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Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel Happier and Calmer

Rod Ward

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Published in Finding Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities To Help Your Kids Feel Happier And Calmer

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Spending time in nature has been shown to have a number of benefits for children, including reducing stress, improving mood, and boosting creativity. In fact, a study published in the journal "Pediatrics" found that children who spent just 20 minutes in a natural setting experienced a significant decrease in their levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

If you're looking for ways to help your kids feel happier and calmer, here are a few fun nature activities that you can try:

Finding Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel Happier and Calmer

by Sandi Schwartz

5 out of 5

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Go for a walk in the woods. The fresh air and natural surroundings will do wonders for your kids' mood. Encourage them to explore their surroundings, look for different plants and animals, and just enjoy being in nature.
Build a fort. This is a classic childhood activity that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Find a few sticks and branches and help your kids build their own fort. They can decorate it with leaves, flowers, and other natural materials.
Play a game of hide-and-seek. This is another fun game that can be played in nature. One person hides, and the others try to find them. You can make it more challenging by hiding in different spots, such as behind trees or in bushes.
Go on a nature scavenger hunt. This is a great way to get your kids exploring their surroundings. Create a list of different items that they can find, such as leaves, flowers, rocks, and insects. Then, let them go on a hunt to find them all.
Make a nature collage. This is a fun and creative activity that can be done with kids of all ages. Gather some leaves, flowers, and other natural materials, and then help your kids create a collage. They can use their imaginations to create anything they want, from animals to landscapes.
Go stargazing. If you live in an area with clear skies, go outside and look up at the stars. This is a magical experience that your kids will love. You can even bring a blanket and some snacks and make it a night out.

These are just a few of the many fun nature activities that you can do with your kids. Getting them outside and into nature is a great way to help them feel happier, calmer, and more connected to the world around them.

Additional Tips for Enjoying Nature with Kids

Choose activities that are appropriate for your kids' age and abilities. Don't try to do too much, and don't push your kids too hard. Just let them explore and enjoy the natural surroundings at their own pace.
Be patient and observant. Kids often need time to warm up to new experiences. Don't be discouraged if they're not immediately excited about going for a walk in the woods. Just keep offering them opportunities to explore nature, and eventually they'll come to love it.
Make it a regular part of your routine. The more time your kids spend in nature, the more benefits they'll experience. Try to make it a regular part of your routine to go for walks, play games, or just relax in nature.
Get involved yourself. Kids love to learn from their parents, so get involved in the activities yourself. Show them how much you enjoy being in nature, and they'll be more likely to want to spend time there too.
Don't forget the sunscreen and bug spray. When you're spending time in nature, it's important to protect your kids from the sun and insects. Be sure to apply sunscreen to their skin and clothing, and use bug spray to keep away mosquitoes and ticks.

Spending time in nature is a great way to improve your kids' mental and physical health. So get them outside and enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings. You'll be glad you did.

Finding Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel Happier and Calmer

by Sandi Schwartz

5 out of 5