How to help your kids enjoy the outdoors

Posted: 6th July 2026

Sometimes, we all want to hide indoors in front of the TV. But when the sun is shining, or even in drizzle, it can make us feel good physically and mentally to step outside. 

At SELFA, we get outside as often as we can, so our children and young people can become more confident about being out and about. In fact, we have a term-time group dedicated to just this – SELFA Go Wild.

SELFA Go Wild is a group for young people aged 15 to 19 who love the outdoors and want to get hands-on with nature. It’s all about exploring, learning and having fun while connecting with nature. It is sponsored by the National Lottery Community Fund.

Steven Freakes, a children & young people’s worker who runs Go Wild, says: “Go Wild members take part in outdoor adventures, explore hidden spots and complete team missions. They learn about the environment and how to make a positive impact.”

The group takes on projects such as planting, creating wildlife habitats or community clean ups. “We also support teamwork, confidence and problem solving. It’s a great opportunity to hang out with friends and have fun outside,” says Freakes.

“There is a level of low confidence with some of the group at times, with some not wanting to be outside but they always rise to the challenge and enjoy the activities, even if that is getting muddy or rained on.”

If your child isn’t confident about playing outside, here are some tips to help them become more comfortable.

Stick to a schedule

Set a specific time for outdoor play each day so it becomes a normal part of life, just like brushing teeth. This can be particularly helpful over the holidays, when children and young people are out of their ‘normal’ school routine.

Start small

Go for a simple 10-minute walk around before moving to longer adventures in larger parks.

Keep it fun

You could try going on a treasure hunt and giving them a list of things to find – smooth stones, orange leaves, long sticks and more. 

Help them connect with nature

Playing with a focus on nature can help children feel more connected with the outdoors. You could give them a magnifying glass to look at bugs, or help them identify flowers or birds.

“Over the past few months we have built bird feeders and bird boxes, and then taken them out into local wooded areas and installed them for the local wildlife,” says Freakes. “We have also made wild flower seed bombs and dispersed them in the local environment.”

Go Wild members have told us that they enjoy getting out in nature, with one adding: “It feels good to know that the birds will have some food during winter.”

Let them be loud

Parks give kids the space to run, shout, and be loud without breaking indoor rules.

Make the most of mud

Rain doesn’t necessarily mean staying indoors! You could try making a mud kitchen with old pots, spoons and water so they can make ‘food’.

Try planting

Planting seeds is a fun activity, especially when they start to grow. “Most recently we have been planting some plants and flowers in pots to have around Flourish for the enjoyment of the students there and also planted potatoes which once grown we will cook and eat,” says Freakes.

You don’t need a garden, either. Plenty of herbs, fruits and vegetables like tomatoes or chillies grow in pots on balconies, by front doors, or on windowsills. Your area may also have a community garden that children can explore, too. Check out Incredible Edible Skipton and their volunteer community growing project.

Visit our website for more information about our groups and activities for children, young people and families.