“Time in nature is not leisure time; it’s an essential investment in our children’s health (and also, by the way, in our own),” writes Richard Louv in the international bestseller, Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder.
The book has spurred a movement to connect children and communities to the natural world amidst the growing challenges of living in a digital world.
According to recent data, the average screen time for adults is around 7 hours per day, while children between 8 and 10 years old typically spend around 6 hours on screens, with teenagers (11-14) averaging closer to 9 hours daily.
Research continues to confirm that time spent in nature improves the physical and emotional health for children and adults.
So, if you’re ready to combat screen time in 2025, consider the 1000 Hours Outside movement.
1000 Hours Outside
Founded by Ginny Yurich, a Michigan-based writer and mom of five, the 1000 Hours Outside platform provides resources and trackers to encourage spending more time outside. The concept has gained so much traction with other families on social media and led to Yurich’s book and podcast.
Why 1000 hours? It equals about 2.5 hours per day to try to combat the average 1200 hours of television children watch per year.
Yurich came to the number based on research and what worked for her family.
“It has worked for our family to aim for an average of three hours a day throughout one calendar year. There are lots of variables from season to season, both figuratively and literally. Some days, in the heart of the summer, we may be out from dawn to dusk. Others we may get outside for shorter periods or occasionally not at all go out at all due to illness, appointments, frigid temperatures, or other commitments,” Yurich writes on her blog.
How to get started
For many, getting started in the frigid days of January isn’t very motivating. But, even a few extra minutes outside everyday is a good start.
Whether you start now or this spring, it’s recommended to keep it simple. It’s not about always driving to a nature trail. Time in nature can be as simple as in your own backyard or at the neighborhood park.
The 1000 Hours platform does feature free printable trackers you can download to keep track of your hours, and a mobile app available for $4 per month.
Enjoying the outdoors in Kansas City
One easy way to meet your 1000 hours is to enjoy a longer hike or outdoor activity over the weekends. Kansas City has a wide range of free natural spaces that are easily accessible.
You can find nearby parks by searching your city and county recreation websites based on the outdoor activities you enjoy.
Here are a few more local bloggers to get inspired.
You could also consider joining a local group for hiking, biking, or other activities. You can find local Facebook groups and other organizations that organize regular outings.
Overall, the goal isn’t always to reach the 1000 hours, but to enjoy the great outdoors, reduce screentime, and spend time in our local community and neighborhoods.