Reading Time: 2 minutes 15 Nature Activities For Kids This Summer
This summer, instead of screen time, wouldn’t it be great to find some activities to help the kids appreciate nature? It can be tough to keep the kids busy, especially if you do not have the luxury of summer camp.
Nature-Based Activities Help Mental Health
Studies have shown that taking part in nature-based activities helps people who are suffering from mental ill-health. In addition, nature-based activities 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.
According to estimates, one in four people will 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.
15 Nature Activities For Kids This Summer
Joe at Nature Rated understands this all too well. So, he has put together an infographic on 15 Summer activities to help your kids appreciate nature.
From baking a blackberry pie to constructing a pond or insect hotel, there’s plenty for the youngsters to do. Head on over to his site for step by step instructions to get your kids out and about enjoying nature.
Joe’s Bio:
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.
Rachel is an Austin blogger, educator, mom, wife, young breast cancer survivor writing about health, saving money, and living a happy life in Austin, Texas.
Rachel has written for HuffPost and Hometalk and has been featured on KXAN, Studio 512, Fox 7 Austin, and CBS Austin.