Get Outside & Off of Screens!
As any parent knows, getting kids to spend time outside can be a challenge. However, there are real benefits to spending time in nature, both for a child’s physical and mental health.
Studies have shown that time spent in green space can lead to improvements in mood and concentration, as well as reduced stress levels. Being outside also provides an opportunity for physical activity, which is essential for optimal health.
Next time your child is begging to stay inside, take a moment to consider the benefits of spending some time in the great outdoors. It might just do them some good. Here are some ideas to get your family outside and immersed in nature this spring.
With gratitude,
—MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
ACTIONS
May Baskets
Create and deliver beautiful May baskets for your family members or friends. This is a great way to embrace both nature and kindness with your children.
Explore Nature
If you are looking for more ways to explore the outdoors, check out our Nature with DGT exclusives, which are a part of our Family Membership. Join today!
Plant a Row
Planting a garden is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. But, it can also be a way to give back to the community. Each year, millions of Americans struggle to put enough food on the table. As a result, food banks and other organizations that provide assistance often have difficulty meeting the demand. One way to help address this problem is to plant an extra row in your summer garden and donate the produce to a local food bank or soup kitchen. Not only will this act provide fresh fruits and vegetables for people in need, but it will also help you get outside and enjoy the sunny days of summer. So, why not do something good for yourself and for other people by planting an extra row for the hungry?
Nature Scavenger Hunt
A nature scavenger hunt is a great way to get the family outdoors and take notice of your surroundings. It can be as simple as making a list of things to find on a nature walk, or you can up the ante with a treasure hunt or competitive element. We have a great scavenger hunt template to get you started! This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn to be more mindful. And who knows, you might even discover something new about your own backyard! So, grab a pencil and paper and head outside for some fun nature scavenging.
Volunteer Listings
Are you looking for opportunities in your area to volunteer with your kids? Check out our free volunteer listings. Simply subscribe to the list and receive a free monthly email that details a number of different opportunities in your community to give back as a family.
CONVERSATIONS
Here are some questions to get you and your family talking about the benefits of nature!
How much time do you spend outside each day?
Do you think young people spend more or less time outdoors than previous generations?
How does being outside make you feel?
Some say that spending time outdoors reduces stress. Have you ever noticed that it does for you?
What outdoor surroundings do you most enjoy?
What are the benefits of being outdoors?
READ
Fatima’s Great Outdoors
by Ambreen Tariq
Join Fatima on an adventure that illustrates the calm and confidence that can be learned while spending time in nature, making new family members, and appreciating strong family roots.
INSPIRATION
“The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”
—Chris McCandless, also known by Alexander Supertramp, American adventurer and subject of Into the Wild