National Backyard Day - Fun & Easy Stretches For Kids to do Outside

 Celebrate National Backyard Day on March 19th with some fun and easy stretches.

Encouraging kids to stretch and move their bodies is essential for their physical development and overall well-being. Outdoor stretching promotes flexibility and mobility and allows children to connect with nature and enjoy fresh air. Here are some fun and easy stretches that kids can do outside to stay active and energized.

Celebrate National Backyard Day

National Backyard Day is a special day dedicated to enjoying outdoor activities in your own backyard. Celebrated annually, it encourages families to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and make the most of their outdoor spaces. It's the perfect occasion to engage kids in fun outdoor stretches while appreciating the beauty of nature right at home.

#NationalBackyardDay

Backyards offer a peaceful solitude, a restful escape for reading, napping, exploring, gardening friends and family, and taking time to stretch.

8 Stretches to do in Your Backyard

1. Sun Reach Stretch

How to do it:

• Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart.
• Raise both arms towards the sky, reaching as high as possible without arching your back.
• Feel a stretch in the arms, shoulders, and upper back.
• Hold for a few seconds, then gently lower the arms.
• Repeat this motion 5 - 6 times.

2. Butterfly Stretch

How to do it:

• Sit on the grass with feet together and knees bent outward.
• Hold the feet with both hands and gently flap the knees up and down.
• Feel a stretch in the inner thighs and hips.
• Hold for 15 - 20 seconds while taking deep breaths.

3. Side Stretch

How to do it:

• Stand with feet hip-width apart.
• Raise one arm overhead and lean to the opposite side, keeping your hips square (facing forward).
• Feel a stretch along the side of your body (torso and obliques).
• Hold for 10 - 15 seconds, then switch sides.

4. Tree Pose Stretch

How to do it:

• Stand on one foot and place the other foot against the inner thigh or calf.
• Bring hands together at chest level or reach them towards the sky.
• Feel a stretch in the standing leg for balance and in the hips.
• Hold for 10 - 15 seconds and switch legs.

5. Toe Touch Stretch

How to do it:

• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
• Slowly bend forward and try to touch the toes.
• Feel a stretch in the hamstrings (back of the legs) and lower back.
• Hold for a few seconds, then return to standing.

6. Shoulder Roll Stretch

How to do it:

• Stand or sit with a straight back.
• Roll the shoulders forward in circular motions, then roll them backward.
• Feel a stretch in the shoulders and upper back.
• Repeat 10 times in each direction.

7. Frog Stretch

How to do it:

• Squat down with feet wide apart and hands on the ground.
• Gently press the knees outward to stretch the inner thighs and groin area.
• Hold for 15 - 20 seconds.

8. Arm Circles

How to do it:

• Stand with arms extended to the sides.
• Make small circles forward for 10 seconds, then backward for 10 seconds.
• Feel a stretch in the shoulders and upper arms.

Conclusion

Outdoor stretching is a fantastic way to keep kids active, flexible, and engaged with their surroundings. These simple stretches can be incorporated into playtime, sports, or warm-up routines before other outdoor activities. Encourage kids to have fun while stretching and make it a regular part of their outdoor adventures!