Why Your Family Needs Regular Nature Time These Holidays
We all know how magical it feels to spend a day outside, but did you know that the real benefits of nature come from regular, repeated exposure?
One afternoon in the great outdoors is a fantastic start, but to truly experience the transformative effects of nature, our children (and we as parents!) need consistent, frequent time immersed in the natural world.
So, this holiday season, consider how scheduling regular nature adventures can support your child's well-being — and yours!
1. Nature is a Stress-Reliever — But Consistency is Key
Modern life, with its busy schedules, schoolwork, and screens, can leave our kids feeling over-stimulated and anxious. Nature offers a chance to slow down, breathe fresh air, and reconnect. But just like any stress-relieving practice, nature's benefits are compounded with repetition.
Regular exposure to nature has been shown to lower cortisol levels, improve mood, and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Think of nature as a muscle we train: the more we use it, the stronger the calming and restorative effects become.
What This Means for Your Family:
Make it a holiday goal to visit local nature spots weekly. Explore a favorite creek on one visit, and on the next, let the kids roam freely at a beach or a forest. Each return trip reinforces the feeling of safety and familiarity, helping everyone unwind even more.
2. Consistency Enhances Creativity and Confidence
Unstructured play in nature encourages children to think creatively and take risks — essential skills for building confidence. When kids have multiple opportunities to explore familiar outdoor spaces, they get to experiment more deeply with their play, whether that’s inventing new games, mastering a climbing challenge, or building intricate sand structures.
Every time your child returns to a familiar spot, they grow more confident in their abilities, and that sense of accomplishment sticks with them. It's these repeated, risk-taking opportunities in nature that foster growth and resilience.
Tip for Parents:
Watch as your child grows more imaginative with each visit. Maybe they discover new ways to balance on logs or notice something different about the flora and fauna each time you return. Repeated visits build layers of discovery!
3. Boosting Immune Health and Physical Fitness
Exposure to diverse natural environments also helps build a stronger immune system. Research suggests that consistent time outdoors, particularly in places with varied plant life, introduces kids to beneficial microbes. Add in the physical fitness gained from climbing, running, balancing, and exploring, and you've got a recipe for well-rounded health.
One-off nature play sessions are a great workout, but consistent outdoor activity supports endurance, muscle strength, and coordination. Plus, it helps balance out the indoor, sedentary time that can creep in during school holidays.
Health Hack for Your Holidays:
Plan for short, regular bursts of nature play throughout the week rather than one long outing. It’s easier to manage, keeps everyone energised, and spreads out the benefits!
4. Emotional and Social Wellbeing Through Connection
When children explore nature regularly, they form a deeper connection to the world around them. They begin to care for and understand the environment, developing empathy for the creatures and plants that live there. Plus, regular visits to the same places can foster social bonds with friends and family, creating special memories that last a lifetime.
Group nature play can be even more impactful, as kids learn to collaborate, solve problems together, and respect each other’s ideas. Repeated experiences make these connections richer and more meaningful.
Make It a Family Tradition:
Why not plan a weekly family outing to your favorite nature spot or book multiple sessions at our holiday nature programs? These outings could become cherished family rituals that everyone looks forward to.
5. Nature for the Whole Family's Wellbeing
The best part? Regular nature exposure isn’t just good for kids; it benefits the whole family. Parents, you’ll find that nature play gives you time to slow down, recharge, and feel more present. You might even find that your own stress levels decrease as you embrace this family habit.
Ready to Make Nature Play a Priority?
These holidays, don’t just think of nature as a one-off day out. Consider the incredible benefits of scheduling multiple nature experiences for your family. At Wildlings Forest School, our programs are designed to immerse your children in the magic of nature, helping them build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of the outdoors.
Join Us for Multiple Adventures This Holiday Season!
We know summer holidays can feel like a long stretch, so we’re offering a special bundle discount to help lighten the load.
We’ve never offered something like this before, so please check the terms and conditions in the link above to see if it works for you and your family.
Click here to see what’s planned near you this Summer School Holidays!
Written by Ellen Nesbitt. Ellen is a nature play advocate and creative writer with a passion for helping families connect with the outdoors. She is dedicated to exploring ways to nurture children's creativity, independence, wellbeing and love for nature.