Is your family starting to get a little restless from too much time spent indoors? Cabin fever isn’t just a matter of feeling bored or listless — it can also lead to major health problems. Experts have coined the term “nature-deficit disorder” to refer to a number of serious health problems caused by too little time outside. These range from high rates of childhood obesity to serious mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. So in short, getting outside isn’t just nice — it’s healthy.

Woander Tours shares a few ways to get your family more time in nature:

Why It Matters

First, it helps to know the basics of Nature-Deficit Disorder. 

• The term was coined by Richard Louv, who suggests that our culture’s disconnect with nature is harming our children’s cognitive development. 

• Spending time outdoors can also reduce stress and anxiety, according to Heart.org

Your Own Backyard

Now that you know what nature-deficit disorder is, here are some ways to get your children outdoors!

• Obstacle courses. There are lots of easy ways you can set up simple obstacle courses in your own backyard to keep your children entertained, using everything from water balloons to stuffed animals. Best of all, these can easily be tailored to all ages, from crawlers to older kids.

• Gardening. Maybe your child would benefit from some time with a garden trowel, says the Guardian. According to Dawn Issac, a mother of three who has written books on the topic, “It’s almost impossible to think of a reason children should not start gardening. It is educational, humbling, exciting – it makes them part of nature, rather than an observer of it, and it helps them to comprehend that we are only part of a much larger ecosystem that we have to nurture and protect.”

• Identifying trees. Can your child tell the difference between a deciduous and a conifer? Can you? If not, maybe this is the time to learn! Best of all, this is something you and your child can explore in your own backyard.

• Science experiments. There are loads of great ideas for science experiments that you can conduct with your child in your own backyard--from homemade volcanoes to hot air ballooning. 

• Healthy at home. Last but not least, ensure your home is conducive to keeping your kids healthy and ready to take on the outdoors. 

The Wider World

Looking to venture a little farther? Here are a few more ideas to get your kids that fresh air their lungs have been craving:

• Camping. From the kind of tent you buy to where you pitch here, there’s a lot that goes into a successful camping trip. Luckily, these tips can help!

• Hiking. Hitting the trails with a toddler or small child in tow doesn’t have to be a chore -- especially if you follow these tips to suit any budding nature lover from a few months to twelve years old. 

• Beach time! Make sure that next trip to the beach goes smoothly by discussing these safety tips with your kids beforehand -- covering everything from riptides to umbrella placement. 

• Adventure travel. Enjoying family holidays to new places with a focus on outdoor activities is a great way to broaden your child’s horizons and give them a new perspective on the world around them. 
  

Getting more time outside comes with a ton of benefits. So, use these resources to find fun and exciting ways to enjoy nature. Before you know it, your family will start to feel the wonderful effects of fresh air and sunlight!