Rohan
As technology and smart devices carve out a larger role in daily family life, a growing number of Canadian parents are looking to change that dynamic and create more space for face-to-face connections with their children. With screen times ballooning and parents’ work schedules getting busier, some are reverting to a reliable and accessible option: time outdoors. The shift isn’t always dramatic, but it reflects a small change in priorities, where families are choosing presence over productivity, and shared space over structured interaction.
Coquitlam parent and spouse Matt Cameron likes to make the most of outdoor activities, which have now become a part of how he and his family stay connected. “We’ve built habits around getting outside. A short walk, a drive to the lake. Doesn’t need to be a big event, we just make it a goal of spending time together.”
This everyday routine seems to be gaining interest. Even though activities and busy schedules dictate family life, open-invitation outdoor play is also becoming a valuable social activity. Unlike a planned family meeting or technology-free dinner, time outside encourages conversations to happen naturally, without needing to guide them.
While specific statistics on parent-child communication challenges are limited, various studies have highlighted the impact of busy schedules and increased screen time on family interactions.​
The decision to focus on outdoor spaces nearby was, according to Cameron, more about rhythm than recreation. “We’re not looking to fix anything, but it feels different when you know there’s time in the week that’s not about tasks,” he says.
Coquitlam’s population growth has been relatively steady over the past decade, and the city has made investments to maintain access to parkland and trails. More than 80 km of well-kept trails are open to the public, accessible from numerous residential neighbourhoods, according to city data.
Access to green spaces varies across Canada, and while many Canadians live near parks or natural areas, usage rates can differ based on factors like urban density, availability of recreational programs, and individual family routines. Parents tend to prioritize logistical considerations, such as work schedules, children’s extracurricular activities, and household duties. Even when green space is available, making time to use it consistently can be hard for households with a full calendar.
Even short outings, however, seem to offer some benefits. A new study from the University of British Columbia found that even a few minutes of downtime spent outside can help lift the spirits of young people and adults. Researchers also found higher levels of conversational engagement between parents and children during outdoor walks compared to indoor settings.
Cameron adds that the consistency of being outside is what matters most in his household. “We’re not competitive in any way. But getting outside has become a useful part of our week. We definitely feel more connected because of it,” he says.
While the rise in screen time continues to draw concern, particularly among young people, families are approaching it with varied strategies. Some impose a schedule for device time, while others seek activities that naturally shift focus.
In British Columbia, the provincial government has been investing in local play-and nature-based programming to increase access to the outdoors, particularly for families in crowded cities. Vancouver and its surrounding municipalities now offer walking clubs, “forest play,” and public park days for families as part of the program. Participation varies, but so far, these programs have been effective in getting families to spend time with one another in lower-stakes environments.
Experts are wary of framing the idea of outdoor time as a solution to bigger issues, like affordability or work-life balance. But they add that small, repeatable routines, especially ones that don’t require planning or expense, can serve as a buffer to some of the daily wear and tear.
