Fresh Air & Little Feet: Why Outdoor Time is the Ultimate Reset

Before becoming a parent, I had no idea how powerful a simple breath of fresh air could be. But now, with a very curious and very wiggly 9 month old, stepping outside has become one of my favorite parenting hacks.

Some days, when the naps are short and the teething is strong, just opening the front door, feeling a breeze and hearing a few birds, completely shifts the vibe for both of us!

And it’s not just my own experience that’s convinced me. I've worked in classrooms at LE3 for three years and saw firsthand how time outdoors helped kids of all ages thrive—meltdowns eased, moods lifted, and play became more imaginative the moment we stepped outside.

Why Fresh Air Really Does Make a Difference

There’s something incredibly soothing about the outdoors. I’ve seen it work wonders for my baby, and honestly, for me too. The sunlight, the new sounds, the movement... It's a full sensory reset.

Getting outside helps regulate sleep, boosts Vitamin D, supports our immune systems, and gives little ones a safe space to explore at their own pace.

They say, “Go get some air,” for a reason. It really does help. A few outdoor minutes can:

• Brighten the mood and lower stress

• Support deeper sleep (for kids and parents)

• Strengthen the immune system

• Encourage curiosity and movement—whether it’s tummy time on a blanket or sprinting down the sidewalk

• Most importantly, it encourages connection. Being outdoors without screens or distractions creates space to tune in to each other and build that strong bond that matters so much

☀️ Our Favorite Outdoor Activities

These are a few of our favorite ways to spend time outside, depending on the day, the weather, and how much energy we have to work with.

For Babies 

• Tummy time under a shady tree

• Stroller walks or baby wearing strolls that often double as nap time

• Watching bubbles float by

• Exploring textures like grass, flower petals, or smooth stones

Toddlers & Preschoolers

• Chalk drawings and DIY obstacle courses in the driveway

• Splash pad or water table fun on warm afternoons

• Bug hunts, leaf collecting, and cloud watching

• Letting them lead the way on a mini nature walk

  
  

Elementary-Age Kids

• Biking or scootering around the block

• Backyard campouts with flashlights, snacks, and giggles

• Simple gardening projects - Planting herbs, flowers, or just digging in the dirt

• Scavenger hunts with fun prompts like “Find something yellow”

  
  

Tweens & Teens

• Photo walks or mini challenges like “Who can find the coolest texture?”

• Picnics with a playlist they get to curate

• Playing catch, frisbee, basketball—or whatever they’re into

• Helping out at local park cleanups or community gardens

🌈 How to Get Kids Excited to Go Outside

We’ve all had those days when suggesting “let’s go outside” feels like a big ask. But here are a few tricks that can help:

• Give them options so they feel in control

• Turn it into an adventure: “Let’s go find the biggest stick in the neighborhood”

• Bring a snack (snacks make everything better)

• Make it a tradition. “Evening walks” or “Saturday park mornings” become little things to look forward to. (We do nightly walks before bed and it’s our favorite part of the day!)

🔆 Warm Weather Tips 

Now that the sun’s sticking around longer, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Don’t skip the sunscreen, even on cloudy days

• Keep water bottles packed and chilled

• Dress for comfort: breathable layers, sun hats, and shoes they can safely run in

• Aim for morning or evening outings when the temps are friendlier

🌅 Final Thoughts

Fresh air and a change of scenery have become one of the simplest joys in our daily rhythm. Whether we’re just walking to the mailbox or setting up a full park picnic, time outside always feels like a reset for my baby and for me.

Sometimes it’s five minutes on the front porch or a walk that ends with a car nap. But those small, simple moments? They’re starting to feel like the ones I’ll remember most.

So if you’re wondering whether it’s worth the effort to pack the bag, grab the sunhat, and head out, just step out the door. Breathe in. Let the fresh air work its magic.