It’s around this time of year, as the days get longer, the sun seems closer, and all of the neighbors smile a little easier, that I start to reminisce about growing up in the Midwest. From childhood through my teenage years, most summer days were spent playing in or reading by the pool, followed by catching fireflies as dusk rolled in. We would ride our bikes in the backyard, pretending they were horses and we were Olympic equestrians. Hours were spent with neighborhood friends choreographing dances to perform for “the parents” or hosting a “circus” that boasted access to the trampoline and mediocre face painting with paint that was definitely not meant to be applied to faces (complete with paid entry for our younger siblings and parents, of course). Life was fun, carefree, and simple. Don’t get me wrong, numerous journal entries shed light on the MANY instances in which my world seemingly crumbled around me (I was always a girl who was in touch with her emotions…), and alas, times were different, but in retrospect I couldn’t help but notice the ways in which spending time outside benefited my life, my friendships, and my mental health.
So this begs the question: where did that magical, nostalgic, connected feeling of summertime go? I live in sunny Southern California now, and I see families spending time outdoors together all the time! But I also know that statistically, children (and parents!) are spending more time indoors, in front of screens, and in their own little worlds, often disconnected from those both in and outside of their homes. In fact, a report updated as recently as May 2024 by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that, on average, tweens ages 8-12 in the United States spend roughly 4-6 hours per day watching or using screens, while teens ages 13-18 pass them by with an average of 9 hours of daily screen time. This trend is concerning, not only because children are being exposed to all sorts of risk-affirming content, but because the research also shows that too much screen time can lead to sleep problems, lower grades in school, reading fewer books, spending less time with family and friends, not enough time spent outdoors or participating in physical activities, weight problems, mood problems, poor self-image and body image issues, a fear of missing out, and less time spent learning other ways to relax and have fun, such as engaging in hobbies or creative endeavors.
Additionally, research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics suggests a link between excessive screen time in preschool-aged children (over four hours daily) and developmental delays in communication and problem-solving skills. In the same article, Dr. Jennifer F. Cross, a developmental and behavioral pediatrics expert, highlights the potential for "structural brain changes" associated with high amounts of screen time in early childhood. She emphasizes the importance of non-electronic activities like outdoor play, which fosters imagination, creativity, and social skills, all of which are crucial for healthy development.
Research on this topic is seemingly endless, and to be honest, it all feels a bit grim. There is a glimmer of hope, though. According to earth.com, a Japanese study led by Osaka University found that the negative effects of screen time can be significantly reduced if children spend more time outdoors. So, what can we do to unplug, reconnect, and reclaim that nostalgic feeling of summer- for ourselves and our kids? Let’s unpack the numerous advantages of getting kids reconnected with the wonders of the natural world, unplug, embrace adventure, and create new summer memories that will last a lifetime!
Sunshine is good for the soul! Reduce stress and improve the mood of the whole crew by heading outside! Nature acts as an antidote to stress by utilizing natural sounds, smells and rhythms to lower the body’s stress response and promote feelings of calm and happiness. Studies show that even short bursts of time spent outside can work wonders, leaving kids (& grown-ups!) feeling more relaxed and ready to face the day!
Unleashing Creativity: Ditch the screens and embrace unstructured outdoor play! Nature provides a blank canvas for kids to explore, invent, and problem-solve. Building forts, climbing trees, or even just chasing butterflies sparks creative thinking and resourcefulness. Let them tap into their inner explorer as you ignore the mess and watch their imaginations soar!
Building Backyard Bonds: Whether your neighborhood is an orchard oasis or more of a concrete jungle, the outdoors are an ever-evolving playground for social interaction. Playing with peers allows kids to build friendships, develop communication skills, and learn to navigate group dynamics. From backyard ball games to neighborhood bike rides, outdoor play fosters collaboration, empathy and a sense of belonging.
