You probably want your kids to get more fresh air, but it’s not always easy. Schedules are packed. Devices are everywhere. And somehow the idea of going outside just doesn’t excite them like it used to.
You might even wonder if today’s kids will grow up without the same love for climbing trees, turning over rocks, or chasing butterflies that you had. The truth is, nature hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s still ready to spark curiosity and wonder. You just have to help your child notice it again.
Did you know that spending just 20 minutes a day in nature can lower stress hormones in kids? In this article, you’ll find practical and fun ways to help your child build a real connection with the world beyond the screen.
Start with the Simple Stuff
You don’t have to plan a full day hike right away. Just walk around the neighborhood or sit in the backyard and look up at the trees. Kids notice things we overlook. A bird hopping along the sidewalk. Ants carrying crumbs. Leaves rustling in the breeze. The key is to slow down and be present with them. When you show interest in what they see, they start to care even more.
Talk about what you notice. Ask questions, even if you don’t know the answers. What kind of tree is that? Where do the birds go at night? This kind of back-and-forth turns a short stroll into something that feels like discovery.
Introduce Activities That Match Their Personality
Not every kid loves hiking or camping. That’s okay. Some prefer quiet observation, while others are drawn to movement and physical challenges. Nature has room for all of it.
If your child is full of energy and enjoys climbing or physical play, something like bouldering or scrambling over rocks might keep them engaged. As they grow more confident outdoors, you can gradually introduce real climbing sessions. This is where having proper rock climbing equipment becomes important. You’ll want to get it from a trusted source so it doesn’t let you down in the middle of an adventure. Reliable gear helps them feel secure while learning, and it also teaches them how to manage risks and build trust in their tools and their own abilities.
If your child leans more toward creative activities, try things like leaf rubbings, flower pressing, or drawing plants and animals they spot along the way.
Let Them Get Messy
Nature isn’t tidy, and that’s part of the magic. Mud, sticks, puddles, and bugs. These are all part of the experience. Let your kids dig, splash, and build without worrying too much about dirt or laundry. There’s something freeing about it. When kids are allowed to interact with nature using their hands and whole bodies, it makes everything feel more real.
If you’re at a park or trail and they want to collect rocks or build a small shelter with fallen branches, let them. These hands-on moments often become their favorite memories.
Use Books and Stories to Spark Curiosity
Sometimes kids need a little nudge before they step outside. Nature-themed books can do just that. Stories about animals, outdoor adventures, or survival tales can plant the seed of interest. Once their imagination is lit, they’ll want to experience it for themselves.
After reading, you can ask them if they’d like to go find similar plants or tracks, or landscapes nearby. You’ll be surprised how quickly a quiet reader becomes an eager explorer.
Visit New Places When You Can
Changing the setting helps keep the spark alive. It doesn’t always have to be a long road trip. A new park, nature center, beach, or forest within driving distance is enough to add excitement.
When you go somewhere new, let your child help plan a part of the day. Ask them what they want to see or do. Bring a simple guidebook to help identify plants or birds. Stop to read signs or watch animals along the way. It builds a sense of curiosity that doesn’t end when the trip does.
Wrapping It Up
Raising kids who care about nature isn’t about doing it all at once. It’s about showing them that the world outside is full of life, wonder, and things worth paying attention to. Some days it’ll be muddy. Some days it’ll be loud, quiet, or full of bugs. That’s all part of the experience. What matters most is that they start to feel like nature is theirs too, not just a place to visit, but something they’re part of. And once that connection is made, it tends to stick for life.