Finding Ways to Get Outside With Your Teen

There’s nothing quite like spending time outdoors, particularly if you and your family are often stuck indoors for work and school. When you get free time, how do you like to spend it? Sitting on the couch in front of the TV? While there is nothing wrong with spending a bit of time catching up on your favorite shows, there is much to be said about spending time outside.

The benefits of spending time outside are many, for all ages. How can you connect with nature as a family? How can you convince your teen to get up off the couch or peel himself away from his devices to take in a bit of the best of what nature can offer?

Enjoying your own backyard

Believe it or not, you don’t need to go very far to enjoy nature. Your own backyard can offer your family plenty of opportunities to relax, unwind, and enjoy endless hours of fun. We’ve got a few ideas that could just see you and your family creating magical memories to treasure for years:

• Around the fire pit. Your backyard fire pit can be the perfect spot for making s’mores and great conversation with your teen.
• Picnics and cookouts. Whether it’s just you and your teen, everyone in the family, or a larger get-together, you may find that it’s just the thing to get your teen outside and to have a good time.
• Plant a garden together. If your teen is interested in growing fruits, vegetables, or herbs, this could be a fun project to embark on together.
• Camping out. Set your tent up in your backyard, get the fire (or fire pit) going, have hotdogs on sticks, and have a great time together. You don’t need to go to state parks to enjoy a night under the stars.

Take a hike

If you’re fortunate enough to live near lakes, mountains, and other areas with hiking trails, this is a great way to spend time with your teen. Get comfortable hiking shoes and plenty of fresh water, and set out for a day of adventure together.

If your teen protests this idea, try to make a game out of it. Who can identify the most birds or perhaps plants while on the hike? You could suggest he bring a friend or two along for the trek.

Bike rides

Riding around the lake or down to the beach can be a fun way to get around. Take a ride around your neighborhood or park. Riding bikes is a great activity for every member of the family. Your teen may enjoy getting to pick out his new bike and helmet.

Shooting hoops

This should be a breeze if you have a basketball hoop in your driveway. Encourage your teen to meet you outside for a good old game of one-on-one. You could sweeten the deal for him by offering to take over his chores for a day if he wins.

If you don’t have a hoop in your driveway, you may find that a local park has just what you and your teen need to reconnect over your love of the game.

Tennis or golf

It may seem complicated, but these two activities can be a lot of fun. If your teen is interested in tennis or golf, this is an excellent way to get them out of the house with you. You may find that taking lessons is something they want to do.

This could be a great way to spend time with your teen and learn about a new hobby.

Camping trips, horseback riding, and more

Other great ways to get your teen outside with you are to take camping trips to favorite camping spots or explore a new campsite with friends. Many camps have pools and horseback riding, which may offer excellent opportunities to spend time with your teen and other family members.

The goal is to get your teen outside and spend time with him. If your teen has been struggling with his mental wellness, you may find it more of a challenge to get him to enjoy the outdoor adventures he once loved.

If this is the case, you may find that he needs more than nature’s beauty and natural therapy. A residential treatment center could be the answer for a struggling teen. Liahona Academy may offer your teen the structure, support, and therapeutic solutions he needs.