Fun Ways to Get Outside and Its Benefits

by Krysta Murray In a world of mobile devices and TV screens it can become a challenge to convince children that there is a whole world of fun outside the home, screen-free. Same can be said for motivating adults to put down their devices. Studies are just beginning to show how this disconnect can be more harmful to our well-being than we might think. So to combat this, get outdoors and reap the benefits of some fresh air. You will connect on a deeper level Go on a scavenger hunt

Create a list of things you’re likely to find outdoors. It’s summer in

Southern California, so there is a lot to see right now. Research your local wildlife using sites like www.parks.ca.gov which has an entire section on education and kids learning. You and your child can start a journal and set out to find the birds, bugs, plants etc. Start a nature journal and take notes of where you spotted it, what it was doing, and draw a picture of what you saw. Binoculars and magnifying glasses can be a nice addition. For a fun twist, do some evening exploring and note the differences between day and night. Observe the stars, the moon, and sounds you hear. Check the tides and note the date and time. Go outside on those not-so-perfect sunny days. Even if it’s raining or cold, dress appropriately and observe nature in all its elements. What creatures savor the rain or fog? Where does the water go? What causes wind and how does it affect things around you? as a family, get some exercise which has multiple benefits in and of itself and it is proven to reduce stress. Improvements in memory and attention were even more significant when children engaged in outdoor activity. Raise some interest in the environment around you with some fun ways to explore. In a recent poll, parents weighed in on ways they’ve gotten their kids more involved with spending time

outdoors.

P lant a garden

Food doesn’t begin at a grocery store. Gardening teaches children not only where food comes from but also patience, it builds confidence and develops STEM & analytical abilities. Be sure to do a little gardening research before digging in to set you up for success. Planning and organizing is part of the learning process. Growing something you can eat from something as simple as a seed can provide satisfaction in their capability. It also encourages healthier eating, math and science skills, and promotes scientific inquiry by having children observe the garden daily. They can write when they water, if they pull weeds, measure their plants or make other observations such as weather cycles, measuring rainfall and monitoring insect life

around the plants. They are also growing their own food which is not only sustainable but builds a sense of pride. You can also plant flowers and see how insects interact with them. Hummingbirds, bees and other insects utilize them in all kinds of ways.

Yardwork

Maybe it isn’t all fun and games, but teaching responsibility encourages pride in your home and maintaining a place to enjoy outside is equally as important as spending time there. Little ones are capable of pulling weeds and raking leaves. Older children may be ready to mow the grass or trim hedges. Taking care of the house isn’t just the adult’s job but theirs as well. They will feel accomplished after they see the fruits of their labor and will then want to enjoy that space even more.

Recreation

Burn that energy and have fun doing it. Go sailing. There are many options for rentals if you don’t have a water craft of your own. With the ocean and bay so close to us, there are many ways to explore on the water. Paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing to name a few. Maybe go fishing or observe aquatic life. Want to get in the water? There’s always swimming, surfing, boogie boarding and snorkeling too. If you prefer to stay on land you can make forts with lookouts, camp, go biking, hiking or take the dog out for walks.

Get Crafty

Combine my first three suggestions and get creative. Did you notice a lot birds on your scavenger hunt? Build and paint a birdhouse. What do they eat? Make a bird feeder or watering bath. Place it in your new garden. Maybe you need labels for the garden. Grab some popsicle sticks and decorate fun labels to identify your plants. You can paint rocks to create colorful borders. In your observations of nature, consider painting pictures of the trees or using different mediums such as color pencil sketches, or create leaf rubbings by placing a piece of paper over various leaves and rubbing crayons across the top to transfer the texture into pleasing works of art.

Nothing at all

You read that right, sometimes the best thing to do outside is nothing at all. You benefit more than you’d think. Experience and notice nature: its silence, its sounds, its smells. Take deep, calming breaths, meditate, let your mind clear. Let imaginations run wild. You can simply lay on the grass and watch the clouds, dip your toes in the water and find peace within yourself and the world around you. Awareness of the world and present moment grounds us and can replenish our energy. All of these things create a sense of purpose and feelings of pride which are especially important in a world where technology can take over and disconnect us from others and the world around us. Exposure to green space significantly increases both physical and mental health. Not only that, but taking breaks to enjoy nature correlates to better academic performance. It is scientifically proven to increase memory, attention and decrease stress. Take advantage of our year-round weather and reap the benefits.