Hey Friends,

Does anyone else have a love hate relationship with back-to-school? We spent the last few weeks doing something I call "adventure cramming," which is where you try to fit in as many adventures as possible in hopes that then you'll start to crave routine and normalcy.

Let me tell you, it worked. I am feeling ready for school to start, a schedule, and a dedicated time to catch up on everything I have put off the last three months.

But I am also feeling bummed the summer flexibility and time with my kids is coming to an end. Here's what I plan to do to fit in little adventures even on busy school days:

Short playground trips, even 20 minutes helps my kids get out wiggles and regulate
Eating dinner outside, I need sunshine
Walking the dog together, we all feel happier afterward
Exploring a trail for thirty minutes before dark, or sometimes even after dark when it's winter!

Small things count too and those little outdoor moments make our whole week feel better.

Here are some more things that help us actually get outside during the school year without making it feel overwhelming:

My friend biking along a wooded trail with fallen autumn leaves on the ground

School-Year Outdoor Tips That Actually Work

1. Stop waiting for the perfect day

This mindset shift changed everything for me. If I only took the kids outside when everyone was rested or homework was done, we would basically never leave the house.

Now, I aim for “good enough.” Even a quick walk around the neighborhood helps everybody reset a little.

Young boy holding up a large yellow leaf on a wooded trail in autumn.

2. Keep outdoor stuff by the door

The easier it is, the more likely we are to actually do it.

We keep the following by the door:

Shoes
Hoodies
Bug spray
Balls
Sidewalk chalk
Jackets
Water bottles

We do this because if I have to hunt for everybody’s shoes before we leave, there is a very real chance I will decide the indoors are good enough.

Kids exploring and playing in a shallow creek surrounded by trees during summer.

3. Use the time between things

Some of our best little adventures happen before dinner, after school pickup, between errands or right before sunset. Sometimes we literally stop at a park for 20 minutes on the way home just so everyone can run around. It helps moods tremendously, mine included.

Multiple slides and twisty tube slide under a blue sky.

4. Let kids bike, scooter, or walk whenever possible

This is one of the easiest ways we naturally add more outside time without adding extra activities to the schedule.

Even small things help like walking to school, scootering around the block and walking to a nearby park.

Also, kids somehow have endless energy for scooters even when they claim they are “too tired” to walk. Interesting how that works.

a girl on her tricycle biking at Berkley Riverfront Park

5. Have a short list of EASY outdoor spots

I think this matters so much during busy seasons. Not every outing needs to be a huge hike or an all-day event.

Some of our most-used school-year spots are:

Small local parks
Nature centers
Short walking trails
Neighborhood playgrounds
Our backyard

The easier the outing feels, the more often we actually go.

6. Eat outside more often

This is probably the easiest tip on the whole list. Think breakfast, snacks, pizza, homework, popsicles, etc. outside. Everything somehow feels calmer outdoors.

kids at a picnic on a blanket eating food

7. Make outdoor time feel special without making it complicated

Kids really do not need elaborate plans. Sometimes I bring hot chocolate, flashlights, bubbles, or glow sticks into the backyard and it instantly makes my kids want to go outside and it usually increases the amount of time they play outside too.

A Few Easy School-Year Adventure Ideas

Sunset picnic after school
Fall leaf scavenger hunt
Weekend farmer's market
Nature center visit
Playground + sweet treat combo (my kids love anything if ice cream is involved)
Outdoor movie night
Evening creek walk
Geocaching
Bike ride
Stargazing in pajamas
Bonfire + s’mores night

What help do you need?

My kids start school this week, which means I will actually have time to work! I always kick start the school year with a master plan of what I hope to accomplish this year.

So please let me know what would help YOU? Trip ideas? Packing tips? Challenges? Motivation? Let me know so that I can help!

So far my biggest goal for this school year is to take what I am already doing and help make it easier to find and implement, buuut I am still working out how to do that and what that means.

Before You Go...

If you are in a busy school-year season right now, this is your reminder that outdoor time does not have to be elaborate to matter.

Let me know what you're doing to continue getting outdoors!

Talk soon,
Amy

Thank you!

Thank you so much for being here and supporting me! It means so much to me that you’re here. I hope that I can provide value for you and your family, so you’re inspired to get out and explore more! Happy adventuring!

-Amy

8450 NW Prairieview Road, #1397, Kansas City, MO 64154
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Everyday Outdoor Family

Back to school ≠ adventures ending