How to Get Your Teenager Outside

It feels as though it's almost impossible these days to get kids off their phones and out of the house to enjoy the outdoors. The rise of social media, the convenience of indoor play gyms as well as overscheduled days make it seem impossible even for adults to be getting outside, let alone our kids. 

I often reflect on some of the best years I have experienced thus far and they always included bike rides around the neighborhood, enjoying some of my favorite hikes, walks along the beach with family and friends, picnic dates and playing sports at the neighborhood elementary school. Even social media these days reiterates the importance of getting outdoors through mental health walk TikToks, memes, and Instagram posts. Yet so many of us stay inside and choose to appreciate the world outside through our smart devices rather than to go outside and see it for ourselves.

There are times when I can empathize with today's generation of teenagers. I remember wanting to do exactly the opposite of what my parents wanted me to. Pushing boundaries, wanting to spend more time alone and with friends rather than family, and immersing oneself in electronics all seem to be the job description of most teenagers. However, the popularity of TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat have also given rise to mental health awareness. More and more teenagers are becoming aware of their own challenges and as a part of their growth, it’s important that parents connect with them to educate them on the importance of getting outside.

There are a number of ways that parents can use their teen’s interests and preferences to help them connect with the outdoors:

(1)   Get them involved! Ask them to find a TikTok or Instagram post of an activity they would like to try or a place they want to visit.

(2)   Let them bring a friend. Face it, the older kids get, the less they think their parents and siblings are cool. Getting outdoors is important but so is building social connections.

(3)   Bargain! Try and “encourage” your teenagers to get out by rewarding them additional screen time. Maybe one hour outside could win them an additional 30 minutes on their smart devices at home.

(4)   Give them options! Whether you ask them what they want for dinner or what they want to do, it's almost always that teenagers reply with an “I don’t know”. Instead of giving them the opportunity for that response, give them a few options to pick from. There’s usually one that will stand out to them.

(5)   Give them space. Sometimes it's okay not to put up a fight and make your kids hang out with you. Independence is important for growth so let them explore on their own or with friends. They may just start to appreciate the outdoors more by doing so.

(6)Limit screen time. Give your teenager a limited amount of time that they are allowed to spend scrolling on their devices. Once the time is up, they may be more inclined to take part in other activities you suggest.

I have compiled a list of activities and places to visit in the community in hopes that they could serve as options for you to draw from if you feel like you are running out of options and ideas. At first glance, they may seem like summer activities but with some boots and a waterproof jacket, these activities can be modified for all the rain Vancouver has to offer.

Things to do in Langley!

(1)   Fort to Fort Hiking Trail. The entire trip is 14km but cutting the hike short is just as enjoyable and relaxing.

(2)   Williams Park. Another hiking option with a beautiful playground for all to enjoy! Dogs are welcome to join making this a true family spot.

(3)   Brae Island Regional Park: Whether you decide to go for a stroll, bring your bikes, or pack a picnic, this scenic option is great for everyone to enjoy.

(4)   Glen Valley Stables Horseback Trail Rides. Although this activity may not be suitable for all, it’s a great option for anyone wanting to try something new! Go horseback riding down a country trail with experienced guides to ensure safety and fun!

(5)   Fraser Valley E-Cycle. Admittedly, this is one of my favorite things to do outdoors. These electric bike rentals are perfect to rent on a warm day. Pack some snacks in a backpack and remember to take some breaks to enjoy the trail and views.

(6) Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery. This local farm is the spot to be during every season. During the summer months, you’ll find fresh berries available for u-pick and in the fall, I recommend enjoying their pumpkin patch and tractor ride. Face it, no one is ever too old for the pumpkin patch. In the winter, come in and enjoy their winter wonderland perfect for the entire family. In addition, the farm offers a ton of experiences and classes that are worth exploring with your teenagers.

We live in a world so heavily influenced by social media. Sometimes it’s hard not to compare our lives to those on our explore page, though this comparison game may cause declining self-esteem and self-worth. Unplugging from our devices and spending time outdoors has been proven to be one of the most significant ways to improve our health and happiness. It is crucial to ensure that teenagers of this techy generation are encouraged to spend time in green and blue spaces to lower their risk of developing psychiatric disorders. As teens return back to school from spring break and the weather improves, remember to incorporate time outdoors for the entire family to enjoy!