Play Today * Bright Ideas

Of course, every month should be “Get Outside Month,” but in April it’s official. Join the youth-inspired, youth-led Children & Nature Network initiative to Play, Serve and Celebrate—outside!

When we think of the “outdoors,” we often think of weekend destinations like beaches, forests, rivers, or mountains. These natural treasures are all well worth a visit, but this month we also encourage you to explore the Great Outdoors that exists right outside your front door.

Here are 5 ideas to get your family—and your neighborhood—playing outside in April. For more inspiration, check out our "Get Outside" board on Pinterest.

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Playgrounds don’t improve themselves—they need love and care to thrive. If you’re lucky enough to have a playground within walking distance of your home, here are seven ways to ensure that it stays safe, well-maintained, and most importantly, played on by young and old alike. In honor of St. Valentine, let’s show your playground some love.

We're now offering $750 spruce grants to help you show your playground some love! Apply by March 30.

1. Put it on the map

Are you sure new neighbors know where your playground is? Add photos to our Map of Play, and be sure to let folks know about its condition and the amentities it offers. If your playground is already on the map, you can help provide more information by adding your own comments and reviews.

>> Visit our Map of Play or download our mobile Playgrounds! app

2. Paint games on unused asphalt

Stretches of plain asphalt present valuable opportunities for play—just add paint! Markings for simple games, like hopscotch and foursquare, help incentivize children to engage in play and physical activity. Plus, they increase motor skills, create learning opportunities for conflict resolution, and maximize the potential of your playspace.

>> Get stencil sets and rules guides at peacefulplaygrounds.com

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How did you used to get to school? Perhaps you never trudged five miles through the snow—uphill each way—but if you walked or biked, you were part of the majority.

Not so anymore. While 71 percent of adults walked or rode their bikes to school as children, a mere 17 percent  of their own children currently do so. Fifty-three percent are driven by a parent. Sadly, these kids are missing out on a chance to be active and enjoy some fresh air before and after school – particularly during a time when outdoor play opportunities during the day are getting slashed to make room for more academics.

In honor of International Walk to School Day, it's a good time to think about how to institute a less car-dependent culture at our schools.

Parents often cite safety issues as one of the primary reasons they are reluctant to allow their children to walk to school, but there is always safety in numbers. A walking school bus is a group of children walking to school with one or more adults. It can be as informal as two families taking turns walking their children to school, or as structured as a route with meeting points, a timetable, and a regularly rotating schedule of trained volunteers.

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