Making an effort to connect with nature and each other can have a profound impact on your family's well-being. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of outdoor family activities and provide you with a guide to help you spend more quality time together in the great outdoors.
The Benefits of Outdoor Activities for Families
Before we delve into the practical tips for spending more time outdoors as a family, let's take a moment to understand why it's so important.
Health and Well-being - Outdoor activities promote physical fitness, reduce stress, and boost mood. Sunlight exposure also helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones and a healthy immune system.
Bonding and Communication - Outdoor activities encourage family members to communicate and work together. Sharing experiences in nature fosters lasting memories and strong family bonds.
Screen-Free Time - Spending time outdoors is an excellent way to reduce screen time and disconnect from the digital world. Heading outside without devices is a big improvement over simply limiting or forbidding screens. This approach will focus less on what your kids are not doing and more on positive activity and engagement. Eventually, they’ll likely start to notice how much better they feel – mentally and physically - after an hour or two outside than after an hour or two of screen time.
Appreciation for Nature - Introducing your children to nature instills a sense of wonder and appreciation for the environment. A love for nature established early in life can nurture a life-giving and lifelong connection with the outdoors.
Planning Outdoor Activities
You can probably think of a number of other reasons why more outside time would bless your family. But let's explore some ideas for how to make time outdoors part of your family culture.
Hiking and Nature Walks - Does your neighborhood have a walking trail, pond, or treed area? If so, make a habit of visiting these at a certain time of day or whenever you need a break. Homeschoolers, if you haven’t discovered the benefit of a brief mid-day outdoor reset, please give this a try! Yes, it takes a little time out of your day, but you really get that time back in increased productivity during the rest of your learning time.
If you don’t have a nature space within walking distance, plan to explore local parks, trails, or nature reserves no more than a short drive away. These outings offer an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and teach your children about local flora and fauna.
Camping Trips - Camping is an excellent way to immerse your family in nature. Whether you prefer tent camping or renting a cabin, it's a fantastic way to unplug and bond around a campfire. This is such a great activity to do with a group of friends, too. Make it an annual or biannual thing, and you’ll probably create some of your children’s favorite memories with these trips!
Picnics - Simple yet enjoyable, picnics can be held in your backyard, at a local park, or by a nearby lake or river. Pack your family's favorite easily transportable foods and enjoy a meal in the fresh air. This is another great way to combat mind-melt after a rigorous homeschool morning.
Outdoor Sports - Engage in sports like soccer, frisbee, or catch to promote physical activity and healthy competition. Team sports also teach valuable teamwork skills. Whether you participate in organized sports or just a family outdoor game, you’ll reap multiple benefits by making this part of your regular routine.
Gardening - In addition to providing the perfect opportunity to learn about plants, flowers, and vegetables, cultivating a garden together also teaches commitment, responsibility, and the joys of delayed gratification. Your kids can enjoy the amazing feeling of applying effort and care for weeks and then seeing the fruits (literally!) of their labors.
Overcoming Obstacles
Schedule Outdoor time - Busy schedules and other commitments can make it challenging to spend more time outdoors as a family. One helpful way to prevent outdoor time from getting pushed to the back burner is to actually put it on the calendar or the daily agenda. Make outdoor family time a regular part of your weekly routine. Set specific days and times for outdoor activities to ensure they happen. Try starting this habit during one of your family’s slower seasons, if necessary, and then be intentional about carrying it forward (at least to some degree) even when things get busier.
Start Small - If you're not used to spending time outdoors, start with short, manageable, almost-effortless activities. Gradually work your way up to more extended adventures.
Embrace All Seasons - Don't limit your outdoor activities to just the warm months. Embrace the beauty of each season, from bundling up and building snowmen in winter to picking wildflowers in spring. And take advantage of any seasonal outdoor events in your area, such as apple- or berry-picking, ice-skating, parades, air shows, or races.
Make It Fun - Encourage your children's involvement by making outdoor activities enjoyable. Allow them to choose some of the activities and destinations and repeat their favorites.
Pack Smart With Safety in Mind - Ensure you have the necessary gear and supplies for your chosen activities, which may include sunscreen, water, snacks, a blanket to sit on, rain gear, or jackets. This will make your outdoor time smoother and more enjoyable. Teach your children about wildlife safety, and always be prepared for emergencies with a first aid kit and a charged phone.
Spending more time outdoors as a family is a wonderful way to connect with nature and each other. The benefits of outdoor family time are numerous, and the memories created will last a lifetime. By planning activities, overcoming obstacles, and ensuring safety, you can make the most of your time in the great outdoors. So, pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and embark on the journey to creating beautiful family memories in nature.
Xo,
Christie
PS - For more ideas on nurturing family connections, check out this post!
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