Kids today only spend half as much time playing outside as we did. It can be a hassle to get them bundled up and to the playground on a drizzly spring afternoon – or to clean half the floors in your house after a trip to your own snowy backyard. But there are many skills that kids gain both from self-directed and “purposeful play,” and experts say that's particularly true when that play happens outdoors. Our guest Meghan Fitzgerald is the co-founder of Tinkergarten, which offers purposeful play opportunities for children and families that gets them away from screens and outdoors together in nature. Meghan tells us her favorite get-them-outside activities - and why even the coldest or rainiest days offer rewards that really are worth bundling everyone up.  Links!  Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan for The New York Times: "Yes, Your Kids Can Play Outside All Winter" Helen Russell for Grazia: "He can’t read yet, but he can build a campfire: welcome to Viking parenting" Claire McCarthy, MD, for Harvard Health Blog: "6 reasons children need to play outside" And our episode Danger Babies Special thanks to our sponsors for this month: DockAtot is the premium lifestyle brand made for the modern parent, with elegant cushions, swaddlers, and more. Get 15% off at dockatot.com with the code LAUGHING. Honeylove shapewear is the secret sauce you need for your everyday wardrobe. Get 20% off at honeylove.com with the code LAUGHING.  Misfits Market is an affordable online grocery service that makes shopping easy, quick, and fun. Visit get.misfitsmarket.com/LAUGHING30 by Dec. 31st to get 30% off your first order. Ready, Set, Food! helps prevent food allergies in children. Go to readysetfood.com/todpurgs & use code TODPURGS for 15% off your first order.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices