In the age of technology, kids can stay in all day looking at a screen. This doesn’t set them up for very healthy lives. That’s why it’s a good idea to do outdoor activities with the whole family. Participating in outdoor activities is not only a good source of exercise for children, but it also allows them to appreciate the beauty of nature. Here are a few activities you can do with your children outdoors:
1) Go On A Treasure Hunt
A great way to get involved outdoors is to set up a treasure hunt for your children. Hunting for objects or landmarks outdoors is a great way to get your children exploring new areas. It also sharpens their problem-solving and map-reading skills while also allowing them to get exercise. If you want to go of a high-tech option, try geocaching. In geocaching, the goal is to find caches, or containers, that are filled with objects that have been hidden by other people.
2) Camp Out In The Backyard
If you have a backyard, then you have a perfect camping ground right outside your door. In recent years, hiking and camping have become increasingly popular. If you want to experience this without going too far from your house, just set up a tent outdoors. This activity is cheap and fun and it gets your kids away from the TV.
3) Go For A Walk
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children get one hour of physical activity each day. One of the easiest ways to do this is to go for a walk. If you want to explore the wilderness as you walk, you can look up walking trails near you by plugging your zip code into this database of trails and parks.
4) Plant A Garden
Gardening can teach children about a number of concepts including nutrition, life cycles, and pollination. Partaking in this family activity will expand your child’s mind while allowing the whole family to get some fresh air. You can plant flowers and vegetables in your own backyard or in a community garden. Children who plant vegetable gardens have been proven to make healthier nutritional choices as adults. For a garden that benefits wildlife and humans, check out the National Wildlife Federation’s tips for making your garden friendly to birds and other forms of wildlife.
5) Take A Night Hike
People usually think of exploring nature as a daytime activity, but there’s no reason to go inside once the sun goes down. If you take a family hike at night, you will be able to take in the beauty of the moon and the stars. You can look for the constellations or you can identify nocturnal insects and animals that you see. You can also have your child keep a moon journal in order to learn the phases of the moon.
Participating in these activities makes your family happier and healthier. Exploring the great outdoors is a fun way for the whole family to bond while getting exercise and exploring nature.