Last summer, I had a magical evening with my seven-year-old, Max, as we ventured out to catch a fireworks display. Just a short drive to the waterfront, it was a night that felt unusually special.
As we settled on a bench, watching the fireworks light up the sky, Max shouted, “Wow! These are the best fireworks ever!” The laughter from a woman behind us was infectious, and soon, I was giggling too.
On our way back to the car, Max declared, “Today was the best day of my life!” My heart soared as I asked him what made it so wonderful. He replied, “Being with you, the fireworks, and we never go out at night.” He added, “We should do this more often!”
“Yes, we absolutely should!” I promised him.
That evening, I committed to making more nighttime outings a priority. There’s a unique charm to being outside at night—the stillness and tranquility create an atmosphere that’s simply different from the daytime hustle. It’s a time for reflection and inspiration.
Some of my most memorable conversations have happened during evening strolls with loved ones. Family walks, chasing fireflies, or playing games like hide-and-seek in the dark are experiences every child should enjoy regularly.
However, I must admit that my intention to spend more time outside after dark hasn’t been as successful as I’d hoped. Sure, we’ve had the occasional evening walk, but with school, homework, and bedtime routines, it can be tough to fit in those special moments. And now that winter has arrived, the thought of bundling up is often enough to make me reconsider.
Yet, with shorter daylight hours on the horizon (it gets dark by 4:30 PM here!), it’s more crucial than ever for my kids to play outside, even when the sun goes down. Children thrive when they get daily outdoor playtime, which leads to better health, happiness, and a bond with nature. Outdoor play nurtures social skills, encourages risk-taking, and enhances problem-solving abilities. Experts advocate for outdoor play regardless of the weather, and the same thought applies to evening play. Think about all the hours of fun lost if you usher your kids inside as soon as dusk falls.
If you’re unsure how to encourage outdoor play at night, start with simple activities. My go-to is going for family walks. I’m setting a goal to do this once or twice a week. If your neighborhood lacks sufficient lighting, consider bringing a flashlight and investing in reflective clothing for safety.
There are countless nighttime activities you can enjoy as a family. For inspiration, I found a fantastic list of ideas from the Get The Kids Outside Facebook page. A glow-in-the-dark treasure hunt or stargazing session sounds like a blast! And who wouldn’t love sharing spooky stories under the stars? I’m reminded of my own childhood, filled with nighttime adventures that fostered deep connections with friends and family.
Of course, if it’s freezing outside, I might rethink our plans. Still, I’m committed to that promise I made months ago to spend more time outdoors with my kids. After all, the darkest months of the year are when we crave joy and brightness the most. What could be more uplifting than enjoying the night sky with my beautiful children?
For more ideas on spending quality time outdoors, check out this enlightening piece from Home Insemination Kit or learn more about outdoor play and its benefits from Healthline.
In summary, getting outside with your kids when it’s dark can be a rewarding and magical experience. Don’t let the winter chill or busy schedules deter you—embrace the night and create lasting memories!