THE TRADITIONS LIBRARY
Go Outside
When the children were little, we made a commitment to go outside every day. Some days brought hours of adventure; others offered only a minute on the porch. For well over a decade, this simple intention gave our days a familiar purpose: get dressed, step outside, and see what the day had waiting.
Shared by:
The December Family
0002
CATEGORY
Ordinary Life
FREQUENCY
Daily
AGES
All Ages
COST
Free
The Story Behind It
Go Outside began when my children were little. I wanted an activity to keep us busy, a reason to seek daylight and fresh air, and one small goal we could return to each day.
For part of that time, we lived in the Arctic, where getting three children outside could be an undertaking of its own. Sometimes we spent thirty minutes dressing and undressing for what amounted to a minute on the porch. Other days, we stayed out for hours.
Over the years, going outside meant visiting friends, fishing, hiking, walking, playing in the water, and tobogganing. It also meant tiny strolls on the porch before the wind and snow sent us back inside.
We kept going for ten years, missing only a handful of days when sickness or blizzards made it too much or unsafe. Looking back, those brief outings belong to the tradition just as much as the long adventures. They were all part of the commitment we made together.
What You'll Need
Clothing suited to the weather and a little time together. Depending on the day, you might bring water, a snack, or something to play with, but the tradition can begin right outside your door.
Make It Your Own
Choose an everyday moment that makes stepping outside easier: after breakfast, after school, or before dinner. Let children help decide where to go or what to notice.
You could return to the same tree through the seasons, watch the clouds, look for animal tracks, or simply wander. As children grow, the outings can grow with them.
Keep the commitment manageable. Your family’s version might be a few minutes each day or a regular outing each week. Allow room for rest and changing conditions so it remains something you can return to.
How It’s Done
Each day, we find an opportunity to step outside together. The weather, our energy, and the time available help determine what that looks like.
We might plan an outing, meet friends, take a walk, or spend time playing near home. On quieter days, we simply step onto the porch and take in the air.
There is no minimum distance or length of time. A brief visit outside counts, and when illness or unsafe conditions keep us indoors, we let the day pass by the window and return when we can.