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How to Get Kids Environmentally Involved

by Alicia MacLeay
October 24, 2007

On the summit of Mount Jefferson, N.H.

Parenting.com just published “10 ways to get kids environmentally involved.” While it has some semi-useful suggestions about clothing swaps, using less electricity, recycling, and so on, it largely ignores what I consider the number one way to connect kids with nature—get them outside to explore on a regular basis.

True, number five on their list is “Head Outside,” but it only mentions apple and pumpkin picking. Now those are nice activities that support local agriculture (and something I do with my own preschooler), but connecting kids with the outdoors should be a regular part of every family’s lifestyle, not one special seasonal activity.

Here’s my rewrite:

1. Take Kids Outside
. Get your kids outside every single day. Give them safe green spaces to explore and connect with nature. Give them time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world. Take them hiking, climbing, paddling, biking, fishing, snowshoeing, camping, stargazing, or just plain exploring. Grow a garden together. Have fun simply playing outside—climb a tree, dig in the dirt, check out a stream. Your kids (and you) will be healthier and less stressed, and will have greater respect for themselves, for others, and for the environment.

Without a meaningful connection to the outdoors, how can you expect kids to care about it?

For a few tips read "Hiking and Backpacking with Kids."