For those chasing 1000 hours outside for their family this year, we’re sharing a few ideas each month on how we’re maximizing this month’s weather with seasonal outdoor play ideas.
Keep reading for our team’s inspiration for each age and stage of getting kids playing outside in February, from the backyard and beyond.
If you aren’t familiar with 1000 hours outside movement, start here.
XO,
East Valley Moms
Babies: 1000 hours outside ideas for Arizona
- Stroller walking meetup groups: There’s several local walking groups for new moms, pick the group that works best with your schedule.
- Let’s Stroll: Saturday mornings at Freestone Park
- Hey mama: Friday mornings, locations vary across QC/east Mesa
- The Mom Walk Collective: weekday mornings (varied) twice a month
- Fit4Mom Queen Creek playgroups and workouts | get a FREE month of classes with code “EVM”
Toddlers: 1000 hours outside ideas for Arizona
- Park play remix: When your kiddo is tired of “just the park,” here’s a few ideas to keep things exciting:
- Picnic at the park: We usually pop a bag of popcorn and pack it for a snack picnic along a greenbelt with a few toys; the allure of a fun snack and an open space are a win for new play
- Bubble party playdate: We met up with a friend at the park and we both brought all our bubble toys for an easy, yet different, outing to the park –Contributor Sylvia
- Music at the park: Bring a little bluetooth speaker and play silly songs to get kids started playing outside; after a few songs, they’ll be playing on their own
- Go to a new-to-them park: It’s prime park season, and if you have some extra time, drive a little out of your way for a new park–here’s some of our favorite East Valley parks
- Bring inside toys to the backyard: “We recently started bringing certain “inside” toys outside with us. I originally had minor heart palpations about it, but I’m seeing that it gives the toys new life in a new setting. Our wooden train tracks have been the biggest hit so far.” – contributor Megan
School Aged: 1000 hours outside ideas for Arizona
- Citrus u-pick: Agritopia offers citrus u-pick that’s so much fun for kids to pull fruit right off the trees. U-pick details here.
- See the animals–our favorite time for farm animal visits including:
- Agritopia chickens
- Carl’s Damaged Animals | Right outside the Riparian Preserve is a residential home that has rescued cows, pigs, donkeys and more that kids can feed.
- Hiking: Heres our six favorite local hikes with kids
- Free farm tour: Learn all about the Agritopia farm! Free tour meets at 10:00 am in front of the Farm Store that is located on the west side of the large Barnone building. More details here.
