Nowadays, over 80% of kids aged 5 to 9 spend over 2 hours a day staring at a screen. That figure rises to 90% for kids aged 10 to 14.
How do you, as parents and caregivers, encourage less screen time and more outside time?
Check out our 5 fun ways to encourage kids to play outside, and you’ll introduce a whole new world of fun to your children (with no digital devices in sight)!

Bounce: Trampolines
Bouncing on a trampoline is something kids (including the big ones) have loved doing for generations. Not only does it boost energy and endorphin levels, but it’s a great workout! What’s more – kids will be entertained for hours!
Trampolining helps to develop and maintain a healthy heart and lungs while improving balance and coordination.
Trampoline accessories such as basketball hoops, boards and sprinklers are a great way to add extra excitement and fun for kids.
Invest in a good-quality trampoline in New Zealand, and you’ll provide years of fun for the whole family.

Ride: Cycle or Kick-Scooter
The New Zealand government is supporting a plan initiated by the World Health Organisation to boost the number of physically active people by 15% by 2030.
This includes a push to encourage 60% of school kids to walk, cycle or scoot to and from school by 2030.
Any kind of regular physical activity in children will promote healthy weight maintenance, good mental health, decision-making skills and brain development.

Swim: Pool, Lake or Beach
Teaching a child to swim enables them to feel comfortable in and around water. Whether they want to swim competitively or not, It is essential to their safety.
Swimming is a low-impact activity that can work multiple muscle groups in a high-intensity cardio workout.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that swimming provides relief for chronic diseases and improves mental health and mood. Learning to swim is a skill that will stay with them forever and will help improve their overall physical and mental wellbeing.

Walk: Explore with Fido
The NZ Ministry of health labels 1 in 8 kiwi kids as obese. As parents and caregivers, it’s vital we take action to help our children become more physically active.
A fun way to incorporate walking into your child’s life is to take the dog! New Zealand is packed with many scenic and dog-friendly places to explore:
local bush walks
nature walks
harbourfront walks
walks through local and regional parks
Explore your local area as a family, ensuring you respect the cultural importance of sacred land to Māori.

Skate: On Ice or On Wheels
Skating is a fantastic way for kids to burn off extra energy, strengthen muscles, and maintain a healthy weight.
Whether it’s ice-skating, roller-skating (or roller-blading) or skateboarding, they’re all a great way to reduce back-to-school (and any other kind of) stress. It will boost endorphin levels, memory and concentration. It also has the added benefit of building self-confidence and social skills.
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Give kids loads of choices and encourage them to explore their options. With our 5 fun ways to encourage kids to play outside,you’ll have them off the couch, out in the fresh air, and enjoying themselves in no time.