Why is going outside important?
Research has shown that:
- Outdoor play increases fitness levels and builds healthy bodies
- Time outdoors raises levels of vitamin D protecting children from several health issues including diabetes, heart disease and potential bone problems
- Exposure to nature reduces ADHD symptoms, improves distance vision, fosters creativity, and increases critical thinking skills
- Going outside gets children away from screens and technology and promotes connection to community and connection to place
- Being outside helps children create relationships to the natural world and develop positive environmental attitudes
- Nature inspires creativity
- Nature stimulates the use of all the senses
- Green spaces reduce children's stress levels
Citations
Websites:
Connecting Canadians with Nature: an investment in the well-being of our citizens. Canadian Parks Council
Be out there. National Wildlife Federation
Books:
Richard Louv - Last Child in the Woods
Connecting Canadians with Nature: an investment in the well-being of our citizens. Canadian Parks Council
Be out there. National Wildlife Federation
Books:
Richard Louv - Last Child in the Woods