Celebrate being outdoors with a purpose, a little motivation, possible rewards, and mostly for fun.
At Fitness Finders, we believe that celebrating movement with meaningful rewards helps kids:
Build consistency in physical activity.
Feel proud of their efforts (not just results).
Stay engaged through fun and play.
Why Rewards Work
When kids know there’s a goal to reach - or a cool token to earn - it gives them a sense of purpose. It’s not about competition; it’s about progress and participation.
Research shows that intrinsic motivation grows when kids associate physical activity with fun, accomplishment, and recognition - not pressure. And small, tangible rewards (like our colorful tokens) help reinforce that positive connection.
How to Use Tokens for Play Outside Day
Here are a few fun ways to use Fitness Finders tokens with your students or kids:
Outdoor Bingo
Complete a row of outdoor activities (like hopscotch, nature walks, or jumping jacks) to earn a reward. Make things more interesting or challenging to see if you can get multiple bingos, or fill up the whole bingo card. Reward kids with a special Fitness Finders token for completing a Bingo, or reward them with a token that corresponds with each outdoor activity they complete - frog jumps, walking, jumping jacks, run like a rocket, etc…
Download a free printable bingo activity board.
Play Outside Pledge
Track 30 minutes of outdoor play for 5 days and reward with a star, flower, or sun token.
Download a free printable fitness tracker.
Group Challenge
Get the whole class or family active and create a group goal - e.g. tally the total # minutes outside. Add a little twist and make it required for everyone to be outside at the time for the minutes to count and celebrate with a group reward.
Kindness in the Outdoors
Recognize kids who help clean up a playground, invite a friend to play, or show great sportsmanship.
Why Does It Matter?
Kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day according to the CDC.
Outdoor play improves mood, focus, and sleep - for kids and adults!
Physical activity helps build strong muscles, bones, and confidence.
Studies show that kids who play outside regularly have lower stress levels and do better in school.
Movement + Recognition = Motivation
Pairing physical activity with positive recognition helps kids feel seen, builds confidence, and encourages them to keep moving. National Play Outside and National Fitness Day is the perfect time to start - or refresh - that habit.
Fun + Fitness = Happy, Healthy Kids
Here’s how you can celebrate these two movement-filled days with your students or kids at home:
Create a backyard or recess obstacle course
Use cones, jump ropes, or even sidewalk chalk!
Go on a nature walk or scavenger hunt
Add movement and mindfulness
Launch a mini fitness challenge
10 jumping jacks, 10 squats, 10 toe touches … repeat!
Free play for the win
Sometimes the best fitness is unstructured. Let kids run, explore, and get messy!
Make Movement Stick with Rewards That Matter
At Fitness Finders, we make getting active fun and meaningful. Our colorful tokens and awards are perfect for recognizing effort, teamwork, or sticking with a new fitness goal. Try our outdoor-themed tokens to mark milestones and keep kids motivated.
Let’s Move Together
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or coach, National Play Outside Day and National Fitness Day are great reminders that movement doesn’t have to be complicated - it just needs to be consistent.
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