Tips: A few Guidelines for Parents & Mentors

Children need unstructured time outdoors. Allow children to explore, discover and use nature in their own way, on their own terms. Let nature be their world, not a world where grown-ups make all the rules!

If you live in a house, create a child-friendly backyard.

Provide simple tools to aid discovery – kids love
tools! Include a bug box, trowel, magnifier, etc.

When you take children to parks and other natural areas, allow them to explore. Let them decide which trails to take. Stay nearby for safety, but don’t interfere or help unless asked.

Take advantage of our natural resources, like the Ohio River and its tributaries! Take children canoeing, kayaking or fishing.

Take a few leaves from different trees while the children are not looking. Give them the leaves and ask them to find which trees they came from.

Some creative parents have found a way to multitask in a very positive way. Nature Clubs for Families enable both children and parents to get their exercise, de-stress and socialize with other families all at the same time. They are especially helpful for families who may not feel comfortable venturing into unfamiliar areas alone. To start or join a Family Nature Club, visit http://www.childrenandnature.org/movement/naturalfamilies/clubs for a downloadable toolkit in English or Spanish.

In the fall, leave the fallen leaves down for awhile so kids can run around and shuffle through them. Rake up a big leaf pile and let them demolish it. If they’re not pre-schoolers, leave the rake out so they can rebuild it if they want.

If you have an appropriate area, let older children build a campfire in the backyard. Set safety rules, then stay away while they and their friends discuss “hot” topics. Check for safety by looking out the window or wandering out to ask if they need more snacks.

Put out bird feeders that can be seen easily from windows. Let children help feed the birds. Keep a bird book by the window to help them identify what they see.

If your child is in child care, talk with the provider to confirm that your child will have at least one hour per day of outdoor, physical activity. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends at least one hour per day of physical activity. It is suggested that parents discuss with the child care provider the amount of outdoor play built into the daily schedule. Child care regulations vary by state and this may not be required.

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Download the entire “Grow Outside Guide to Outdoor Play” to print out at home or have as a reference.

» Click here to download GrowOutsideGuide (.pdf)