Purpose of 1000 Hours Outdoors

The purpose of 1000 Hours Outdoors is to have children experience nature and focus of the outdoor classroom by spending 1000 hours outdoors in one calendar year. They offer ideas how to make the outdoors fun and educational using simple activities. It has made me more intentional to get outdoors, enjoy nature and expose my kids to all the beauty and wonder in the great outdoors!

Personally I love nature and the outdoors and I hope to plant that seed in my kids. But it wasn’t always like that for me. I grew up in the hot Arizona suburbs and was exposed to the outdoors sparingly so I’m doing my best to give my children access to nature.

We live so close to the beach that we try to make daily trips and weekend family time is usually a hike, swim or bike path activity. I try not to react when my kids play with cockroaches, spiders, geckos, or crabs (but inside I’m screaming). Or over react when my son jumps off of a 6 foot high tree or my daughter rolls in a puddle. It’s part of childhood and I want them to experience it, safely of course.

Magical Reset

I don’t know about you but every time I take my kids to the beach, park or just to our backyard there is a change in them. It’s like a magical reset in them—and for me too. And to be honest, I live for those resets!

There are so many benefits to being outside—sunlight, fresh air, exposure to negative ions, nature lessons, meeting new people, seeing/experiencing new things and so many more. It’s no surprise to me how my kids’ moods and mine too, improve when we go outside.

Balance Nature & Screentime

The goal of 1000 hours outdoors can seem unrealistic and maybe for your situation it may not happen this year. But don’t let the huge goal number stop you from heading outside.

Let’s be real, some days mothering feels so isolating and tiring and screen time is the only way to regain strength and peace. I’ve been there many, many days. (And I’m slowly giving myself grace to use screen time without feeling guilty or like I’m a terrible mom…do you have guilt with screen time?)

Which is another reason why I appreciate the 1000 Hour Outside movement. The intention is to allow kids to be kids by playing outdoors, while also validating the struggle of motherhood—to balance nature and screentime.

Ideas for 1000 Hours Outdoor Activities

Typically when my kids and I head outdoors, I don’t have an activity planned and just allow my kids’ imaginations take the lead. Sometimes though, I do have something simple planned. Here are some of the activities we enjoy doing.

What do your kids love to do outside? Please share all your recommendations!

Outdoor Hour Tracker

If you’re ready to join the 1000 Hours Outdoors challenge, I created a simple tracker sheet so you can document your progress! It is in 100 hour increments so its a little easier to notice progress Find the PDF link below!

Outdoor Adventure Supplies

I wanted to share some of my kid’s favorite outdoor activities/supplies and others that seem like so much fun. Shop direct links here or at the bottom of the post.

1. Kid’s Instant Print Camera // My littles have recently shown an interest in taking photos. This kid’s camera is durable and prints photos! Perfect for nature walks and sparking their creativity!

2. Wooden Magnifying Glass // We have one and my two kids really enjoy looking through the glass! Need to add a second one so they don’t argue over the one we have haha.

3. Osprey Hiking Baby Carrier // This carrier has been used so much in our home. It’s comfortable for both child and parent. It has lots of storage, a shade, mirror and even feet stirrups. So basically the kid is riding like royalty haha.

4. Sea Turtle Kite // It has been so windy on Kauai, I think it’s the perfect time to get a family kite.

5. Bug/Butterfly Net // My kids are super interested in bugs. A net would be a great way to get some energy out while searching for bugs!

6. Bug Viewing Jar // With a magnifying lid, this jar allows kids to appreciate the small details of bugs before returning them into nature.

7. Rain Boots // My kids love jumping in puddles. Sometimes they do it barefoot but other times rain boots are the way to go! I like these and these too!!

8. Natural Basket // We own a few of these and they are the perfect size for small hands. My kids take them to the beach to pick up trash or treasures. They can be used year round for storage and holiday baskets!

9. Micro Scooter // My son is obsessed with his scooter. It’s a perfect introductory scooter since it’s steered by body weight rather than turning the handle. My 1.5 year old daughter is already learning how to ride too!

10. Giant Bubbles Wand // This kit is so fun! I feel like bubbles are fun regardless of age!! These get so huge, it’s amazing!!

11. Arts and Craft Kit // Arts and crafts are one of my go-to ways to simulate my kids’ creativity. I love that this kit has everything you’d need so you can take it to the park and have craft literally anywhere!

12. Saucer Tree Swing // I’ve seen these in yards while driving and think they look so so fun! I know my kids would be obsessed with it.

Get Outside

Maybe you don’t feel convinced to commit to 1000 hours outside but hopefully you feel inspired to get outside and make some beautiful memories with your kids in nature. Happy exploring the beautiful outdoors! Love, Melissa

P.S. Have you been following along our Nourish and Flourish 30 Day Challenge? Having one item a day that I’m focusing on has been really beneficial to me.

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