Is it weird my pre-teen wants to go outside and be a mallrat?

One of the things I think I parented right was starting our Kiddo late on screentime and online gaming in general, and then limiting it. He developed many hobbies and interests offline. When out, he likes integrating himself with other kids instead of choosing the screen. He is still up to date with the internet memes and latest roblox/minecraft things, but he can also go an entire weekend digging a hole outside or drawing an entire comic series. In other words, he found the balance that any chronically online adult wishes they had (I may be talking about myself). Now, he is at that natural point in life when he wants to go out on his own. So he does sometimes in the neighbourhood. When he feels like it, he brings me back snacks. The other day during an ice cream trip, he got shat on by a bird, at which I comforted him with a “Well, just proof you went out and touched some grass” Unfortunately, his friends don't live nearby, and our specific area of the neighbourhood is mostly boomers…