Give your family a breath of fresh air outside
In an era when fresh air is favored, it’s an ideal time to nurture your family’s interest in the natural world. Here are ways to encourage the next generation of outdoor adventurers.
Opt for outside fun.
Pair free play with plans for regular outdoor activity as a family: Opt for hiking on local trails, fly-fishing in a nearby lake, stargazing, biking or walking through your neighborhood.
Encourage your kids to notice the way water courses through a stream and to observe creatures’ movements.
Start slow. Then go!
When the time is right for adventure, take baby steps, advises Michael Lanza, author of “Before They’re Gone: A Family’s Year-Long Quest to Explore America’s Most Endangered National Parks.”
“Begin with short hikes and gradually work up to longer outings,” says Lanza. “Evaluate your child’s readiness for something new based not just on its physical difficulty, but how well your child handled previous experiences that presented comparable stress.”
Flexibility is key.
Whether paddling through the Boundary Waters or camping in your backyard, flexibility matters. Kids will want to throw rocks in the creek or linger to watch a caterpillar crawl. That’s part of the fun.
And when the unexpected rainstorm descends, it’s always handy to have Plan B. Those unforeseen moments often make for the best memories.
Create confidence.
Finishing a long hike or crafting the perfect campsite can go a long way toward building confidence in kids. What’s more, studies have shown that time spent in nature can result in reduced stress levels and increased motivation.