Dear readers: I am away from the computer and in the desert watching my grandsons, so today I'm sharing with you these smart suggestions for summer fun from StatePoint Media.

Getting kids to be more active and motivated for outdoor adventure can be a challenge in today's world of cool technology. With so many compelling reasons to stay indoors—like game systems, smartphones, and streaming video—how do you convince your grandchildren that the great outdoors is, well, great?

Here are a few ideas to inspire outdoor play—and even to use their love of technology to help lure them outdoors:

Plan a Scavenger Hunt

Turn a simple day outside into an exciting adventure. Create a thematic challenge that can be carried out in the yard or a nearby playground and set the kids loose for a mental and physical challenge.

Use your grandchildren's interests to get them motivated to participate, or help foster a new interest by having kids seek out specific items in nature.

Record the Action

Encourage outdoor activity with cameras and wearable devices designed with kids in mind. For example, the VTech Kidizoom Action Cam features a robust, durable design and comes complete with mounts for attaching to a bike, skateboard or scooter. The waterproof case allows kids to take videos and pictures up to six feet underwater—perfect for snorkeling and splashing fun.

Mix Things Up

Your own backyard can be home to new and exciting adventures every day, especially for children with active imaginations. Nevertheless, kids will welcome an opportunity for a change of scenery. From the playground to the pool to the skate park, take grandkids on mini field trips whenever you get a chance.

Build Confidence

For many, a lack of confidence may be a barrier to getting involved in neighborhood pick-up sports and other local activities outdoors. Bear this in mind and strive to build your grandchild's confidence any time opportunities arise.

Even if your home—or theirs, if you're visiting them—possesses a state-of-the-art home theater plus gaming systems and gadgets, with a few simple strategies, you'll have the grandkids off the couch and begging to play outside.

Today's question:

What works best for you in getting kids to play outside?