Playing Outside

One of my favorite things to do growing up was playing outside.

We had several huge trees in our front yard--perfect for climbing. And our long driveway was great for throwing the football or baseball. We had a basketball goal.

There was a giant field behind our backyard which connected to an elementary school playground. This was great. We would go out and hit golf balls, play baseball and kickball, run the track, play on the playground, or ride our bikes back there. I don't think I would feel safe in today's world just letting my kids out of my sight like that.

I loved rollerskating and rollerblading out on the driveway. My friends and I would choreograph different dance routines on our skates. We would pretend we were iceskaters.

We had a big trampoline in the backyard too. Now, that thing would occupy us for hours.

From the time we got home after school until dinner or dark, whichever came first, we were playing outside.

So much of my childhood was marked by imagination, exploration, and outside play. Sometimes I worry that today's fast-paced, technology-focused society strips children of these experiences. Since these are some of my favorite childhood memories, I want to be intentional about fostering imagination and the simple pleasures of playing outside for our little one(s)!