Unfortunately, as parents getting kids outside -even getting the whole family outside is easier said than done, with school and work and the lure of technology it’s challenging.

Getting the family outside doesn’t have to be a chore, and in fact you can make getting outside not only interesting but a game as well. Children will love exploring so why not set up a nature trail in your own backyard, or a park nearby. Have your kids sketch out a simple map of the things they see, different plants, a unique tree, rocks, water, what birds they may have seen in the sky. Take the time to tell them about the trees, plants, birds they see, they will be learning and having fun at the same time.

If you have a few children, or your kids have lots of friends, and your home seems to be the *hang out* – why not turn your backyard into a *fun zone*. When kids are left to play on their own – no technology involved – they will figure out their own rules and solve their own disputes while they are learning about leadership and learning valuable social skills.

Encourage a range of activities, offer a nice place to relax with some comfortable seating or a blanket on the grass with some soft cushions, if you have a flat/paved surface that’s perfect for skateboards, bikes, scooters etc. Don’t forget a basketball hoop and if you have a nice lawn, it could become a cool soccer field, football oval or even a cricket pitch.

An Adventure playset is perfect for the back yard, it encourages imagination, and lets boys and girls be their own train driver, the set has a naughts and crosses section, stairs, slippery dip, platform, and a section for play underneath the raised platform. You can add a range of fixed panels to the carriage section, which lets you customise the play area to your children’s wants and needs.

Alternately you can opt for a more *traditional* park play equipment the Capital Set is perfect for mixed ages and with aluminium posts the unit is durable and low maintenance. Kids can climb and slide, there is a rock climbing wall and plenty of ladders and climbing areas, as the kids grow, or their needs change you can add extra units turning your yard into a real jungle gym.

Store outside toys in the back yard. Dedicate a waterproof outdoor bin to supplies and fill it with anything and everything that will transform your yard into a playground, items can include bats and balls, Frisbee, bubble guns, jump ropes, hula hoops, footballs, soccer balls, nerf guns etc, anything and everything kids can play with outside. By filling a bin with a range of options they can have fun deciding what to do.

You can also set up an outdoors arts and craft area, perfect for the warmer months and girls will love it. Grab a kids plastic table and chairs, some tubs, a blackboard and chalk, carboard, glue, paints, glitter, paper, stickers. Again, store all the supplies in a plastic tub, kids can go out grab paint and paper, glues etc and have fun making their own projects, fresh air and imagination, what more could you ask for. The good news is you get to leave all the mess outside, you don’t have to worry about paint on carpets or glue on the floor.

In summer you could always consider a private area that can be turned into a fort using some sheets or blankets, alternatively a small tent, a tepee made of canvas and some poles, or even something as simple as a tarp tacked to a fence and held up at the front with two poles. Structures like this offer kids a little retreat all of their own, where they can read, play games, or just set their imagination on fire.

Getting your family outside isn’t hard at all, you just need to push for it, and make sure it happens on a regular basis, once it becomes habit, you won’t even have to ask the kids to go outside and play.

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1. Darlington Parklands, Yarrabilba

Water, water, all around… First up on our list is the impressive Darlington Parklands, situated in Yarrabilba, which has been open now since 2014. Named a “super park” by some clever person in marketing behind the scenes, this park actually lives up to the moniker. The park sprawls over a wide area, with the most popular feature being the water park features, such as fountains, streams, and other elements, that are just perfect to cool down in when the temperature soars.

2. Frew Park, Milton

An industrial themed play space that is situated on the Milton Tennis Centre grounds, this park will impress parents and kids alike. You’ll spot this park by the towering “control centre”, a 5-metre high structure that operates as a lookout and a spot from which to slide down the massive tube slide. There’s other play equipment on the site too, and plenty of BBQs to go about throughout the park, so might not make a day of it here?

3. Broadwater Parklands, Southport

Are you from the Gold Coast area, or stopping through? Then it’s worth taking a look at Broadwater Parklands, a huge park set along the Broadwater in this fun suburb. There’s plenty to do with flying foxes, swings, a jumping pillow and more. During summer, The Rockpools water park is a fun place to cool down and splash about to the kid’s heart’s content. There’s even a little café on site at this park if the kids start to work up an appetite from all that serious playing!

4. Riverside Green Playground, South Bank

There’s no better spot for a day out with the whole family than Brisbane’s famous South Bank. Full of tourist attractions, shops, and market stalls, there really is something for everyone, including, of course, some awesome playgrounds for the kids! The Riverside Green Playground is bright, full of things to play on, and has suitable activities for all ages. After being refurbished this playground is now as popular as ever.

5. Splash’n’Play Water Park, South Ripley

Your kids love climbing and heights? Then Splash’n’Play, in Ipswich might be the spot to take them. A towering adventure playground features rope net bridges, huge slides, and netted climbing frames to choose from. As the name indicates, this park also has a wide variety of water feature play equipment to splash about in over summer. Set in green parklands, this is a popular spot for kids whether it’s out in the water over summer, or adventuring over the winter time.

6. Underwood Park, Priestdale

If you’re looking for one of QLD’s most attractive parks to play around in, then Underwood Park might just be it. The beautiful adventure playground here is like a work of art, and highly functional so kids like it too. The monorail track that circles the park is a delight for children to ride, and the park facilities will suit children of all ages. There’s also a BMX track and sports courts available and plenty of shade about to the protect little ones from the sun.

7. John Scott Park, Samford

If your child is a little bit mad for trains than the pick of the bunch for your park outing is most definitely going to be John Scott Park, out in Samford. Within the park, there is a specific train themed playground which should ignite the fire in little ones with a penchant for trains. The train theme runs through this playground and includes equipment like a carriage and engine. Try it out, all in historic railroad grounds.

8. Capalaba Regional Park, Capalaba

If you are in the Capalaba area, then you could do a lot worse than visiting the Capalaba Regional Park, a varied playground that’s full of bright colours and bush scenery. There are plenty of walkways to connect up all the equipment in this park, with items like flying foxes, climbing walls, slides, and more. There’s even a dog area not far from where the main playground is, so you can bring your pooch along, too.

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