Erie Offers Easy Ways to Spend 1,000 Hours Outside

Erin Phillips

Is your family up for a challenge this summer? If you're like a lot of folks across the globe committing to spending 1,000 hours outdoors this year, Erie offers plenty of opportunities, from public parks like Presque Isle to adventure activities like the Erie Zoo or ascending a lighthouse.

With the omnipresence of technology in modern children's lives, often at an increasingly younger age, one may wonder what kind of impact this has on them. The effects are actually much greater than you may think. While technology has a purpose, there's a desperate need for childhood to return to a (mostly) tech-free experience.

One mom has made it her mission to encourage others to prioritize outdoor time with her children. Ginny Yurich started the "1000 Hours Outside" challenge in 2013 and it now serves as a "global platform for those who wish to reclaim childhood, reconnect families, and live a fuller life."

Overall, Yurich encourages families to step away from screens and enjoy the world, hands-on and in person. Her movement has grown — she now has a podcast, a massive following on social media, offers guides, hour trackers, and an app.

As part of the 1000 Hours Outside Movement, Yurich wrote the book Until the Streetlights Come On, which dives deep into the science of why children need to be outside. From enhancing gross motor skills and increasing decision-making abilities, to being an overall mood booster, being outside is one of the best experiences kids can have during their childhood. And being outside doesn't just benefit children. Adults who spend more time outside see a decrease in stress and anxiety as well as benefits to their overall well-being.

After my husband and I became parents ourselves and found out about the 1000 Hour Outside movement, we made it our goal to attempt to complete the challenge with our kids. Last year, we made it to about 700 hours, which is still a win in our books because we were intentionally getting outside more. This year, we're hitting the ground running, attempting the challenge once again. We've taken up a love of camping which has been a wonderful experience, and we always notice how our oldest child asks every single morning to go outside, despite the weather conditions.

Sometimes with kids, it can be difficult to switch up outside time so everyone enjoys it. We love playgrounds and playing in the backyard, but sometimes you just need something different to spice up your routine. Erie County serves as the perfect location to get kids (and adults!) outside all year long, which can help make those 1000 hours fly by. Here's just a few ideas for ways for you and your family to spend more time outside and enjoying nature in our community.

• Take a hike… literally! Erie County has so many great trails: from Asbury Woods to Presque Isle and the Erie Bluffs, there are trails for all skill levels.
• Visit Goodell Gardens. This beautiful property has so much to explore, and will be opening a labyrinth garden this month. They also host a variety of programming during their open season for guests to enjoy.
• Pass some time by fishing. Living next to Lake Erie gives us locals a huge opportunity to enjoy this hobby. From fishing the Lake Erie waters to stream fishing Elk Creek, the variety of potential catches are incredible. Be sure to have your proper fishing licenses, or enjoy "Fish for Free" days on Sunday, May 26 and July 4.
• Rent kayaks and hit the water. Both Edinboro Lake and Presque Isle have kayak rentals to help take in views of our community from a different perspective.
• Start bird-watching. Did you know there are over 300 species of birds that make their way to Presque Isle at some point during the year? Make this hobby even more fun by creating bird bingo cards to use while scouting out wildlife.
• Attend an 8 Great Tuesdays concert. These free concerts are a great way to jam out with local bands and enjoy beautiful weather.
• Visit museums like the expERIEnce Children's Museum, Battles Farm House Property, the Erie Zoo, or any of the lighthouses that have outdoor spaces to explore. Not only do you get some outside time but you also get to visit great organizations within the county.
• Bike Presque Isle or the Bayfront. Both of these biking paths are flat and easy to navigate, which are perfect for bikers of all ages.
• Tee times of all kinds. From enjoying one of the many golf courses in the area to taking a more casual approach in a round of mini golf, this outdoor activity is great to enjoy at any age. My personal favorite course for a very amateur golfer like myself is Orchard Pond or Sunview Golf in Edinboro for a fun round of mini golf.
• LEAF Markets and the city's farmers markets are quickly approaching. These events are perfect for supporting local businesses and the parks they're held in.
• Erie Sports Center is nothing short of extreme when it comes to outside activities. Enjoy concerts, play volleyball, swing for the fences in batting cages, or race around the track in go carts. It lives up to its name being a Fun Park!
• Celebrate Erie is a great way to catch some local artists outside by seeing the Chalk Walk that runs down State Street. Want to create a spin-off of this event? Host a neighborhood chalk walk of your own!
• Wondering about those winter months? Hit the slopes at Mount Pleasant or Peek'n Peak for skiing, tubing and snowboarding, head to Asbury Woods for snowshoeing experiences, or ice skate on the outdoor rink in Perry Square.
• Finding new ways to enjoy your own backyard: gardening or enjoying a nice fire at the end of the day with family and friends.

You can find out more inspiration on ways to get your kids outside by visiting 1000hoursoutside.com or to download a tracker to start recording your hours today. You can also check out the 1000 Hours Outside Activity Book also written by Ginny Yurich for inspiration for activities to do with kids all year long that don't necessarily require trips.

No matter how many hours you accomplish in a year, I hope you enjoy every moment.

Courtney Baran is a full-time mom, fundraiser, and advocate for museums in Erie County. She can be reached at cbhistoricalconsultant@gmail.com