Join Lindsay & Timmy on the 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge

Have you ever looked up from your phone and realized an entire afternoon slipped away? In today's world, it's easier than ever to spend our days indoors scrolling, streaming, and staring at screens. That's exactly why Timmy and I are so excited to begin our journey with the 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge—and we'd love for you to join us!

At Simply Living with Lindsay & Timmy, our mission has always been to inspire families to embrace simple living, create meaningful memories, and discover adventures that don't have to cost a fortune. The 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge fits perfectly with everything we believe in.

What Is the 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge?

The 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge is a worldwide movement that encourages families to spend 1,000 hours outdoors over the course of a year. The idea is simple: intentionally make time for nature, fresh air, exploration, and unstructured outdoor play. Families can track their hours using free printable trackers or the official app, making it fun to watch their progress throughout the year.

Before you panic at the number, remember this:

• 1,000 hours in a year works out to about 20 hours each week.

• Those hours don't have to happen all at once.

• Every walk, bike ride, fishing trip, backyard game, camping weekend, or evening around a campfire counts.

The goal isn't perfection—it's simply spending more time outside than you otherwise would.

Why We're Taking the Challenge

If you've followed Simply Living with Lindsay & Timmy for a while, you already know how much we love being outdoors.

Whether we're:

• Exploring Pennsylvania hiking trails

• Fishing in local creeks

• Looking for birds and wildlife

• Hunting for wildflowers

• Gardening together

• Visiting parks

• Taking nature walks after dinner

• Learning about trees and insects

...those are the moments we remember most.

Some of Timmy's biggest smiles don't come from new toys—they come from catching a fish, finding a cool bug, climbing over fallen logs, or simply running through a field.

Those experiences teach lessons that can't always be learned inside.

The Benefits of Spending More Time Outside

Research continues to show that spending time in nature benefits both children and adults. Outdoor play encourages physical activity, supports emotional well-being, sparks creativity, and gives families opportunities to connect without constant digital distractions. The 1,000 Hours Outside movement was created to help families intentionally prioritize those experiences in everyday life.

For us, spending time outdoors means:

• Building stronger family relationships

• Encouraging curiosity and learning

• Staying active together

• Reducing screen time naturally

• Creating memories we'll never forget

• Appreciating the beauty that's already around us

The best part?

Most outdoor adventures are completely FREE.

You Don't Need Fancy Gear

One of my favorite things about this challenge is that you don't need expensive equipment or elaborate vacations.

You can start today by:

• Walking around your neighborhood

• Visiting a local park

• Having a picnic

• Flying a kite

• Reading a book under a tree

• Going bird watching

• Playing catch

• Exploring a creek

• Looking for animal tracks

• Watching the sunset

• Building snowmen in winter

• Jumping in puddles after the rain

Every hour counts.

Follow Our Adventure

Throughout the year, we'll be sharing our progress right here on Simply Living with Lindsay & Timmy.

Expect to see:

• Family adventures

• Outdoor challenges

• Nature scavenger hunts

• Budget-friendly outdoor activities

• Pennsylvania travel ideas

• Hiking inspiration

• Fishing trips

• Seasonal bucket lists

• Wildlife discoveries

• Tips for getting kids excited about nature

We'll also be honest about the hard days. Life gets busy, the weather doesn't always cooperate, and sometimes getting outside takes extra effort. But every hour we spend outdoors is another memory we're making together.

Will You Join Us?

You don't have to hit exactly 1,000 hours to succeed.

Even reaching 300, 500, or 700 hours means you've spent far more time outdoors than you may have otherwise. The movement emphasizes progress over perfection, encouraging families to celebrate every hour spent reconnecting with nature.

Let's inspire one another.

Grab your walking shoes, pack a water bottle, head to your favorite park, trail, or backyard, and start counting those hours.

We'd love to hear about your adventures! Share your favorite outdoor activities in the comments or tag us on social media so we can cheer you on throughout the challenge.

Here's to fresh air, muddy boots, unforgettable memories, and 1,000 amazing hours outside.

Let's make this our most adventurous year yet!