Send Confidence Climbing: Nature provides endless opportunities for physical challenges. Reaching new heights on the backyard tree, building a fort, or navigating uneven terrain can all boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem. Seeing their own accomplishments firsthand fosters a sense of pride and teaches valuable skills like perseverance and resilience.
It’s clear to see that a little bit of sunshine (& a little less screen time!) can go a long way in improving the mental and developmental outcomes of the whole family. So, if the vibes are right and the sun is beaming, here are some ideas to get your family started!
Anyone can add short bursts of outdoor time into their family’s routines! Try this!
Open your windows to let in fresh air and nature sounds first thing in the morning!
Eat outside! Mealtime just feels more special on the porch, in the yard, or at the park.
Feeling cooped up? Take a tech-free “mindfulness walk”! Encourage everyone to pay attention to their surroundings, like the sights, sounds, and smells they may have never noticed before! Discuss how it feels to be present in the moment.
For Emerging Explorers (Toddlers to Early Elementary School):
Explore with All Senses: Head to a local park or greenbelt and let your little ones explore the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the world around them. Look for interesting rocks, leaves, and bugs to examine together. As kids get older, consider making a game of it! Try this game of I Spy BINGO!
Bask in the Backyard: Get creative with your outdoor space! Set up a tent in the backyard for a night of stargazing (or just stargaze on blankets until bedtime!), craft a fairy house or devise an obstacle course using everyday objects.
Welcome Water: Wade in a kiddie pool, visit a splash pad, or go on a nature walk to listen to the sounds of a stream or lake. Encourage kids to explore by bringing along a towel, fresh, dry clothes and shoes that can make a SPLASH!
Grow Together: Plant a small collection of vegetables, herbs, or flowers in your yard, on the patio, or in a window to encourage kids to get dirty and nurture things to grow! Don’t have outdoor space at home? Search the web for a local community garden, which offers opportunities to make friends and get involved with your community!
For Experienced Explorers (Elementary School to High School):
Blaze New Trails: Create an opportunity to bond as a family by planning a day hike on a local trail or really go for it and plan a weekend camping trip!
Wheels and Wins: Explore your neighborhood or local park on wheels! Try biking, skateboarding, rollerblading or scootering throughout your usual routes to mix it up. For more of a challenge, geocaching adds an extra element of adventure by facilitating treasure hunts hidden outdoors using GPS coordinates.
Sports in the Sunshine: Get active with a family soccer game, frisbee throwing competition, or create a rousing route for hopscotch.
Give Back: Give back to the community and enjoy nature together by volunteering for a park cleanup, participating in a tree planting event, or procuring a spot in your local community garden.
Adventure Awaits: Bonus Tips to Make Getting Outside a Breeze
Leap Into Learning: Turn your outdoor adventures into learning experiences by identifying different types of plants and animals, discussing the different weather patterns or natural landmarks you encounter, or reading books about the great outdoors! Engage the interests of your family and get creative!
Make Adventure an Easy “Yes!”: Don't be afraid to go on impromptu nature outings. Pack a bag of toys and snacks before heading to the park for a few hours of fresh air and fun. Looking for even more spontaneity? Keep a go-bag in the trunk! Fill it with your trusty, dusty adventure shoes, a clean pair of clothes, towels, non-perishable snacks, a small shovel, a magnifying glass, a notepad and a pencil, or anything else your family may need to say “yes!” to your next adventure!
Treasure Tradition: Choose an outdoor activity to do as a family each week, month, or season to create lasting memories and a natural love for the outdoors. Peruse the ideas above, or make up traditions of your own!
Well, what are you waiting for? No matter what your family's interests are, there's sure to be an outdoor activity that everyone will enjoy. Let’s ditch the screens, embrace the sunshine, and get ready to create new summertime memories that will rival all of those childhood adventures. After all, a little dirt and a lot of fresh air are the freshest ingredients for a happy, healthy family. So get out there, explore, and create some lasting memories!
Are there outdoor activities that your family already loves? Share them below!
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