Link: http://www.embarkservices.com/blog/blogs/

When children of today are compared to those of generations past, they are spending up to 60% less time with nature and in the outdoors. The lives of children have become more driven by technology and less driven by climbing trees and hiking on nature trails. There are huge benefits of having children spending their free time outdoors and in nature, including an increase exposure to vitamin D through natural sunlight, increased activity and exercise, as well as exploring and learning about the natural environment.

There are many activities that adults can do alongside children to re-explore the outdoors.

Invite the wilderness into your backyard – Have areas of your backyard include planted flowers which will attract beautiful butterflies. Add a bird feeder to a backyard tree or to your back porch area. Create areas of your yard that will feature prairie plants or shrubs, perfect for hide-and-go-seek.

Use your trees for learning – Trees in your backyard can create a serene and natural learning environment. Instead of having homework time at the kitchen table, or in a bedroom, have it underneath the shade of a tree. Doing so may even spark some creativity.

Create time for outdoor play – By building outdoor play into your home schedule children will benefit from in various ways. Studies have reported that children who play outdoors not only benefit physically but mentally as well. Nature has been shown to stimulate creativity and imagination. Those children who play with others outdoors have been shown to be more successful in collaborative thinking, social problem solving, and even language skills.

Knowing local nature will keep kids safe – Having your child learn about the local natural animals and plants that surround them will keep them safe. Knowing which snakes are dangerous or knowing which leaves can cause itching and allergic reactions can help prevent accidents.

Create a calming place – With all of the sensory stimulation available to children today, some may need a place to go where they can be calm, quiet, and feel free to explore with all five of their senses. Hearing the birds or feeling the grass can do wonders for a child’s ability to self-soothe.

Here are some fun outdoor activities you can do with your child:

Backyard Scavenger Hunt – Create a list of natural items that can be found in your backyard. See who can find the most items, or who can find them all the fastest.

That’s My Tree! – Plant trees from seedlings and watch them grow. A fun twist would be to name the trees and create conversations about the growing and aging of the tree.

Edible Garden – Create a garden of vegetables, fruits, or herbs and use the produce that you grow in the food that you eat.

Children are natural explorers and if allowed the opportunity, can be quite curious about the natural world that surrounds them. Put the wild back into your child and make a re-introduction to your back yard and beyond.