summer fun: connecting in nature

Connecting in Nature

Picture this: sunlight warming your skin, a cool breeze, and the gentle sound of birds chirping. Your breathing slows; it feels like a reset. Time outdoors has a way of slowing everything down, and for our kids, that matters more than ever.  

With summer approaching, it’s the perfect time to remind our kids (and ourselves) about how powerful being outdoors can be. Fresh air, movement, and a break from screens support both physical and emotional health in ways that indoor time simply can’t. And while life is busy, getting outside doesn’t have to mean planning elaborate outings.  

Adding something else to an already busy schedule can feel stressful. But there’s good news. For busy families, the goal isn’t more time, it’s using the time you already have a little differently. A walk around the block, playing games in the yard, or sitting outside to eat dinner can make a real difference. And there are plenty of important reasons to start making these outdoor goals a priority today.

Benefits of Being Outdoors:

Physical Health

Being outdoors naturally encourages us to move more, and that movement is essential for both our bodies and our minds. Activities like hiking, biking, and walking help build strength, improve coordination, and support overall fitness. Simply put, when you move your body, you feel better.

An article from HealthyChildren.org states that when we play or move outside, we become physically healthier. Time spent outside has been linked to improved motor skills, lower rates of obesity, and even a reduced risk of nearsightedness. Regular movement and outdoor play contribute to maintaining a healthy weight and improving cardiovascular health. Sunlight exposure is another major benefit. It helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones and overall health (Healthline, 2025). In addition, time in nature can also help support the immune system, giving our bodies an extra boost in fighting off illness (UCLA Health, 2025).  

And the benefits don’t stop there! Active children are often happier and more confident. Physical health is closely connected to mental well-being as well. When kids feel strong and energized, it positively impacts how they think, feel, and show up in their daily lives.

The physical benefits of spending time outdoors each day are huge. This simple habit is so important for supporting your child’s (and your own) overall health and development.

Mental Health

Back to that reset scenario from earlier, sunshine doesn’t just boost our mood. Its impact goes far beyond that. Spending time outside isn’t just nice; it’s a necessity. In today’s world, screens take up so much of our attention that many people are losing touch with the simple joys of being outdoors. And at the same time, more children than ever are experiencing anxiety, depression, and decreased mental well-being. While screen time may feel like the easier option, it’s critical to set aside time for outdoor “play”, for both you and your children. Spending time outside not only supports mental well-being, but it can also help you become a more present, balanced parent.  

Nature directly supports how our brains and emotions function. That “reset” feeling described when stepping into the sunshine is real, and it’s backed by science. Here’s how outdoor time helps us mentally (for both adults and kids):

Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress

Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin, a chemical in the brain that helps regulate mood, happiness, and emotional stability. Time outdoors, especially in green spaces, also lowers cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. (Cleveland Clinic, 2024) According to Harvard Health, there was a study done in 2019 finding that just 20-30 minutes of time outside can significantly reduce cortisol levels. Even just a short walk can ease tension and help you feel more balanced.  

Helps Reduce Anxiety and Depression

Spending time in nature has been shown to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Walking, playing, or simply sitting outside can quiet racing thoughts and promote a sense of peace. Being outside provides a restorative environment that allows us to relax and reduce stressors or overstimulation. (Healthline, 2025).  

Improves Focus and Attention

Nature gives our brains a break from constant stimulation (like screens and notifications). This allows our brains to genuinely take a rest and helps reduce mental fatigue. This is especially important for our kids because outdoor play can improve attention span and even help manage symptoms of ADHD. (Healthy Children, 2026).

Encourages Emotional Regulation

Being outside helps both kids and adults process emotions more effectively. Physical movement, fresh air, and open space all contribute to feeling less overwhelmed and more in control. (The Kids Mental Health Foundation, 2025).

Strengthens Connection and Bonding

Outdoor time often creates opportunities for more meaningful, less distracted interactions. Away from the constant pull of screens and daily routines, families are able to slow down and truly connect with each other. Taking a walk, playing in the yard, riding bikes, hiking; shared experiences like these often become the moments children remember. Simple time spent together outdoors can strengthen connections, encourage conversation, and create core memories between parents and children.

Promotes Better Sleep

Natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythm (our internal clock). Getting outside helps us increase melatonin production, reduces stress, and promotes physical activity, all things that help us sleep better. More time outdoors, especially earlier in the day, can lead to better sleep, which is essential for mental health. (The Kids Mental Health Foundation, 2025).

Builds Resilience and Confidence (Especially in Kids)

Resilience helps us recover and move forward after hard situations. Outdoor activities encourage this by helping kids practice problem-solving, creativity, and independence. Kids learn to take manageable risks, explore, and adapt, all skills that support emotional strength and confidence. (The Kids Mental Health Foundation, 2025).

A Final Encouragement

When you prioritize time outside, you’re not just filling the day, you’re actively supporting mental well-being for yourself and your family. Even short, intentional blocks of time outdoors, whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, shooting basketball in the driveway, biking with friends, hiking a local trail, or simply sitting outside together after dinner, can make a meaningful difference. In today’s world, our kids are constantly surrounded by screens competing for their attention. Between school devices, video games, social media, TV, and endless entertainment, many kids rarely get a true mental break. Time outside gives them that opportunity to reset. Fresh air, movement, sunlight, and face-to-face connection can help reduce stress, improve mood, encourage creativity, and build confidence in ways screens cannot.

It’s also important that we talk openly with our kids about why outdoor time matters. Help them understand the benefits of stepping away from screens, not as a punishment, but as something that is essential for their minds and bodies. Teach them that being outside can help them feel calmer, think more clearly, sleep better, and connect more deeply with the people around them. These conversations matter, especially as kids get older and become more attached to technology and social media. Have these conversations with your kids and be honest with them about screens. As encouraged in the parent handbook, it’s important to have “tech-free zones”. Consider making outdoor time a designated tech-free time for the whole family, so everyone has the opportunity to fully unplug, take a mental break, and be present together. Remember, you set the tone for your home.  As you model healthy habits like prioritizing outdoor time and reducing screen time yourself, your kids will notice.

This doesn’t have to be complicated. Some of the best moments happen in the ordinary parts of the day. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s consistency and connection. Challenge yourself this summer season to intentionally create more opportunities for your family to unplug and step outside together. Those small choices add up, and over time they help create healthier habits, stronger relationships, and lasting memories your kids will carry with them long after childhood.

Sources:

Cleveland Clinic. How the Outdoors Can Improve Your Mood
newsroom.clevelandclinic.org  

The Kids Mental Health Foundation. The Benefits of the Outdoors on Children’s Mental Health
kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org  

HealthyChildren.org. Playing Outside: Why it’s Important for Kids

Healthline. 10 Proven Benefits of Sunlight for Your Health
healthline.com  

UCLA Health. 7 Health Benefits of Spending Time in Nature.

Uclahealth.org

Harvard Medical School. A 20 Minute Nature Break Relieves Stress

health.harvard.edu

The Operation Parent Handbook
operationparent.org  

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