What are your kids doing this Summer? For my family, Summer time with Onetime is a time to enjoy the outdoors, the sunshine, and if we are able – the ocean.
As much as kids love Summer holidays, keeping them busy can be a real chore! If you’ve not got the luxury of sending your child to a Summer camp then it’s up to you as parent to find things for the youngsters to keep busy with.
Failing that, your kids might spend all their time in front of a computer, tablet, phone or other screen and research has shown that spending too much time in front of a screen can have a detrimental effect on the health and wellbeing of children.
Today’s post shares 15 summer nature activities to help get your family outside, having fun, and learning to appreciate mother nature!
Nature Benefits for Kids
Studies have shown that taking part in nature-based activities helps people who are suffering from mental ill-health and can contribute to a reduction in levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. In fact, a daily walk in nature has showed decreased activity in a region of the brain associated with a key factor in depression.
One in four people are estimated to experience bouts of mental ill health and it’s on the rise. Prescription medication of antidepressants are also at a record high level and the demand for more invasive treatments are also on the rise. Health and social care commissioners are examining and commissioning different options for cost effective services for mental health and one of these options is a daily walk of 90 minutes or more.
We need to learn from the past when kids got excited to spend their time climbing trees and building dens rather than spending hours inside.
Joe at Nature Rated understands this all too well and has put together an infographic on 15 Summer activities to help your kids appreciate nature.
15 Summer Nature Activities for Kids
From baking a blackberry pie to constructing a pond or insect hotel, there’s plenty for the youngsters to get up to. Head on over to Joe’s site for step by step instructions to get your kids out and about enjoying nature.
What is your favourite outdoor activity to do with the kids?
An outdoor enthusiast, Joe is the lead editor at Nature Rated; a website which rates and reviews the best outdoor gear for people who quickly want to know what to get. He believes in no fluff, to the point reviews, which help you choose the right gear for your next adventure. Whenever daily life gets him down he heads to the nearest lake or river with his kayak and camera spending time recharging his batteries.
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These all sound like awesome activities. I am moving closer to my brother’s family soon, and I’m going to be able to see my niece and nephew a lot more often as a result. I’ll have to try out some of these things with them next summer. It would be awesome to get them out into nature, and just spend time with them.
Some of my happiest times with my son are out in nature, just walking and taking our time to wonder and observe. Thanks for dropping by Ellie! Hope you have lots of fun times with your niece and nephew!