Health and fitness for every body
Everyone loves the great outdoors. Children love playing in nature’s playground. They love gloriously muddy outdoor adventures. They love to explore further than the eye can see. They love to discover wildlife as they go. Connecting with nature is key to creativity and curiosity. Key findings agree. A recent Government poll found that 95% of children enjoyed learning outdoors rather than indoors.
Environmental charity Syvla think that specialist Forest Schools are best. Their handy report showed that as many as 30% of kids doing outdoor activities enrolled in some kind of Forest School program.
Nature is good for us. It’s good for us mentally and physically. Getting back to nature allows us the chance to relax and reconnect with the wider world around us. And while time spent outside is good for everyone, it’s most important in the development of children.
Here are 5 activities to encourage your children to get out more:
Squishing and squelching patties of mud together to form disc-shaped ‘pies’ has been a staple of exploring the great outdoors for generations. But who says you have to stop at pies? Let your kids mix dirt and water together to create a range of different shapes. Just be sure to bring extra water, soap, and a towel to help tidy up at the end of the day.
The benefit: The tactile nature of this activity is a good sensory tool for younger kids, while also allowing children of all ages to explore their more creative sides. It could also serve as a handy lesson in problem-solving.
We all loved escaping to a world of our own as a child. And while for some of us that meant throwing a few blankets over some chairs in the dining room, kids will benefit from the chance to create a structure made out of natural resources provided by the world around us. Use twigs, sticks, and larger logs to form the bare bones of the fort, then top it off with foliage which has fallen from surrounding trees.
The benefit: This activity again appeals to creativity, while also providing practical skills in the way of construction, problem-solving, and some very basic engineering. This could be the first step in nurturing the next Da Vinci.
Forest Rangers are champions of the natural world. They know every nook and cranny of the forest, from the tallest tree to the cosiest rabbit warren. They can be fantastic guides for kids – teaching them how to care for the beautiful world around us, as well as more complex topics like forest bathing, bushcraft, and even survival skills for the particularly adventurous.
The benefit: A child can pick up a heap of benefits from time with a skilled Forest Ranger. As well as the amazing practical advice they give, children could pick up techniques like mindfulness and problem-solving which help steer them through life.
What’s better than a leisurely stroll through the natural world? Kids will appreciate the change of pace. It’s also a good way to get them away from technology, even if it is only for a few hours. 96% of kids in a recent survey said they watched TV at least 15 hours a week, while another 40% played at least 6 hours of video games in that time. Make a point of swapping the console for the comfort of nature at least once a month.
The benefit: Exercise is chief amongst the benefits of a nice walk through nature. This type of activity isn’t too hard on the bones, but teaches kids the value of staying active. What’s more, you’ll also be able to educate them on a variety of different things you find throughout the journey. When else will you get the chance to chat about squirrel dining habits?
It can be easy to overlook the peaceful serenity of nature. Encourage kids to take the time to sit and soak in the world, without talking, using their phones, or moving around too much. If you want to make this more interactive, ask children to write down any onomatopoeic sounds they hear during this period.
The benefit: This activity should help them to develop a deeper appreciation for mother nature, while also helping with phonics. Slow and focused breathing has also been shown to calm the nervous system, lowering stress, blood pressure, digestive issues, and other physical factors.
Our friends from Forest Holidays created a guide to help you think of outdoor activities your family will love. To check the full guide, you may head over here.
