What Families Gain from Time Spent Outdoors – Have you ever watched your kids interacting on a family hike and thought, “There’s something to it—this nature thing.” I sure have. The research on getting kids into nature is spot on. But of all the benefits our family has gained from time spent outdoors, one stands out above the rest.
Canoeing down the Bow River | Banff Canoe Club | Banff National Park
For the last few years I’ve read article after article on the benefits of getting our kids outdoors.
Studies are showing that time spent in nature has the power to improve a child’s body image, lessen the symptoms of attention deficit disorder, and offer significant therapeutic value for troubled youth.
Outdoor experiences help children develop skills in problem solving, decision making, and critical thinking.
In 2003 environmental psychologists reported that even a room with a view of nature helps protect the psychological wellbeing of a child.
Hiking through Sunshine Meadows | White Mountain Adventures | Banff National Park
But for our family, the value of time spent in nature boils down to one simple concept:
Helping my children build a connection with the world around them has strengthened our connections with each other.
We spent a week this Summer in beautiful Banff National Park taking in the breathtaking mountain views, exploring Glaciers and hiking. It was truly one of the most memorable times we’ve spent together as a family.
When I see firelight reflected in my children’s eyes, when I see their fingers sticky with marshmallow and their lips lined with chocolate—I can’t help but remember the most joyful nights of my own childhood, doing the exact same thing under a canopy of pine and stars, surrounded by my parents and siblings.
Exploring Moraine Lake | Banff National Park
Today, it’s harder than ever to build lasting connection with our kids, who are busy juggling school, extracurriculars, homework, and social pressures.
On top of that, we parents have to compete with the distractions of technology.
Getting them into nature, free from the pressure to respond to a text or post to social media, opens their world up in an entirely different way. The noise of life fades away, leaving room for a stillness and a peace that can be so hard to find in the daily bustle of life.
Instead of interacting with their peers from behind the safety of a screen, they interact with their family—face to face.
And they somehow remember why that is so important.
Nature has been the setting for some of our most foundational conversations as a family. From simple exchanges about their hopes for the future to more profound conversations about gratitude and faith.
Which is why every hike we take, every rock wall we scale, every national park we discover together means so much to me.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir
If you love this quote as much as I do you can click the button below to download and print.
I’ve shared a number of posts through the years that may help you make the most your time outdoors as a family! Stay tuned for all the details from our trip to Banff National Park this Summer and be sure to check out these posts in the meantime:
Tips for Photographing Your Family in the Great Outdoors
Printable Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids
On-the-Go Lunch Ideas for Hiking
5 Family Friendly Hikes to do in Waterton Lakes National Park
5 Quick Tips for the Amateur Wildlife Photographer
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I absolutely love this post and adore that you added a printable. Thank you!
SO LOVE THIS!!! How are you able to let people download the image – is that a special feature through your blog or some plug-in? SO COOL!!! 🙂
Hi! Such lovely shots and wonderful observations! I just spent a month traveling and rented (because of your recommendation) a Cannon 24-70mm 2.8 lens. It may be years before I’m able to invest in one myself, but it was such a treat to travel to some new and some of my favorite scenic places with such a great lens! I used it almost exclusively this year, and am really pleased with the photos I got! Thanks so much!
Yes yes yes! This topic is a passion of mine and I have done a lot of writing on the topic as well. Getting outdoors with our kids is always beneficial, even if it is sometimes hard to take that first step and do it.
The park you visited looks amazing. I can’t believe how blue that water is!
I agree Lisa – getting outdoors as a family is so worth it! Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada is absolutely stunning! The glacier fed lakes are such a bright blue – it’s unbelievable!!
I love this post! Your photography is marvelous! Oh to be able to take photos as gorgeous as yours. I guess I’ll have to read your posts on photography. I can use all the help I can get 🙂 I’m writing a year long series with a weekly activity titled “Get Outside & Connect” over at Rhythms of Play… thanks for getting outside, connecting, and sharing the magic.