When is the Best Time to Go Outside with Kids?

If you are on the journey to spending more time outside with your family you’ve probably started to think about where to fit your nature time in.  Let’s talk about the best time to go outside!

The best time to go outside is in the morning.

The best time to go outside is in the morning.  Kids (especially toddlers) are often ready to go outside right when they get up.  When the weather is warm it's a great idea to head outdoors in the morning before the heat of the day.  The lumens from the sun in the morning send a signal to your brain that the day has started and this will help with your circadian rhythms.  Getting outside before noon will help your family sleep better at night!  There are many great reasons to go outside in the morning!

The best time to go outside is midday. 

The best time to go outside is midday.  Whether you head out just before lunch or just after, you will have enough time in the morning to get your wits about you and make some plans.  You could use the morning hours to do some housework, run errands, exercise, pack a picnic lunch, make plans to meet up with a friend, or do some school work if you’re a homeschooling family.  Whether you pack a picnic lunch or head outside after lunch there is an expansive afternoon of fun, play and movement waiting for you! Kids love to play outside all afternoon. Have some dinner ready to go in the crockpot and you can easily get in three to four hours of outside time midday.

The best time to go outside is in the evening.

The best time to go outside is in the evening.  Nature is soothing and refreshing. When we spend time outside our stress levels lower.  After a long day of work, school, or parenting, the entire family will be more relaxed after some evening time in nature.  After dinner is a great time for a family walk or a game of catch in the yard.  Depending on where you are you might catch an awesome sunset!  The evening is definitely the best time to go outside!

The best time to go outside is at night.

The best time to go outside is at night.  Going outside when it’s dark is magical. Our family went on a lantern hike at a local state park recently and it was so unique and memorable.  Kids love to see the moon and the stars. They love the flickering lights from a fire pit. The nature sounds change at night and it’s good for little brains to hear this variation of sound.  When you're trying to figure out when to go outside you should definitely go when it's dark!

When is the best time to go outside?  The best time to go outside is whenever can you do it!!

Download your free 1000 Hours Outside tracking sheet here and celebrate your nature journey!