paper for nature-inspired masterpieces.
- Backyard camping – Pitch a tent, tell stories under the stars, and enjoy a mini adventure right at home.
Take your family on outdoor adventures
Southern California offers countless places to explore that make outdoor play irresistible.
- Explore local trails – Torrey Pines (San Diego), Griffith Park (Los Angeles), and Carbon Canyon (Orange County) have easy trails perfect for little legs.
- Dust off your beach gear – Build sandcastles, explore tide pools at Laguna Beach, or have a beach scavenger hunt.
- Visit botanical gardens and nature centers – Places like the Fullerton Arboretum and the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens offer interactive outdoor experiences.
- Search out parks with unique playgrounds – Visit parks with cool features like Adventure Playground in Irvine — with a tree house, sensory garden, climbing poles and a kids fort zone— and Waterfront Park in San Diego, which has unique climbing structures and interactive splash fountains. (Note: The fountains are undergoing renovations and expected to reopen in May 2025.)
Incorporate outdoor play into the every day
Sometimes, it’s about small shifts in routine that make a big difference.
- Walk or bike Instead of drive – Opt for a neighborhood bike ride or walk to the store instead of taking the car.
- Outdoor chores as play – Turn gardening, washing the car, or raking leaves into a game.
- After-dinner walk – Extend the day with an evening game of tag or a nature walk before bedtime.
- Weekend outdoor challenges – Set a family goal like visiting a new park each weekend or learning a new outdoor skill like frisbee or jump rope.
Include their peers in your plan
Kids are more likely to play outside when they have friends to join them.
- Organize playdates at the park – Bring along balls, kites, or scooters for added fun.
- Start a neighborhood adventure club – Set up weekly outdoor meetups with friends for group hikes, sports, or backyard games.
- Encourage free play – Let kids make up their own outdoor games and explore their surroundings freely.
Encouraging kids to play outside doesn’t have to be a battle. With the right mix of backyard fun, local adventures and simple lifestyle changes, you can make outdoor play an exciting and natural part of your child’s routine.