According to the National Institute of Health, spending time in nature has a positive effect on the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. However, we don’t need studies to see the effects on our kids: we know how much they enjoy being outside. 

They develop creativity, become more independent, and also get their energy out. For parents, it’s not pure fun: we need to ensure the kids are safe while adventuring. 

So here’s a guide to different risks, how to prepare for them, and how to give your child the confidence to start adventuring. 

Preparing Kids for Outdoor Adventures

Before you teach your kids how to balance safety and fun, make sure you learn more about the risks in your area. For example, in rural areas, tractors and other machinery are especially dangerous, as farming accident statistics and trends show. Or, if you frequently go to public parks, it’s key to learn how to behave around dogs. Once you learn more about local risks, create a simple list of rules for your kid.

Here’s an example you can expand depending on your kid’s age and the space they’re exploring:

• Stay where a grown-up can see you
• Watch where you step
• Stay away from tools, tractors, and machines
• Don’t touch an animal unless a grown-up says it’s okay
• Stay away from water unless a grown-up is with you
• Come back right away when I call you
• Always ask before exploring a new place (for older kids)

Keep the language simple, but explain why each of these rules matters. Kids are more likely to follow the rules when they understand the reasons behind them.

If you have older kids, teach them to stay on paths, recognize dangerous plants, check in with you often, and follow other guidelines like carrying water bottles, hats, and bug spray with them. Prepare them for outdoor play where they’ll be free to explore, but within clear boundaries and instructions. This will help them build the confidence and resilience they’ll need in many other areas of life. 

Turn It Into a Game

I like to turn the exploration into a game and (very) gradually increase the challenge, and I’ll share some of my favorite games with you. 

First, you can start with something simple, like a classic exploration game. Find something round, or find something yellow, find a feather, collect pinecones. There’s an opportunity to show them things that are only for looking and not touching: stinging nettles, poison ivy, or certain insects. 

Other games teach them to stay still and observe (the length of the game will depend on their age, of course). Cloud watching is one of the simplest ones. Talk about the shapes you see, make stories together, or watch how the wind moves them. You can even make it a competition in finding shapes of a certain type, like animals or cars.

Older kids can enjoy something a bit more complicated, like learning about different species. Bring a magnifying glass, a nature guide, and let them observe bugs, plants, and rocks. Teach them about the role of each species in the ecosystem and why protecting nature should be a priority.

Build up their knowledge bit by bit, and they’ll feel more comfortable in a natural environment. And while you’re at it, try to stay relaxed and have fun. If you’re making the experience stressful, they won’t enjoy it much either.

Repetition is your friend in this case. The kid is getting more adjusted and comfortable, and you’re building a habit of spending time outdoors. This isn’t only fun but it has a whole list of benefits for your kids:

• Exposure to sunlight (more vitamin D, better sleep, improved mood)
• Stronger focus
• Calming effects
• Exercise
• Motor skills development
• Developing critical thinking

Basically, go step by step and make it fun for the both of you. Even as adults, we still have new things to learn about our environment and how to appreciate it, and sharing these experiences with our children can strengthen our relationship with them and build memories that will last a lifetime.