Green Outdoor Family Activities

Now that the weather is getting warmer, it's the perfect time to begin enjoying the great outdoors again. Turn off the television and take the family outdoors to enjoy a nice walk around the neighborhood, plant some flowers or get an organic garden started.

Build an Appreciation for the Outdoors by Spending More Time Outside

One way to help your family go green is to embrace the wonder of the great outdoors. Take in the delight of the birds singing as the sun rises in the morning. Sit in the backyard and gaze up at the clouds and try to label what each of them looks like. Star gaze at night. Smell flowers that have freshly-bloomed. Take time to enjoy the beauty of your natural surroundings and discuss ways you can protect the environment.

Buck the trend recently noted in a survey completed by Rhonda Clements of Hofstra University, Hempstead USA, "The Investigation of the Status of Outdoor Play." The study revealed that 70 percent of the mothers who participated in the survey reported they played outside everyday when they were young, compared with only 31 percent of their children. In addition, when the mothers played outdoors, 56 reported they remained outdoors for three or more hours at a time compared to only 22 percent of their children.

Cut down your energy use by encouraging your children to play outside more by creating natural play spaces for them to hide, read and explore. Create a secret garden by planting sunflowers, ivy or other climbing plants and leave a small, quiet spot to place a bench or chair. Turn your patio into a basketball court or space ideal for hopscotch or jump rope. Create a portable creativity station by filling an old wagon with balls, racquets, jump ropes, Frisbees, bubbles and chalk.

Another fun green family activity is to go on a dandelion hunt. These pesky weeds dot nearly every yard in the spring. Set your children free on a dandelion hunt to gather enough dandelions to create a colorful bouquet. Bunch them all together and place in a small vase, your children will smile with delight when their bouquet graces the dinner table. Besides, the bright cheery yellow color brightens any room. Plus, your yard will appear to be dandelion free without using any pesticides.

Plant an Organic Garden and Shop at the Local Farmer's Market

Your family can also go green together by visiting the local outdoor farmer's market. Let your children pick out some seasonal fruits or vegetables. Use these local fresh food finds to create part of that evenings dinner.

Plant your own organic garden that your family can nurture from seedling to harvest. Gardening is a great green activity that your family can do together. If you lack the space, container gardens are also a wonderful way to grow tomatoes, green peppers, spinach, herbs and even leaf lettuce. Just choose a sunny location and be sure to water as necessary. When it becomes time to harvest, make some wonderful homemade Italian sauce, salad or salad topped with ingredients fresh from the garden.

Whatever the activity, take the time to enjoy some green outdoor family time together. Hopefully, you'll not only instill a greater appreciation for the outdoors but also create wonderful memories that your family will cherish for years to come.

Sources: Children and Nature Network, www.childrenandnature.org

Clements, Rhonda, "The Investigation of the Status of Outdoor Play," Hofstra University, Hempstead, USA