The Benefits of the Outdoors on Children's Mental Health

Spending time outdoors is not only fun for kids; it’s also good for their mental health! Whether it’s playing on the sidewalk, hiking in the woods, planting something in a window box or balcony or simply taking a walk and listening to the sounds, nature provides many benefits that can help keep our kids healthy and happy.

Why is spending time outside good for kids’ mental health?

• Helps with stress, anxiety and mood: Anxiety is when kids feel nervous or worried, and depression is when they feel sad or have a low mood for a long time. Being outside in nature can help lift their mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
• Increases physical activity: Physical activity improves overall mental health and reduces stress. When kids move their bodies – like running, climbing or jumping – they feel better, too. Being outside naturally gets kids moving.
• Improves focus and hyperactivity: Research shows that kids who spend more time outside tend to focus better and feel calmer in school.
• Supports social skills: Being outside gives kids an opportunity to play together. Outdoor activities often involve teamwork and cooperation, helping kids learn to get along with and feel more connected to each other.
• Improves sleep quality:Kids often don’t get enough sleep, and spending time outdoors can help. Natural light helps kids’ internal clocks keep them on a good sleep schedule, and movement helps tire them out for bedtime.
• Enhances creativity: Nature helps with imagination! Without screens or toys doing the thinking for them, kids are nudged to come up with their own games and ideas. They might pretend a stick is a magic wand or leaves on the ground are hot lava.
• Improves resilience and confidence: Resilience is what helps us bounce back after tough situations. Outdoor activities can teach kids problem-solving, how to overcome tough moments and help build confidence in their abilities. For example, every time kids try something new like swinging on the monkey bars or climbing a tree, they gain confidence.

Ideas for Outdoor Activities

There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors safely. Here are some ideas for outdoor activities that can help support kids’ mental health:

• Take a walk and notice the sights, sounds and smells.
• Use sidewalk chalk to create art, play hopscotch or draw games like mazes.
• Hide small items in a yard or park and give kids clues to find them.
• Sit quietly outside and listen to birds and other sounds (city sounds count, too!).
• Try an outdoor problem-solving game, like a scavenger hunt or hiding treasures in a park and giving clues to find them.
• Let kids explore unstructured outdoor play like building or climbing something.
• Create a small garden where kids can plant a few flowers or vegetables.
• Plan group nature activities, like planting trees or picking up trash in a park.
• Have a picnic outside.
• Give kids space to explore and create their own fun without a plan.
• Create art using natural materials like sticks, leaves, rocks or flowers.
• Encourage running games like tag or hide-and-seek.
• Set up an outdoor obstacle course in a green space or park.
• Visit a playground after school to tire kids out before bed.
• Identify plants, birds or insects.
• Join community clean-up days to protect natural spaces.
• Use our download (below) for a scavenger hunt.

If Outdoor Access Is Limited

Sometimes, finding outdoor space to play nearby can be a bit challenging. But don’t worry – it's still possible! Here are some creative ways of getting outside when green space is limited:

• Go to a school playground. Many school playgrounds and green spaces are supervised during school hours and open to the public after school hours. Coordinate with school staff or other caregivers to organize supervision.
• Visit a community center. Community centers often have outdoor play areas, and many offer a schedule for coordinated outdoor activities.
• Explore a city park. Visit well-maintained parks during busier hours and when park staff are present. City parks may have stairs, playgrounds or workout spaces to raise your child’s heart rate in healthy doses.
• Outdoor after-school programs. Many cities have non-profit organizations offering outdoor after-school activities for kids, including Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs and others.
• Start a neighborhood play group. Find a nearby fenced area and team up with other trusted caregivers to rotate supervision.
• Create outdoor spaces at home. Start a small garden in pots on a balcony or use nearby outdoor space for tag, hopscotch or jump rope.
• Community gardens. Look for a local community garden – many have programming and are happy to include kids who live nearby!
• Other organized activities. Check out local botanical gardens, zoos, aquariums, local farms and libraries for organized outdoor activities.
• Group walks. Organize group walks or scavenger hunts led by trusted adults.

Spending time outside can be very simple and doesn’t need to be fancy. A walk in the park, playing on a playground or a game of tag can make a big difference for a child’s mental health. By encouraging kids to explore, play and learn outside, we’re giving them tools to grow into happy, healthy adults. Grab your sunscreen and water, head outside and enjoy!