Outdoor experiences promote your kids’ creativity and provide a fun outlet for physical energy. Discover four ways to help your kids appreciate nature more.
Cultivating your children’s love for nature can improve their happiness and physical health and give them a lifelong passion. Discover four ways to help your kids appreciate nature more.
1. Play Outside
Nature is not a distant force that exists only in the wildest places—it’s right outside your door. Take your kids outside to play, and let them enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.
Whether kicking a ball in a field, coloring a sidewalk with chalk, or riding a bike, spending time outside of the house helps your kids appreciate the space and potential of the outdoors.
2. Enjoy Varied Activities
Another way to help your kids appreciate nature more is to let them enjoy varied activities. They don’t need to try a new pastime every day or week, but variety helps to keep nature alluring and engaging.
One simple way to enjoy nature is to go for a hike. You can let kids hike freely or give the excursion more structure by turning it into a scavenger hunt.
For a more exhilarating experience, consider going off-roading with your kids. The easiest trails feature flat paths with few elevation changes, and they’ll take you to some of the most beautiful sites.
3. Visit National and State Parks
Along with taking the time to appreciate nature regularly, travel with your family to national and state parks for more extraordinary experiences. The U.S. is rich in ecoregions, including northern forests, North American deserts, and eastern temperate forests.
Exploring these places is a blast for kids and adults alike, and you can enjoy a lot of different pursuits. Make memories on horseback, around a campfire, or in a kayak.
4. Talk About Their Experiences
Finally, talk to your kids about the things they experience in nature. Kids of all ages can be curious about nature, but young kids, in particular, find things to explore under rocks, in the dirt, and up in the trees. Let your kids interact with the natural world how they like as long as it’s safe.
Talk to your kids about what they experience with their senses and their thoughts in nature. Whether it’s appreciating the smell of rain, the colors of a sunset, or the cuteness of a squirrel, talking about nature lets your kids share their enthusiasm.