keen black leather boots We believe outside is better than inside and that every minute interacting with nature is time well-spent. Especially for kids. It’s where they truly come alive and thrive. Let’s flip those numbers by encouraging kids to engage in “open play” instead: 100% wild, open-ended play. Right in the backyard or whenever you’re out and about. The great thing about open play outside is that kids can engage in it anytime, anywhere. OPEN PLAY IS SPONTANEOUS. IT’S FINDING DRIFTWOOD AND TURNING IT INTO A FORT. OR FOLLOWING RACCOON TRACKS IN THE MUD. The benefits of all that outside play on growing bodies and minds are as wide as kids' eyes. Outside time has been shown to improve sleep and distance vision, raise Vitamin D levels and fitness, enhance creativity, and reduce ADHD symptoms. If open play by nature is unstructured, untethered, and self-directed, how do we as parents help set it in motion? Here are a few tips from our own KEEN parents. “PLAN FOR THE UNPLANNED.” Open play is spontaneous. It’s finding driftwood and turning it into a fort. Or following raccoon tracks in the mud. But oftentimes a little forethought can help spark it. For example, bringing along reusable containers for collections, binoculars for spotting birds and other wildlife, a magnifying glass for taking a closer look at nature, supplies for crafts, a butterfly net, or an app for identifying animal tracks. In fact, sometimes you can spark outside time with just a “let’s see if we can spot any critter tracks” and then see where the moment takes you. keen boots waterproof “OUTSIDE MEANS OUTSIDE, IN ALL WEATHER.” The more kids are exposed to all kinds of weather, the less of an issue a rainy day becomes. Besides, the elements just add an extra element to the fun. Snow makes it easier to track animals, and rain can make a simple game of hopscotch much splashier. “We take Charlie to the dog park and let him jump in all the puddles. He gets a rain suit on and his KEEN boots and sees how wet he can get.“ – KEEN mom Christina “GEAR UP FOR GETTING OUT.” KEEN mom Kristy keeps an ever-evolving bin of materials and random toys on her front porch. Her son Lucas makes a beeline for it to see what treasures he’ll find out there to spark outside activities. Giving recyclable containers another life for crafting, gardening, or making up a new sidewalk game is a great idea for kicking off hours of fun. Having shoes that are easy for kids to get on themselves and get outside is also a big help. KEEN kids' sandals, shoes, and boots are designed with easy on/off in mind. Plus, our Read more
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