It’s easy
As a parent, you’re the one your kids look up to most. Where you go, they follow. So when you go outside and introduce them to nature, you’re not just finding something to occupy them, you’re setting them up for a lifelong love of the outdoors. You don’t need to go somewhere far off or expensive either. Right outside your door will do.
It’s healthy
That’s because a sense of “awe” can be found just about anywhere. From vast, open landscapes at your local park to the tiniest, intricately colored flower in your neighbor’s garden, all you have to do is look. And the benefits can be amazing. In fact, a UC Berkeley study found that regularly experiencing awe can improve both physical and mental health, perhaps even lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, clinical depression, heart disease and arthritis. Not to mention, it can feel spectacular.
It takes no time at all
All you need is 15 minutes. Simply turn off your phones and go outside. As you walk, take time to notice—really notice—the sights, sounds, smells, and other sensations. Point them out and encourage your kids to do the same. Find awe as you play in the dirt, climb up a tree or race through a field. Exactly what you do is up to you. But share these kinds of outdoor experiences with your kids enough and we promise the results will be pretty awesome themselves.
Get them outside
As a parent, you are the one your kids look up to most. Where you go, they follow. So when you go outside and introduce them to nature, you’re not just finding something to occupy them, you’re setting them up for a lifelong love of the outdoors. You don’t need to go somewhere far off, exotic or expensive either. Right outside your door will do.
The power of awe
That’s because a sense of “awe” can be found just about anywhere. From vast, open landscapes at your local park to the tiniest, intricately colored flower in your neighbor’s garden, all you have to do is look. And the benefits can be amazing. In fact, a Berkley University study found that regularly experiencing awe can improve both physical and mental health, perhaps even lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, clinical depression, heart disease and arthritis. Not to mention, it can feel spectacular.
How you do it
All you need is 15 minutes. Simply turn off your phones and go outside. As you walk, take time to notice—really notice—the multitude of sights, sounds, smells, and other sensations that dance through your awareness, usually undetected. Point them out, and encourage your kids to do the same. Find awe as you play in the dirt, climb up a tree or race through a field. Exactly what you do is up to you. But enjoy these kinds of outdoor experiences with your kids enough and we promise the results will be pretty awe-inspiring themselves.j
It’s hard to keep your kids entertained. With our list of 100 Things to Do Before You’re 12, you and your kids can have fun crossing off outdoor activities all year round — from your backyard to the backcountry.
For 99 fun-filled days this summer, join Wilder as he wanders through the wonderful outdoors of Colorado. Go chase butterflies, skip stones, dig holes, eat s’mores, count stars and maybe even help set a world record. So pack snacks, fill water bottles, put on sunscreen and head outside for 99 days to discover everything out there. And we mean everything!
For 99 fun-filled days this summer, join Wilder as he wanders through the wonderful outdoors of Colorado. Go chase butterflies, skip stones, dig holes, eat s’mores, count stars and maybe even help set a world record. So pack snacks, fill water bottles, put on sunscreen and head outside for 99 days to discover everything out there. And we mean everything!
What better day to play outside than Generation Wild Day? On June 21, our partners and coalitions are scattering hopscotch courses all across the state. Keep an eye on our socials to see where the courses will be or grab some chalk and build a few of your own. If you’re really feeling it, go ahead and try to beat our record for the world’s longest hopscotch.
You gotta love Wilder. Part goat, part yeti, and all friend. He’s always up for new adventures wherever he goes. Let’s see what he’s up to.
Just 20 minutes outside works wonders, giving kids a vitamin D boost, lowering their stress, improving moods and sparking creativity. Check out our list of 20 superduper ideas for getting kids outdoors.
Playing outside has proven to be a boon for a kid’s well-being. Whether it’s in your backyard or a nearby park, it’s the fast way to lower stress and anxiety.
