How Do You Encourage Kids To Explore The Outdoors? Rica Shares Tips

In another episode of Poprica, former actress and Smart Parenting Editor-at-Large Rica Peralejo explores the outdoors with second-born son Manu, in Soujorn Campsite and Villas, Tanay. In this vlog, Rica calls this ‘Mama and Manu Time.’

In the age of the internet, Rica says that most kids want to stay indoors, and she has a term for it—we are the ‘aircon children’ generation. “Nasanay tayo pinapa aircon ng nanay natin,” she mentions in the vlog. However, as someone who has a very active lifestyle, she strongly advocates exploring the outdoors. She believes that exploring the outdoors aids in character building—it exposes the kids to various experiences that will help strengthen resilience. Outdoors, however, can be very uncomfortable to children because the weather and environment can be variable—but Rica shares tips to us parents on how we can turn these family bondings into core memories that kids will truly enjoy despite the threat of discomfort.

Related: Rica Peralejo On The Benefits Of Going Outdoors: ‘It Helps A Kid Know Himself’

How do you encourage kids to explore the outdoors? Rica Peralejo's 6 tips

1. Lead by example.

“Monkey see, monkey do.” Rica reminds us that whatever we do, our children will copy. What they see in us, even a little sign of discomfort being outdoors, is what our children would inherit, she says. “The huge part why my kids are 'game na game' 'pag nasa labas kami, is because ‘yung nanay at tatay nila ang nangunguna sa pagiging masaya,” she shares.

However, Rica thinks that usually, this is the main problem as well. A lot of parents are afraid of discomfort and we have to overcome that first before we expect our children to like being outdoors.

2. Go with a group that your family is comfortable with

Rica advises to go to find your tribe—go outdoors with a group that your family is comfortable with. She reminds us that kids get excited about spending time with friends and their playmates; that reason alone can encourage them to join the family trip.

3. Give them a good mix of comfort and challenges

Rica says to find the balance between comfort and challenges. Being outdoors is already challenging in itself, so make it feel like “home” with their comfort food, favorite blanket, and Manu suggests, “Books!” Rica also reminds us to ensure that activities are age-appropriate or make adjustments if the situation warrants it. She cites an example when they were hiking with Manu in Indonesia and it was approximately a 5 km hike. It could be very tough for a five-year old boy, so they decided to let him walk for two kilometers and carried him after.

4. Let them be bored.

Rica also reminds, “Bored time is a good time.” Trust the kids will find something to do even in their boredom. It will fuel their imagination and spark their creativity and innovation.

5. Say yes to a big “yes space”

Rica explains that at home, we tend to be restrictive with their movement: no climbing, no messing around—it’s all about the no’s and what they’re not supposed to do. But outdoors, it’s a huge “Yes Space”. Yes, you can run, yes you can be muddy and dirty, yes you can jump—children are free to explore themselves and the nature around them.

6. Include kids in the planning

While it’s good to train kids with spontaneity, Rica also values the idea of including the kids in planning. Kids love to plan and making them part of the journey is very reassuring to them, they get to predict what happens next and it allows their mind and body to be ready in accepting a new environment.

Outdoor Essentials

Part of planning for your great outdoor adventure is packing family essentials in case someone gets injured or if we simply want to add another layer of protection while we enjoy the warmth of Mother Nature. Rica’s top outdoor essentials are:

• Raincoat  and sunhat protect yourself from the elements
• Toiletries
• First-aid kit
• Medical tape of different sizes (in case someone hurts himself or just making the kids feel more comforted when they get boo-boos)
• Sunblock
• Insect repellant (for someone like Rica who was diagnosed and treated for Dengue twice, insect repellant is top priority)

In this episode of Poprica, Rica used both spray and lotion variants of OFF! Kids. 

It’s not always going to be like this

Exploring the outdoors does not promise a pleasant experience all the time. Rica understands that there will always be challenges along the way and in fact there would be “ayaw na namin to ulitin ulit” moments. So for starters, choose easier destinations and search for campsites that provide familiar amenities and have the lesser time for discomfort.

Soujorn Campsite and Villas, for example, is a family-friendly camping destination where you can indulge with nature and yet still get the comfort of amenities that are familiar to you. Basic camp amenities include:

• Bed and beddings
• Toiletries
• Kitchen, griller, sink
• Cooking tools
• Toilet and bath
• Playground
• Above ground pool
• Projector and screen
• Bonfire pit
• Dining tables, chairs, camping chairs, booster chair (upon request)
• Lounge chairs and daybed
• Toys and board games
• Chest freezer
• Electric fan
• Starlink wifi
• Riverside parking
• Tent pitching

Overnight rates:
Weekdays: 1 teepee house P4,500 a night/4-5 pax, 3 teepee houses P10,500 12-15 pax
Weekends/Holidays: whole place P12,500 a night (12-15) + P500/ head for additiona paxl

Day trip Rates: Weekdays P500 per head

Camping Rates: P1,000/tent, P500 per head minimum of 8, P1,500/tent, P500 per head, minimum of 12

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Camp Sojourn (@sojourncamp_tanay)

For inquiries and booking, click here.

A celebrity-host fulfills childhood dream of camping in a car with family. Read her story here.