Outdoor Activities Influenced by Nature for Families, Stimulating Awe and Excitement in the Great Outdoors
In a world where technology often takes centre stage, families are rediscovering the joys of outdoor exercise. By incorporating nature into physical activities, fitness becomes more than just a chore; it becomes an adventure that fosters lifelong healthy habits, strengthens family bonds, and keeps everyone motivated by the changing environment and seasons.
One such activity is the humble seed planting exercise, which turns gardening into a full-body workout, incorporating fitness moves like squats, lunges, and core-strengthening reaches. But there are numerous other ways to blend exercise with nature, making physical activity fun and engaging for both children and adults.
**Nature Walks and Hiking**
Explore local parks, nature reserves, or hiking trails together as a family. Adjust the difficulty based on everyone's fitness level. Combine this with activities like a scavenger hunt to spot different plants, animals, or colours in nature to keep kids engaged. Hiking boosts balance, strength, and cardiovascular health while providing quality family time and fresh air[1][3].
**Family Bike Rides**
Plan bike rides on safe paths or trails suitable for all ages. You can make it more exciting by riding to a picnic spot, ice cream shop, or farmers market. Cycling offers cardiovascular benefits and a fun way to explore your surroundings together[3].
**Outdoor Games with Natural Elements**
Play tag, relay races, or obstacle courses using natural features like trees, rocks, and hills. Incorporate movements such as running, jumping, climbing, and balancing to develop motor skills in children while keeping adults active[1].
**Nature Color Hunt and Observation Activities**
Organize a colour or shape hunt where children find natural objects matching cards or swatches. This encourages exploration, observation, and colour recognition. Similarly, activities like floating leaves or flowers in water can introduce simple science concepts while engaging kids in gentle physical and sensory play[2].
**Water Play and Sprinkler Running**
On warm days, running through sprinklers or fountains adds refreshing fun and cardiovascular exercise. Water play can stimulate senses and provide a joyful break during outdoor activity[2][3].
**Creating Nature Art, such as Mandalas**
Gather leaves, sticks, flowers, and stones to create mandalas or other patterns on the ground. This activity promotes creativity, mindfulness, and fine motor skills, while encouraging families to slow down and appreciate natural materials[5].
**Musical Statues or Dancing Outdoors**
Play music and have children dance freely, freezing like statues when the music stops. This builds listening skills, body control, and provides aerobic exercise in an open outdoor space[2].
**Exploring Shorelines or Water Edges**
Visit lakeshores, riversides, or beaches to explore, hunt for shells or rocks, and play in the water. This is a natural way to engage children’s curiosity while parents and kids stay active walking and playing[5].
By integrating these nature-based activities regularly, families can enjoy fun, active time together that benefits both physical and emotional well-being. To make the most of these opportunities, consider creating a Nature Fitness Schedule, dedicating specific days to different nature activities and considering weather patterns and seasonal changes when planning outdoor sessions.
References: [1] American Heart Association. (2021). Walking: Trim, fit, and healthy. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/walking [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Outdoor activities. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/outdoor/index.htm [3] National Recreation and Park Association. (2021). Benefits of parks and recreation. Retrieved from https://www.nrpa.org/benefits-of-parks-and-recreation/ [5] National Wildlife Federation. (2021). Nature play. Retrieved from https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Garden/Nature-Play/Nature-Play-Ideas
These nature-based activities promote a healthy lifestyle, family bonds, and overall well-being. For instance, taking nature walks or hikes can boost balance, strength, and cardiovascular health while spending quality time together. Similarly, engaging in outdoor games with natural elements, such as playing tag, can develop motor skills and keep everyone active. Additionally, activities like creating nature art, such as mandalas, encourage creativity, mindfulness, and fine motor skills while providing a leisurely outdoor experience.
