A Parent's Guide to Nature-Based Activities You Can Do With Your Kids

EverWild Pre-K & Kinder class The Finches exploring Vasquez Rocks

When you have kids, their well-being is a top priority. From their health to their education, you want to make sure they’re thriving in every aspect of life. One step you can take to help your little ones is to encourage them to pursue nature-based activities. Getting outdoors has many benefits for kids. Read on to learn about some of the advantages and, for some, tips on getting little ones into nature.

Understand the benefits of spending time in nature

Kids benefit from spending time outside in a few ways. First, spending time in nature can encourage physical activity, giving little ones the valuable exercise they need to grow. Second, nature can be a great teacher. Kids can learn about biological processes like decomposition and photosynthesis when they're outdoors, for instance. Finally, spending time outside is even shown to be good for children's mental health.

As an adult, you can benefit from these perks—like increased physical activity—too. Make a point of joining your kids for outside activities you both enjoy. When you're dealing with a busy time at work, follow best practices to prioritize kids and carve out that valuable time to spend in nature together. You might let kids help with chores like gardening, for example.

Research and implement outdoor activities with educational benefits

There are lots of different ways you can get kids excited about spending time in green spaces. Try to prioritize activities that have an educational element to them. Rasmussen University offers some ideas, like creating a nature scavenger hunt. Children will learn about the plants and animals they identify as they play.

If you don't live in an area with a lot of green space, you can create activities using sidewalk chalk. For example, a simple game of hopscotch can teach counting and improve your child's coordination. Other ideas include writing a natural journal or planting a community garden. Athletic activities like soccer or beach volleyball can also teach valuable skills like teamwork and communication.

Find organizations that support outdoor learnings

If you're having trouble coming up with outdoor activities for kids or don't have the time to spend with them, there are organizations that can help. For example, if you're in the Los Angeles area, check out EverWild. This nonprofit helps engage kids and families in outdoor activities, encouraging meaningful attachment to the earth. You'll find diverse options, from summer camps to camping trips.

If you're not in the LA area, there are plenty of other organizations that help encourage kids to connect with nature. You can also create your own adventure agenda to get the whole family outside. For example, you might organize a family vacation to a state park. Here's a list of parks across the United States to inspire you.

Equip kids for successful outdoor activities

You want your kids to be safe and comfortable while they're enjoying their outdoor activities. Make sure they're dressed for the weather. For example, if it's sunny out, make sure they have sunglasses and a hat and are wearing sunscreen. If they're going to take part in an activity that could get them sweaty, dress them in moisture-wicking fabrics. This guide has more hacks for making sure kids are dressed for the weather.

Also, consider practical needs before sending kids off into nature. You might pack a bag of snacks for them to enjoy, for example. Hydration is also important, especially when little ones are physically active. Get your child a water bottle that they can use throughout the day, ensuring they don't get thirsty.

Spending time outside can benefit kids in many ways, from helping them learn to encouraging exercise. Prioritize outdoor quality time with your children to reap the rewards. The above guide explains how it's done.

For more ideas on how to get kids outside, visit this program page.

Written by Jenna Sherman