Ten Tips to Get Kids Outside

Treehouse

America's land and water legacy is a treasure we all share. Celebrate this treasure by taking a child outside to introduce them to the wonders of the unplugged world.

Bestselling author Richard Louv offers a field guide full of tips for getting kids outside in his new edition of “Last Child in the Woods.”

Here’s a quick take on our top 10 favorites:

10. Be a cloudspotter. Go “clouding” – no equipment required.

9. Revive old traditions. Collect lightning bugs, leaves and stones.

8. Engage grandparents. Who has better memories of playing outside?

7. Adopt the “sunny day rule.” When the sun’s out, unplug. (Works for rainy days, too.)

6. Go birding – urban or suburban, rural or wilderness. Who are your feathered neighbors?

5. Got dirt? Let little kids dig with plastic shovels and pails.

4. Adopt a tree. Take pictures of your favorite tree in different seasons and around different family events. How does it change?

3. Go harvesting. Take kids to pick apples, blueberries or corn.

2. Camp in the backyard.

And our favorite Earth Day tip for reconnecting kids and nature:

1. Keep a “wonder bowl.” Kids fill their pockets with acorns, rocks and leaves. Empty those pockets into a bowl, so kids can linger over their treasures.

Our Commitment to Reconnecting Children and Nature

Last year, the Fund joined with Richard Louv and other national leaders to launch the National Forum on Children and Nature. The Forum is working to find and help fund projects that reconnect kids with the great outdoors. Louv continues to work with the Fund as honorary co-chair of the Forum and head of the Children and Nature Network.

Learn more about the National Forum on Children and Nature>>
Visit the Children and Nature Network>>