How to Make Outdoor Time a Habit (That Actually Sticks)
Struggling to make nature time a consistent part of your family’s routine? Discover simple strategies to make outdoor time a habit that actually sticks.
Why Outdoor Time Needs to Be a Habit, Not an Afterthought
We all know that spending time outside is great for kids and adults alike, yet somehow, the days slip by, and before you know it, another week has passed without much fresh air. Life gets busy, schedules get packed, and outdoor time often takes a back seat to other priorities.
The secret to making outdoor time a habit isn’t about finding huge chunks of free time—it’s about making outdoor time part of your daily routine. When being outdoors becomes a habit, it stops feeling like one more thing to schedule and starts feeling natural.
If you’ve ever struggled to make outdoor time stick, this guide will show you how to create an outdoor habit that fits seamlessly into your life.
1. Start Small and Build Consistency
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to incorporate more outdoor time is going too big, too fast. The key to building a lasting habit is starting small and making it easy to repeat.
How to Start Small:
- Begin with 10-15 minutes a day—a quick walk, a few minutes of backyard play, or simply sitting outside.
- Attach outdoor time to something you already do—drink your morning coffee outside, take a 5-minute outdoor stretch break, or walk around the block after dinner.
- Remove barriers—keep outdoor essentials (jackets, shoes, snacks) by the door so getting outside is effortless.
Try This:
- Set a 7-day outdoor challenge where you commit to just 10 minutes outside daily.
- Use a habit tracker—to make outdoor time a habit, mark a calendar every time your family gets outside.
- Keep a “Family Adventure Toolkit” ready with essentials like hats, sunscreen, and snacks to make outdoor time spontaneous and easy. I talk more about this in my book, Natural Escapes.
2. Make Outdoor Time a Non-Negotiable Part of Your Schedule
Families that spend more time outside don’t “fit it in when they can”—they build it into their routines. Treat outdoor time like brushing teeth or eating meals—something that happens daily, no matter what.
How to Make It a Priority:
- Schedule it like an appointment—add outdoor time to your family’s daily calendar.
- Create outdoor anchors—for example, “After school, we play outside for 20 minutes before starting homework.”
- Be flexible with the when, but not the if—some days it’s a morning walk, other days it’s an after-dinner bike ride.
Try This:
- Establish an “Outdoor Hour” once a week—an uninterrupted time for the whole family to unplug and be outside together.
- Set a rule: No screens until at least 30 minutes of outdoor time.
- Use a habit cue—for example, “Whenever we finish dinner, we go for a short walk.”
3. Create Rituals and Traditions Around Outdoor Time
Routines help habits stick, but rituals make them meaningful. To make outdoor time a habit, outdoor families often create special traditions that make nature time feel like something to look forward to rather than a chore.
Ideas for Outdoor Rituals:
- Weekly family adventure day—whether it’s a weekend hike, a Sunday picnic, or a Friday evening campfire.
- Daily nature gratitude moment—take a moment to appreciate something outside, like a sunset or birds chirping.
- Seasonal outdoor bucket lists—create a checklist of things to do in nature each season.
Try This:
- Pick an “Outdoor Friday” tradition—maybe it’s an after-school park visit or an evening nature walk.
- Make weekend mornings outdoor-focused—start with a backyard breakfast or a quick neighborhood bike ride.
- Start a family outdoor journal where everyone records their favorite outdoor moments each week.
4. Make Outdoor Time Effortless and Fun
If getting outside feels like work, it won’t become a habit. Make outdoor time low-effort and enjoyable so kids (and parents) actually want to do it.
How to Keep It Easy:
- Don’t overcomplicate it—just stepping outside for a few minutes counts.
- Let kids take the lead—give them the freedom to choose how they play outside.
- Have go-to activities—simple things like sidewalk chalk, a soccer ball, or a bug hunt make outdoor time fun.
Try This:
- Keep a “5-Minute Outside” rule—on busy days, just step outside for a few breaths of fresh air.
- Let kids pick a weekly outdoor activity so they feel involved.
- Designate a “nature zone” in your yard or a nearby park where kids can freely explore.
5. Adjust for Weather and Seasons
One of the biggest reasons outdoor time gets dropped from routines is seasonal changes. Instead of waiting for perfect weather, embrace the seasons and adjust your activities accordingly.
How to Make Outdoor Time a Habit Year-Round:
- For cold weather: Layer up, embrace snow play, and warm up with hot drinks afterward.
- For hot weather: Plan early morning or late evening outdoor time, find shaded areas, and keep water play accessible.
- For rainy days: Dress in rain gear and embrace puddle jumping, or set up a cozy outdoor nook under a covered space.
Try This:
- Create a “seasonal nature challenge”—find different plants, wildlife, or weather patterns each season.
- Have a designated outdoor clothing bin so kids can grab what they need for any weather.
- Start a weather journal where kids track seasonal changes they observe outside.
Final Thoughts: Small Steps To Make Outdoor Time a Habit
The key to making outdoor time a habit is keeping it simple, consistent, and enjoyable. You don’t need to overhaul your schedule—just start small, create routines, and embrace the outdoors in a way that fits your lifestyle.
Over time, these small steps become second nature, and before you know it, outdoor time will be something your family looks forward to every day.
Looking for even more ideas to make nature a part of your daily life? Natural Escapes is packed with practical tips and easy strategies to help your family enjoy the outdoors—without stress. Grab your copy now!
Related Posts
- What Outdoor Families Know that You Don’t (Yet)
- How to Plan an Outdoor Adventure on a Budget
- How to Camp with Kids and Love It: A No-Stress Family Camping Guide
Want to make outdoor time a natural part of your family’s life? Check out Getting Started in the Outdoors – your go-to guide for building a nature-rich routine, finding the best outdoor activities, and planning stress-free adventures.
