Family Time Outside
Spending time outside has so many benefits and Central Oregon offers so much to do, whether in neighborhood parks or nearby public lands. Children need 60 minutes of play with moderate to vigorous activity every day to grow up to a healthy weight. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than two hours a day in front of a screen watching TV or playing video games however, 8-18 year old adolescents spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using entertainment media. As an alternative to screen time, spend Family Time Outside – and be sure to get your Vitamin N!
Family Time Outside means…
- More exercise
- Improved mental and physical well-being
- Reduced stress
- Better ability to focus
- Sparking imagination
- Better appreciation of nature
- Building family connections
Family Events and Programs
Check out our event calendar!
Seasonal Activity Ideas
-
Family Birding
Get great tips and activities of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, including their online bird ID guide -
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of things to find in nature, photograph them and check them off your list! -
Geocaching
Try the kid-friendly apps Geocaching Intro or GeoBucket and set out on a treasure hunt -
Rain Concert
Create a rain concert next time there’s a storm in the forecast. Bring your metal pots, pans, and muffin tins outside into the rain and listen to the musical sounds they create! -
Learn About Flowers
Look at flowers up close with a magnifying lens. Design your own flower based on what you find. -
Fort Making
Gather natural materials including sticks, grasses, pine needles, and branches. Get some tips here.
Find more ideas at these fantastic websites:
Resources About Children, Health, and Nature
- Children and Nature Network
- Lets Move! Campaign
- National Environmental Education Foundation – Children and Nature Infographic