Studies have shown that children who spend time outdoors have lower stress levels, become fitter and leaner, develop a stronger immune system, and have more active imaginations. The National Wildlife Federation recommends that parents give their children a “Green Hour” outside every day. Even if you don’t have a backyard, most community parks provide a great place for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world.
Looking to get your kids away from the TV and video games and out into the great outdoors? Here are some suggestions:
- Create your own backyard scavenger hunt.
To get you started, here are some suggestions for your list: leaf, twig, web, flower, seed, nest, cone, mud, berry, stone, feather and mulch. Examine the items with a magnifying glass as you find them.
- Go on a birding expedition.
You don’t need to be a bird expert to have a good time. The real fun is finding the birds and spending time outdoors with the family. Remember, dress for the weather and don’t forget your field guide and binoculars.
- Create seed bracelets.
Take a strip of masking tape and wrap it around your wrist with the sticky side up. Go on a seed safari in your backyard or park. As you find seeds, place them on your bracelet. With a little time and a little walking, you have created beautiful piece of jewelry!
If you would like more ideas, you can visit www.GreenHour.org and become a registered member. It’s free, easy, and most of all, it’s great outdoor fun!