Military families already have a hard enough time competing with children’s school/sports/activity schedules, but how do swing sets and sidewalk chalk compete with technology and screens? How does a parent take the time to step outside (except just to walk to the car) and remind their children that outdoor play is a vital part of life? Being outdoors is not just for burning off energy; it’s a crucial part of a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Whether a child just gets to run and play in a space that’s filled with their imaginative world, or they find some calmness in a wooded trail, time outside provides children with a chance to embrace their curiosity and grow strong and resilient. Outdoor play is truly an essential part of a child’s development. 

Family spoke with Army spouse, Emily Alos, who is married to CW2 Joe Alos, and they are stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. They have one child, Olivia (2). 
 

What are some of your go-to outdoor activities—especially on a budget or base-friendly options?

Our go outdoor activity is utilizing the walking paths. Stroller rides, bike rides, or just walking (or as of recently playing tag). When it's summertime we offer to rent a canoe and go down the Chena River (we've been doing this with Olivia since she was about 11 months old). In the winter, we will play outside in the snow until it's -15° (literally just playing, occasionally sledding).

How has outdoor play impacted your children’s growth—physically, emotionally, or socially?

Socially: there are always people and pets out and about around post. We always try to do things with friends, especially during the duty day around nap schedules. We're about to start our first soccer season, so this will be a whole new aspect of socialization. 

Emotionally: New activities can bring frustrations and once mastered joy and confidence. Olivia is a daredevil so she's all about risk taking. All of this foster’s emotional growth.  

Physically: Olivia's curiosity has grown. Outdoor activities (I'm specifically thinking of playgrounds) provide opportunities for new skills (climbing, swinging, balance, etc.). We've begun trying to ride a balance bike and tricycle on our own.
 

Do you think outdoor play helps you as a parent, too? If so, how?

Outdoor play 100% helps me as a parent. In Alaska we are stuck indoors all winter and by March, we are dying to get outside. It's a change of scenery and fresh air. It's freedom for Olivia. She can do whatever within reason per the activity while I supervise. If we're out with friends, I get to socialize too.
 

What would you say to a fellow military parent who’s struggling to get their kids off screens and into the outdoors?

Screen time isn't awful, but I feel like in Alaska there are unique constraints with severe winter conditions (-30s sometimes colder, dark all winter). We make the best of any nice weather - dead of winter or spring and summer. We limit screen time to various times, which has worked well because then Olivia can expect when she will have her device. She loves being outside and will ask to be outside, which I think has been big by providing outdoor time early on. Make being outside fun. Play games. Do activities.