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I owe a significant debt of gratitude to Emma Johnson. While I’m uncertain how I first stumbled upon her concept of 1000 Hours Outside—a “movement for families seeking a more intentional childhood and enriched lives”—it turned out to be an internet discovery that profoundly impacted my family’s approach to the outdoors.
Previously, my partner and I didn’t consider ourselves outdoor enthusiasts. After finishing high school, we both relocated to New York City and preferred museums over nature trails on weekends. While we enjoyed the occasional beach day or outdoor run, it wasn’t until parenthood that we embraced the outdoors in a more meaningful way.
Our journey into outdoor living began in earnest when my son turned 4. At the start of 2020, we were grappling with cabin fever—my son was tired of his Christmas gifts, and we were exhausted from indoor play. We decided to embark on a New Year’s Day hike despite the frigid temperatures. That hike transformed our cranky day into one filled with joy. My son gleefully ran down trails, kicking up fallen leaves, and we realized the profound benefits of spending quality time in nature. We began to replace playground visits with woodland walks, often driving up to an hour to explore new trails. When the pandemic hit, we found ourselves outdoors more than ever—on trails, at community farms, the beach, and various playgrounds.
Fast forward to September 2021: As life began to return to “normal” and my son resumed full-time school and aftercare, our weeks mirrored our pre-pandemic hustle. During the weekdays, outdoor time became scarce. At school, my son had just 27 minutes of outdoor time—only on suitable weather days. We felt trapped in our old routine. It was then that my interest in the 1,000 Hours Outside movement evolved from a mere curiosity to a personal mission.
Through Emma’s website, I learned about her goal of spending 1,000 hours outside as a family each year. The premise is that any time spent outdoors is valuable—whether in your backyard, at a local park, or on a grand adventure in a national park. Since there’s no requirement for the outdoor experience to be in remote wilderness, 1,000 Hours Outside is accessible for families everywhere. Research consistently highlights the benefits of outdoor time for both children and adults. I recognized the need to prioritize outdoor activities, but making it happen often felt challenging. With Emma’s encouragement, I proposed the idea to my family as a New Year’s resolution for 2022, though we lacked a solid plan. Then, on the first Monday of the new year, my son exclaimed, “We’ll never reach 1,000!” That was the spark I needed to start tracking our hours diligently. We bundled up and ventured to the playground after his aftercare. Despite the icy conditions and being the only ones there, we accomplished our hour outdoors.
Seeing other families’ stories on Instagram under @1000hoursoutside solidified my resolve. If a mom in Wales could embrace rainy days, so could we! One comment particularly resonated with me: a mother shared how she turned peaceful moments into outdoor time by placing her kids in a hammock to listen to audiobooks.
Previously, I believed that 30 or 45 minutes outdoors wasn’t worth the effort, but with the target of 1,000 hours, I began seeking outdoor opportunities throughout our schedule. Whenever we made plans with friends, outdoor activities became the norm. My son and I agreed we could visit the park after his aftercare if his homework was completed. On nights when it wasn’t too late, we took post-dinner walks. This winter, I rediscovered skiing and ice skating after more than two decades—it was exhilarating! My son also took his first steps toward mastering these sports. During a trip to California, we focused entirely on hiking and beach exploration—our best family vacation yet. Having a clear goal for outdoor time has significantly enriched our lives, likely doubling our outdoor hours.
Despite our hectic schedules, I stopped tracking our hours and doubt we’ll hit the 1,000-hour mark this year, but that’s not the point (and Emma would agree). The real aim is to foster a mindset that prioritizes outdoor time for families. I’m incredibly thankful for this change; it has deepened our family bond and created lasting memories. As summer vacation unfolds, with the potential for 8 to 10 hours of outdoor time daily, I estimate we’re on track for around 400 hours this summer. How many hours could you log by Labor Day?
It’s worth noting that I recently learned Emma has hosted some controversial guests on her podcast who have expressed negative views on various topics, including LGBTQ+ rights and women’s reproductive autonomy. While I prefer not to delve into her personal beliefs, my experience with the 1,000 Hours Outside movement remains valid.
ALEX MORGAN is the author of The Compact Guide to Mindful Living and an expert in sustainable family practices. She resides with her partner and son in Astoria, Queens, in New York City. You can find her on Instagram @alex.morgan.writer.
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In summary, the 1,000 Hours Outside movement has reshaped my family’s relationship with the outdoors, encouraging us to prioritize time in nature and creating lasting memories together.