Twenty-five years ago, the idea of a "Take a Child Outside" week would have seemed ridiculous. We spent most of our free time outside as it was, riding bikes, exploring, playing with friends. But today, for reasons that vary from safety concerns to an unhealthy relationship with technology, kids just aren't getting outside as much as they used to.

In response to what she sees as a disconnect between kids and nature, Liz Baird, director of school programs at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences began "Take a Child Outside" week, which begins September 24th. The idea is to get kids back outside enjoying nature, not just for this week, but for life. "I always end by saying my honest hope for the week is that one day it won't be needed," says Baird.

Is your child suffering from "nature deficit disorder?" Here are some ideas for getting everyone out of the house:

• Play a game of Frisbee.
• Take an after dinner walk.
• Go on a picnic.
• Take a hike.
• Go fly a kite.
• Set up a simple scavenger hunt in your backyard.
• Go for a bike ride.
• Get a birding or wildflower book from the library and see what you can identify in your neighborhood.
• Rake the leaves together.
• Play a game of kickball.
• Visit a new park.

How do you make sure your kids get enough outside time every day?

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Ellie has a tendency to want to stay indoors most of the time. She likes to color and read and do crafts and watch television. I am totally on board with that during the winter because I don't particularly enjoy being cold. But now that it is warm out, I am looking for ways to lure her outside to play.

According to experts, Ellie's desire to stay in the house is not uncommon among kids today. With urbanization, computer games, television and shifting social values, experts say kids are suffering from 'nature deficit disorder.' I don't know that I would characterize Ellie's preference for staying inside as a disorder, but it certainly is a problem.

To battle her reluctance to venture outdoors, I have made a concerted effort to make our backyard seem like the most exciting place in the world. We have a swing set, of course. But we also have a cabinet on the back porch where I store a badminton set, croquet set, inflatable swimming pool, sidewalk chalk and various bats and balls. Just having these games available isn't enough; I have to set them up and play with her.

It's May and she is already getting bored with these activities. I know I can't be the only one dealing with a couch potato wannabe. How do you get your kids interested in the outdoors?

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