In a world filled with screens, notifications, and indoor routines, getting outside often slips to the bottom of the to-do list. But what if there was a simple, achievable way to bring more nature, sunshine, and fresh air into your life? That’s where the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge comes in.
This growing movement encourages individuals and families to spend 1,000 hours outside in a year, which is roughly the same amount of time the average child spends on screens annually. The challenge flips the script, replacing digital distraction with outdoor exploration.
What is the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge?
The idea is simple: track and aim for 1,000 hours outdoors in one year. That averages just under 3 hours a day or about 20 hours a week. You can spread it out however it fits your lifestyle — long weekend hikes, daily after-dinner walks, or afternoons spent in the backyard.
The goal isn’t perfection but intentionality. Even if you don’t hit 1,000 hours exactly, striving for more time outside than you normally would is a huge win.
The Benefits of Going Outside
Spending more time outdoors offers countless benefits for both kids and adults:
- Physical health: Outdoor play and activities encourage movement, strengthen muscles, and support cardiovascular health.
- Mental well-being: Sunlight boosts Vitamin D levels, which improves mood and reduces stress. Time in nature is also linked to lower anxiety and better focus.
- Creativity and learning: The natural world sparks curiosity and imagination. Unstructured play outside often leads to creative problem-solving.
- Family connection: Shared outdoor experiences foster bonding and create lasting memories.
How to Make the Challenge Happen
It may feel intimidating to try to set a goal to spend 1,000 hours outside, but with a little planning, it’s very realistic. Here are some strategies to help:
- Start small and build – Begin with daily or weekly outdoor goals that fit your schedule, then work up.
- Track your hours – Use a journal, app, or printable tracker to record your time. The visual progress can be motivating!
- Make it a routine – Add outdoor time into your daily rhythms: morning coffee on the porch, an evening stroll through the neighbourhood, or weekend nature outings.
- Mix it up – Explore your local community! Walk the trails, play in the park, or spend an afternoon in your own backyard. Changing up the scenery keeps things exciting and reminds us of the great outdoor spaces right where we live.
Games to Play Outside
Sometimes kids (and adults!) need a little nudge to make outside time exciting. Here are a few fun ideas to get you started:
- Play catch, soccer, or frisbee in a nearby park.
- Create a nature scavenger hunt (find a pinecone, spot a bird, collect a smooth rock).
- Play eye-spy while walking along a trail or exploring your neighbourhood.
- Stargazing or cloud-watching for quiet, calm outdoor time.
- Classic games like tag or hide-and-seek.
Your 1000 Hours are Waiting!
At West 5, we believe life outside is life well lived. The 1000 Hours Outside Challenge is more than just a goal. It’s an invitation to experience the wellness, joy, and connection that comes naturally when you step outdoors.
Grab your shoes, gather your family, and start making memories. With Legacy Square at the heart of West 5, plus walkable streets and nearby parks, 1,000 hours are waiting just outside your door.
Check out our Events Page to see what exciting outdoor events are happening right here in West 5 — the perfect way to add hours to your challenge while connecting with your community.
