The benefits of exposing children to nature have been proven again and again. One study in the National Library of Medicine even demonstrates how time spent in nature can aid victims of stroke. According to Sandi Schwartz, author of “Finding Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel Happier and Calmer,” “It is also critical that children spend more time in nature to balance out all the time they are spending inside staring at screens.” Schwartz states that, “It really can be part of a healthy daily routine, just as important as brushing their teeth or taking a vitamin.”
But it’s just so hot during the summer! How can we give children this much beneficial exposure despite the dreaded heat? Try these ideas:
Start With What Your Children Already Love
If they are artistic, try an outdoor art class. If they are athletic, they might enjoy hiking, biking or swimming. If your child is into science, they may be interested in a science and nature project such as those found at www.citizenscience.gov.
Hit the Water
Heading to a local lake or pool is a surefire way to enjoy time outdoors while staying nice and cool. Feeling really adventurous? A walk in the rain might be just the ticket to enjoying nature in the hotter temperatures.
Dress for the Weather
Bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen on your adventures! A hat and a hand-held fan will also help out.
Pick a Shady Spot
The shade can feel up to 15 degrees cooler than full sun. Exploring a local nature center may offer trails with shade that should help keep you feel cooler.
Head Out in the Early Mornings
Try getting out and about before rush hour if you want to enjoy cool morning temperatures. Surprisingly enough, the coolest time of day may be just after sunrise. The sun will rise very early during the summer so the sooner you can get out of the house, the better.
Or Late Evenings
Not an early bird? You may want to wait for evening. According to Almanac.com, the heat continues to build up after noon until the hottest time of the day around 3 p.m. Try taking a walk after dinner to enjoy these late hours, or even wait until it gets dark and take a look at nature with the help of a flashlight or lantern.
Bring Nature Indoors
If you want to enjoy nature but want to enjoy air conditioning at the same time, try bringing nature home with you! A bird feeder outside your window will attract birds. Or try planting flowers indoors or creating a terrarium. Planting herbs to go on your kitchen windowsill can serve a dual purpose and help make your meals extra tasty. Even arranging your child’s desk so that it gets natural sunlight can be beneficial to their circadian rhythm.
According to Schwartz, connecting to nature indoors can be as easy as picking up a library book: “A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that you can reduce stress by simply looking at good nature images.” Listening to nature sounds can also be helpful. Schwartz pointed out a study in which participants “who listened to ocean waves had considerably lower muscle tension, heart rates, and stress.”
Whatever your choice in activities, it’s clear that it’s worth the effort to continue enjoying nature despite the summer heat. Use these ideas to help get your child their daily dose of outdoors and nature!
