Kids are out of school for summer, vacations and camps are in full swing, and the outdoors are calling! How do we carve out time to enjoy the outdoors and all the benefits it has to offer?
Natural Inquirer is here to help!
Did You Know?
June is Great Outdoors Month! State and national parks, forests, grasslands, wildlife refuges, and other public spaces participate in Great Outdoors Month to encourage everyone to get out and enjoy these outdoor public spaces.
Even if you’re not near a park or forest, you can participate in Great Outdoors Month, too!
Our series of outdoor challenges are an easy way to encourage more time outdoors! Originally paired with the virtual learning adventure Nature Health Benefits LIVE (definitely check it out to learn more about the links between nature and human health), these outdoor challenges are easy to try.
The challenges are designed to get you thinking about how much time you spend in nature and how time in nature makes you feel.
Outdoor Challenge 1
In this challenge, you’ll commit to spending 15 minutes outside doing something active. Then reflect on how you feel afterwards.
Outdoor Challenge 2
In Challenge 2, increase that commitment to spending time outdoors to at least 15 minutes twice a week. In this challenge, you’ll complete a mindfulness activity that can help you focus on using all of your senses while you are out in nature.
Outdoor Challenge 3
In Challenge 3, you’ll reflect on how you already spend time in nature and brainstorm new ways to enjoy the outdoors. Make a plan to build more time for nature into your daily life.
Outdoor Group Challenge
In the final group challenge, you will track time spent outside and see if you can increase your time in nature over the course of three weeks. Complete the challenge with your family, your friends, your class, or even challenge yourself individually.
Another fun way to spend time outside? Check out NSI: Nature Science Investigator!
NSI: Nature Science Investigator
NSI is a small booklet designed for use outdoors and only requires a pencil. Try your hand at being one of eleven different kinds of scientist–take a soil sample or bird watch or hunt for insects!
These booklets are designed for 8 to 14-year-olds, so kids can complete activities on their own. Or work together as a family to include younger family members!
NSI is a great way to encourage time outdoors AND an interest in science.
- Available in English or Spanish
- Introduces 11 different scientists
- All you need is a pencil!
More Resources about Recreation in the Great Outdoors
Looking for more? Here are just a few of our resources about outdoor recreation.
Recreation.gov
Looking for a place to enjoy the great outdoors? Inspiration for your next trip? Check out Recreation.gov to find parks, forests, campgrounds, and activities near you!