6 Reasons Kids Need More Outdoors
When kids go outside, great things happen. An article from Harvard Medical School sheds light on some of the science behind outdoor recreation. In case you needed more reasons to send the kids out to play, here are six from the article:
1. Sunshine
The human body needs sunlight to make vitamin D, which helps with our immune system, bone development, sleep, and even our mood. Just be sure to slather on sunscreen to keep kids’ skin from getting burned.
2. Exercise
Good news: Play counts as exercise! Harvard Medical School recommends that kids should be active for at least an hour each day. To encourage active play, send them outside with a bike, ball, or frisbee—or take them out in a kayak.
3. Executive function
Unstructured time outside can help kids learn how to make decisions, plan, solve problems, and multitask. It can even boost creativity and imagination.
4. Taking risks
Letting kids outside to take some risks—like climbing a tree or swimming a rapid—teaches them what they’re capable of. They learn powerful lessons from the successes and failures of risk taking.
5. Socialization
Outdoor recreation and game play teach children how to work together, share, cooperate, and more. These are things they can’t always learn in a structured school setting or team sport.
6. Appreciation of nature
(Our favorite reason!) The future of the planet and its conservation will soon be in the hands of today’s youth. When they hike in the forest, paddle rivers, catch fish, or watch fireflies, they learn to appreciate just how important it is to protect our natural wonders.
These benefits aren’t limited to kids. Go outside with them and you’ll experience additional perks like joy and family time. We’ll see you out there.
Looking for a fun way to get the kids outside? Find an upcoming Need More Adventures camp, class, or activity.
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