I say if it works, do it. Before technology like that, we used a simple Hikers Bingo game, where each child could mark off something they saw on the hike to complete a "line" in the game. Whoever found the most items won a prize.

Have you thought about using a GPS to do geocaching with them?

Hey Karen,

Thanks.  I love the Hikers Bingo idea - will have to try that one.

I am very into doing some Geocaching - got the software loading up on the iPhone and as soon as the weather gets better will definitely give that a shot!

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Karen said ...
I say if it works, do it. Before technology like that, we used a simple Hikers Bingo game, where each child could mark off something they saw on the hike to complete a "line" in the game. Whoever found the most items won a prize.

”

Whatever works!  I remember when my niece and nephew were young, my Dad decided he wanted to be called "grandfather" instead of "grandpa" so he bribed them with peppermints. Every time they said "grandfather," he'd give them a peppermint.  Now, they're both in their mid-twenties and only know one title for him: Grandfather.  And the peppermints were cheap :).

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Dan said ...
In a perfect world, the moment we said let's go for a family hike our kids would drop their video games, run to the door and thanks us for being such wonderful parents.  In my house the response is usually more of "Dad, you go take a hike, I am about to level up here.  Oh and can you pick up chips and pizza on your way home?"

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I kind of like it.... part of me thinks that kids shouldn't have to be bribed to exercise.... BUT- if that works then who am I to judge, right? 

My kids would live outside if I let them. If they had to choose between outside and video games outside would win every time, so I have a different perspective. 

Toni

Awesome!  I love how a little friendly competition can motivate kiddos (especially boys) into action!

...We bribe too

Hey Fawn,

Thanks for sharing your story - love it!  I would like my kids to call me "King" - I wonder of peppermints would work for that? :)

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Fawn said ...
Whatever works!  I remember when my niece and nephew were young, my Dad decided he wanted to be called "grandfather" instead of "grandpa" so he bribed them with peppermints. Every time they said "grandfather," he'd give them a peppermint.  Now, they're both in their mid-twenties and only know one title for him: Grandfather.  And the peppermints were cheap :).

”

Hey Happy,

Clearly you are not exposing your children to enough video games :)  Seriously, that is cool they are so into being outside, my oldest is like that as well...the younger one, not so much. 

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The Happy Housewife said ...
My kids would live outside if I let them. If they had to choose between outside and video games outside would win every time, so I have a different perspective. 

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LOL!!  That might require some peanut M & M's 

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Dan said ...
Thanks for sharing your story - love it!  I would like my kids to call me "King" - I wonder of peppermints would work for that? :)

”

I don't know about bribing, but I sometimes lie...'oh yeah kids, it's juuuust over that hill! We're almost there!' Not.

I am so lucky that my kids still love to be outdoors - and they love to geo-cache, so it is not hard to get them outside!

But I know time is coming soon - they are not teens yet!!