Our children spend less time playing outside -- and a lot more playing inside -- than we did at their age. They're what one researcher calls "the back-seat generation," much less likely than we were to walk or bike to school because they're getting driven everywhere.

When kids finally do get to play outside, they don't get nearly the same amount of freedom to explore as we did, and playtime (including organized sports) is so highly structured and there are so many rules that all the fun of running around and exploring is sucked out.

Play in nature -- particularly unstructured play -- benefits children in a variety of ways, including improving problem-solving skills, increasing focus and creativity, bolstering self-discipline, reducing stress and aggressive behavior, and even increasing IQ.

So how do you get your kids outside?

Do some research. The Children & Nature Network (www.childrenandnature.org) has compiled a huge list of organizations, campaigns and programs to help you connect with resources in your community. Other groups, such as the Sierra Club (www.sierraclub.org/youth) and National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org/kids), have programs aimed at children.

Do some reading. There are lots of places to get suggestions for outdoor activities to do with your kids. Two recent books are "Wild Play: Parenting Adventures in the Great Outdoors," by David Sobel, and "It's a Jungle Out There! 52 Nature Adventures for City Kids," by Jennifer Ward.

Set a good example. Looking up from your computer to tell your kids to get out and play isn't going to work. Put air in your bike tires, dust off your skateboard, get your sleeping bags and tent cleaned, put new batteries in your flashlights and start making plans. The object is to get everyone interested in and excited by spending time outside. You might get pushback from the kids early on, but once they get their hands dirty, they'll love it.