"Go outside and play." That's a phrase I'm determined to say more often.  I think it's important for kids to go out and play. I was outside constantly as a child.  I have fond memories of walking or biking all over our rural neighborhood with my friends.  Or riding bikes to the salvage store down the street.  Or playing volleyball until sunset behind the church next to my house.   

My youngest is pretty happy outside, but my oldest needs a shove.  It's hard because we live on a busy main street and I'm not yet completely comfortable with them going out there alone.  But we are getting a bench to put out there so I can sit and watch them as they play. 

So my thoughts are to put together a "Go play outside" kit to keep some fun stuff together to encourage them.  I plan to keep it in a big bin in the garage to pull out anytime they want to play. Some ideas I had to put in it so far:

- This cool refillable Bubbles Container (They had the best time blowing and chasing bubbles yesterday).

- Water guns and/or water balloons

- Various bouncy balls.

- Plastic animals

- Jump Ropes & Hoola Hoops

- Maybe some of these cool Rock Games

- Sidewalk chalk

- A portable lidded sandbox and sand toys

- These cool water bombs

Does anyone else have any cool ideas to keep kids occupied and wanting to go outside?  I'd love to hear them.