RV Life - Unplugged

4 Ways to Get Your Kids “Unplugged” and Outside This Summer

Summer is in full swing, and while you may have fond memories of riding your bike until it got dark or spending your nights around a campfire in the backyard, things aren’t always the same as they used to be. If you’ve found that your kids are spending most of their summer vacation playing video games or Snapchatting their friends, it’s not too late to get them to become outdoor enthusiasts.

Of course, we always recommend packing up the family and hitting the road for a stellar camping trip! But, whether you don’t have the time right now or you need ‘baby steps’ to get your kids to love the outdoors, we’ve got you covered. Use these fun tips to get your kids outside and away from their phones for the rest of the season.

1. Be the Example

One of the best ways to get your kids to unplug and get away from their phones and computers is to do the same, yourself. It’s not always easy, whether you’re dealing with your work life or social life. But, no matter how old your children are, they still look up to you. Cut down your screen time or ditch the phones totally for a while, so your whole family is on the same page.

2. Use Tech to Get Outdoorsy

Your teenager playing Fortnite doesn’t count as experiencing nature. But, you can actually use technology to get them interested in the outdoors. From watching YouTube videos on wilderness exploration, to downloading camping apps, the more you can get them to use what they’re familiar with to explore what they’re unfamiliar with, the easier the transition can be.

3. Start at Home

You don’t need to travel across the country in order to take your kids camping. In fact, you can have a great time camping in your own backyard! Set up a tent or get the RV ready for a night of family fun! Small ‘adventures’ like this can really start to build a camping ‘bug’ in people of all ages. Make camping nights personal to your family, no matter where you go.

4. Dirt Won’t Hurt

Yes, it can be a pain to wash grass stains out of clothes and no one wants their kid to track mud into the house. But, put down those reservations for a minute, and let your kids get dirty now and then. If you let your children explore and ‘get messy’ outside from a young age, there’s a good chance they’ll have an interest in the great outdoors as they continue to grow. Teach them to garden, show them how to collect wood for a campfire, etc. The more they can use their hands and get a little dirty, the more excited they’ll be.

As you can see, it isn’t impossible to get your children away from their phones and screens. Encouraging outdoor activity early on in their lives can make a big difference in how they view nature as an adult. Not only are these ideas good for future campers, but they’re a great way to get your family closer together this summer without depending on technology for entertainment.