How To Get Teens Outside More

Teenagers seem to spend a lot of time indoors (that can be seen as a generalisation, of course, but when you think of your own teen, you’ll see that there’s certainly at least a little truth to the idea), especially when they’re on their screens, for example. 

Although sometimes this is a good thing – relaxation is important, and if your teenager relaxes by playing video games, watching videos, or using social media, for example, then a little of this isn’t awful. However, it’s important they also get outside more because fresh air is good for the immune system and mood, and, of course, being outside means they’ll be less sedentary, which is bad for their health. With that in mind, here are some ways to get teens outside more.

“This post is a partnered post and may contain affiliate links. These thoughts and opinions are in line with my own personal beliefs.” 

Lead By Example

Teenagers aren’t always that keen to follow their parents’ advice, but they’ll be even less keen if you’re telling (or at least firmly suggesting) they do something only to do the opposite yourself. That’s why, if you want your teenager to go outside, you need to go there too. 

To make things more comfortable, you can explore the various awnings from Open Space Concepts that will allow you to make more use of your outdoor space, even if the weather’s not great. Plus, having a covered area for people to sit can help your teen go outside more often, and when they have friends over, they can all sit outside in comfort. Even if they’re not being all that active, being outside some of the time is better than being inside all of the time. 

Find An Outdoor Hobby

Teenagers need at least one hobby to keep them occupied and help them relax, and because they’re older, they’ll know what it is that interests them the most. Talk to them about the things they’re interested in, and suggest ways that they can make the most of that hobby outside. 

If they love photography, for example, you could help them explore nature photography. Or perhaps they’re interested in art – being outside is fantastic inspiration. Maybe reading is their passion, in which case you could create a lovely reading nook outside (perhaps with the help of the awnings we mentioned above). Whatever it is, it’s likely you can find a way to incorporate the natural world into it, so try to come up with some ideas that will get your teen outside when they want to do their hobby. 

Use Technology Wisely

Parents might think that their teen will have to choose between technology and being outside, and if they’re given that choice, a lot of them might choose tech – it offers them a lot, and it’s something they enjoy. 
So why not use technology and combine it with the outside world to make it more interesting and exciting for your teenager? You can encourage them to download various apps that make being outside a bit more of an adventure, for example, the geocaching app or another similar game. You can get apps that identify leaves, birds, and other natural objects, or even ones that can help track planets and stars. If you can combine these two things together, it might mean your teenager is happy to get outdoors more.