Got a Plan for National Get Outdoors Day?

Today is National Get Outdoors Day, so take a few hours off of lawn work and screens to enjoy some fun in the sun! 

There are so many benefits to children (and adults) of spending time outdoors. According to the Children & Nature Network, “time outdoors – especially unstructured time in more natural settings – can reduce children’s stress, increase their curiosity and creativity, improve their physical coordination, and reduce symptoms associated with attention deficit disorder and other conditions.” 

My book, The Gift of Green Time: 50 Ways for Families to Disconnect (and Reconnect) Outdoors, Door County ® has lots of ideas on how to be active and enjoy nature together. Here’s one you might try in June that is fun no matter where you are located.

Activity # 33: Read a Bedtime Story Under the Moon. Pack your favorite stories in a bag along with a flashlight, a bedtime snack, and a blanket. Seek out a spot with an open view of the moon. This month, the full moon occurs on June 14th. Bonus: it’s a super moon! Suggested stories include Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Owl Moon by Jane Yolen.

The Gift of Green Time can be ordered online at: https://www.bevgillen.com/store/the-gift-of-green-time.

References:

Children & Nature Network. (2014). Together in Nature: Pathways to a Stronger, Closer Family. https://www.childrenandnature.org/wp-content/uploads/FamilyBonding_En_20141.pdf