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4 ways being outdoors boosts kids’ development

Studies reveal a connection between kids’ well being and the time they spend in nature.

Parents constantly wonder what they can do to improve the health, happiness, and future prospects of their children. The best schools, the most enriching activities, the latest gadgets… however, many studies are showing a critical connection between kids’ well being and the time they spend in nature—all while kids are spending 50% less time outside than they did 20 years ago.

Here are the top four ways that being outside fosters kids’ social, emotional, cognitive and physical development.
  1. Playing in nature builds problem-solving skills.

    When kids engage in unstructured play in nature, they improvise, make decisions, work as a group, and learn to resolve conflicts creatively. Those sticks and stones and mud puddles are actually building critical thinking skills and social competence by making kids engage as a community.

  2. Nature sparks kids’ interest (and grades) in science.

    Outdoor science programs that stress hands-on science learning and the connections between the real world and basic science concepts improve students’ understanding of science.

  3. Nature reduces kids’ risk for obesity.

    To combat obesity, children and teenagers should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

    Nature reduces kids’ risk for obesity.
  4. Nature means sunlight and sunlight means more Vitamin D.

    We get Vitamin D from food and from sunlight, and it’s key for the absorption of key nutrients, including the calcium and phosphorus that helps kids build bones, teeth, and immunity. We’re all getting less Vitamin D these days thanks to office jobs, urban living, and sunscreen, but getting out in the sunshine naturally supplies the Vitamin D needed to grow a healthy body.