How To Resolve A Temper Tantrum By Getting Your Kids Outside

You’ve seen it coming from a mile away. The furrowed brows, the quivering lip, the deep inhale before—BOOM! Your kid is on the floor, wailing as if the world just ended because you dared to break their banana the wrong way. Or maybe they’re raging in the grocery store because how dare you say no to a candy bar?

In moments like these, it’s easy to feel trapped. You can try reasoning (futile), threatening (rarely works), or just giving in (but then they win, right?). But what if, instead of battling it out, you changed the setting entirely?

One of the most underrated (and easiest!) ways to diffuse a tantrum is to step outside. Fresh air, movement, and a change of scenery can completely shift your child’s emotional state—and yours too, let’s be real.

But why does this work? And how can you use it before the tantrum escalates into a full-blown nuclear meltdown? Let’s get into it.

What Is The Difference Between A Tantrum & A Meltdown?

First, it helps to know exactly what’s happening with your child.

• Tantrum: A child is frustrated because they’re not getting what they want. It’s a power struggle, and they often stay aware of their surroundings (screaming, but also side-eye-ing you to see if you’re reacting).
• Meltdown: This is when a child loses complete control. They’re emotionally and physically overwhelmed—not just upset, but unable to regulate themselves at all.

 Why it matters: Tantrums can be managed with distraction and redirection, but meltdowns require soothing and support to help kids reset their nervous system. Either way, movement and outdoor play can help.

Why Does Going Outside Help?

Outdoor play is one of the fastest ways to shift a child’s mood because it naturally engages their body and brain in ways that regulate emotions.

• Fresh air = instant calm. Outdoor air has been shown to reduce stress levels, helping kids feel more relaxed.
• Movement burns off frustration. Running, climbing, and playing help release pent-up energy and regulate emotions.
• A new environment resets the brain. Sometimes, just stepping outside the house is enough to break the tantrum loop.

Key takeaway: When kids are overwhelmed, movement and a shift in environment work faster than words.

How To Snap A Child Out Of A Temper Tantrum With Outdoor Play

The goal isn’t to leave the tantrum behind—it’s to engage their body and mind in something new.

1. Move First, Talk Later

• When a tantrum starts brewing, don’t try to reason with them. Instead:
  “Let’s run to that tree and back!” (Physical reset)
•  “How fast can you jump over these cracks in the sidewalk?” (Immediate distraction)
• “Let’s do silly walks all the way to the park!” (Laughter diffuses tension)

Why it works: Movement shifts focus away from frustration and toward play.

2. Create a Playful Challenge

Instead of fighting about the tantrum, give them a game to focus on:

• Obstacle course: “Let’s race to the swings, but you have to hop like a bunny!”
• Nature hunt: “Find three red things before I count to 20!”
• Pretend play: “You’re a monkey! Climb everything you can!”

Why it works: Playful challenges redirect attention while giving kids a sense of control.

3. Add Sensory Play

Outdoor sensory experiences are grounding and help soothe an overstimulated child:

• Dig in the dirt or sand
• Play with water (sprinklers, puddles, or a hose)
• Collect and sort leaves, rocks, or flowers

Why it works: Engaging the senses brings the brain back to the present and helps kids regulate emotions.

What Are 3 Things You Should Do To Handle A Child Having a Tantrum?

1. Change the environment. Step outside to break the tantrum loop.
2. Get their body moving. Running, climbing, or jumping works best.
3. Redirect with a challenge. Playful distractions shift their focus.

Should You Punish A Child For Throwing A Tantrum?

This is where parenting philosophies can differ big time. Let’s break it down.

The “Tantrums Must Be Punished” Camp

Some parents believe tantrums are a form of manipulation. Their approach?

• Ignore the behavior completely until it stops.
• Use firm consequences (e.g., time-outs, removal of privileges).
• Withhold comfort to teach self-control.

The problem: While this can work for attention-seeking tantrums, it fails when a child is truly overwhelmed. Kids don’t throw tantrums because they want to—they do it because their brains haven’t fully developed self-regulation skills yet.

The “Tantrums Are Teachable Moments” Camp

Other parents take a co-regulation approach, which means helping kids learn how to regulate their emotions over time. Their method?

• Help the child calm down first before discussing behavior.
• Use connection, not punishment, to teach emotional regulation.
• Model self-control by staying calm yourself.

Why this works: Kids can’t learn when they’re emotionally flooded. First, they need a way to reset—which is where outdoor play comes in.

So, What’s the Right Approach?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s what most experts agree on:

• Don’t reinforce tantrums. If a child throws a fit for candy, and you give them candy, they’ll do it again.
• But don’t punish emotions. Kids need to learn how to regulate their feelings, not be shamed for having them.
• Instead, teach better coping skills. Outdoor play is one of the best ways to do that.

Bottom line: Instead of making tantrums a battle of wills, use them as an opportunity to teach self-regulation—and outdoor movement is one of the fastest, easiest ways to do it.

How Kong Academy Uses Outdoor Play To Teach Self-Regulation

At Kong Academy, we don’t just believe in getting kids outside—we build physical movement into everything we do. Our after-school and summer camp programs are designed to help kids:

• Burn off energy in a structured way
• Develop self-control through fun, physical challenges
• Learn emotional regulation through play

Instead of waiting for tantrums to happen, we proactively teach kids how to handle frustration, disappointment, and big emotions before they escalate.

Final Takeaway: Move First, Talk Later

Next time your child is losing it, try this:

• Take them outside.
• Engage their body in movement.
• Redirect their focus with a playful challenge.

Tantrums aren’t a competition to win or lose—they’re opportunities to help kids learn how to handle emotions. And the more they practice outside, through movement and play, the easier that process becomes.

So, the next time you sense an incoming tantrum… don’t brace for impact. Grab their hand, open the door, and step outside. 

If outdoor play is hard for you to come by, visit our after-school and summer camp programs today!