Why Spending Time Outside Is Important for Kids and Creative Ideas to Explore Nature!

Hi there, I’m Noni, and I’m excited to welcome you back to “Love to Play.” Today, I want to share with you the magic of spending time outdoors with your little ones.

I remember the last time we went for a walk in nature. My son, with his endless curiosity, found a couple of sticks and began “playing music” with them. It was amazing to see him so engaged, completely lost in the moment, as he created his own little symphony out there in the woods. He came up with this on his own, and it was a reminder of how much nature inspires creativity and joy.

Walking outside is not just about getting some fresh air; it’s an opportunity to relax, connect with the natural world, and let our minds wander. Kids can learn about plants, trees, and the environment around them, all while promoting their overall well-being. It’s truly a gift that we can give our children—time spent in the great outdoors.

Why Is Time Outside So Important?

Children of all ages (and yes, that includes us adults too!) benefit from time spent outdoors. Here are 14 ways nature helps kids thrive:

1. Sleep Better: Exposure to natural light helps regulate sleep patterns, leading to better sleep quality.

2. Feel More Relaxed (Reduced Stress): Time in nature reduces cortisol levels, helping kids (and adults) feel less stressed.

3. Experience Calmness, Feel Centered: The peaceful environment of nature helps kids feel more centered and balanced.

4. Be Energized for Learning: Fresh air and physical activity boost energy levels, making kids more alert and ready to learn.

5. Exercise: Outdoor play naturally involves physical activity, which is crucial for healthy development.

6. Connect Classroom Lessons to the Real World: Nature provides a living classroom where kids can see concepts come to life, from biology to environmental science.

7. Have an Adventure in a Safe Setting: Nature offers endless opportunities for safe exploration and adventure.

8. Be Independent and Prepared: Navigating the outdoors helps kids develop independence and problem-solving skills.

9. Build Confidence: Overcoming challenges in nature, like climbing a tree or finding their way along a trail, builds confidence.

10. Develop Their Imagination: Open spaces and natural objects ignite creativity and imaginative play.

11. Face Fears: Encountering bugs or climbing a hill teaches kids to face and overcome their fears.

12. Think Creatively: The unstructured environment of nature encourages kids to think outside the box.

13. Problem Solve and Think Analytically: Nature presents challenges that require analytical thinking and problem-solving.

14. Develop Science Skills Through Observation in Nature: From watching ants to studying the weather, nature is full of opportunities for scientific observation.

    

Creative and Fun Activities to Explore Nature with Kids

Ready to head outside? Here are some easy and fun activities you can do with your kids to make the most of your time in nature:

1. Picnic: Grab a blanket and enjoy a snack outdoors. Eating outside adds a whole new layer of fun to a simple meal.

2. Cloud Watching: Lie back and gaze at the sky. What do you see in the clouds? You’ll be amazed at how much kids love finding shapes—maybe you’ll spot a dragon or a fluffy bunny!

3. Read a Book Together Outside: Bring a favorite storybook and read it under the shade of a tree. The fresh air makes storytime even more special.

4. Explore Nature: Take a walk and observe the colors of the leaves, the busy ants, little bugs, and the birds singing. Give your child a magnifying glass and let them take a closer look. Don’t forget to snap some photos!

5. Plant a Garden or Garden Plants in Pots Outside: Whether it’s a small herb garden or a few flowers in pots, gardening is a great way for kids to connect with nature and learn responsibility.

6. Make It a Rainbow Walk: Challenge your kids to find something in nature of every color—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. It’s a fun way to explore and learn about colors!

7. Scavenger Hunt Free Printable!: Turn your walk into a treasure hunt. Download our free “Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt” and see who can find everything first.

   Download Now!

8. Create Projects with Natural Objects: Gather flowers, rocks, sticks, or leaves and make some nature-inspired art. Whether it’s a tree window collage or a simple arrangement, creativity knows no bounds outdoors.

9. Explore Your Senses: Play a sensory game where you name five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. You can bring a snack to enjoy on your walk for that last one!

Tips for Your Walk in Nature

As you head outside, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Embrace Curiosity, Not Fear: Try not to pass on any fears you may have about critters in nature. Instead, share your sense of awe and wonder at our beautiful natural world.

• Respect Nature's Home: Remember, when you’re outside, you’re in nature’s home. Along with beautiful flowers, you’ll find bugs—it’s their home too! Teach your kids to respect all living things, even the tiniest ones.

• Dirt is Fun!: Don’t worry about getting dirty—dirt can be wildly fun to play in. Just be sure to take a bath when you get home!

• Learn from Every Experience: Even a bad experience can be a learning opportunity. Losing a boot in the mud or getting caught in the rain can teach resilience and the importance of embracing the unexpected.

• Help Nature: Teach your kids that nature needs our help. Follow park rules, stay on trails, and avoid picking flowers or disturbing wildlife.

• Never Litter: Keep nature clean by not littering. You can even bring a small bag to pick up any trash you see along the way.

• Wonder Together: You don’t need to know everything to teach your child; you just need to wonder alongside them. Exploring together is a beautiful way to bond and learn.

As Richard Louv wisely said, “When children play in natural spaces, they’re far more likely to invent their own games than in more structured settings—a key factor in becoming self-directed and inventive as children and later in life.”

So, grab your kids, step outside, and discover the endless possibilities that nature has to offer. You never know what wonders await!