Take A Child Outside Week reminds parents about the benefits of nature exploration

We're catching Take A Child Outside Week, an annual reminder spearheaded by the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences about the importance of getting kids outside to explore nature, near its end. The annual week runs from Sept. 24 to Sept. 30 each year. But let's use it as a reminder to get our kids outside all year because there are plenty of reasons to do it.

“Free time in nature has been shown to improve every area of a child’s life, from having healthier, stronger bodies, to being more successful in school, to having better relationships in their community,” says Beth Cranford, museum program coordinator, in a press release. “Time outside every day should be part of your regular routine.”

The annual observation was prompted by "Last Child in the Woods," a book by Richard Louv that covered the benefits of outdoor experiences for kids. Louv came up with the term "Nature Deficit Disorder," which happens when kids are disconnected from their world.

Studies back up those claims, finding that students who spend time outside perform better academically, are less stressed, have more self-discipline and concentration and are more engaged. For kids with ADHD, parents reports that it reduces their symptoms. And as students spend less time out and about at school and more time in front of a screen for virtual learning, outdoor time may be more important than ever before.

More than 150 groups are participating in Take a Child Outside Week this year, and they include local city and county parks and North Carolina State Parks.

Wondering how to get involved now and anytime? The museum makes it easy.

The natural sciences museum has launched a redesigned Take A Child Outside website to highlight places where we all can explore nature. And it also lists a variety of outdoor activities that range from general nature observation to finding animals at night. Check out the Take a Child Outside website for more.