Published August 20, 2024
Make outdoor play a priority this school year for healthier, happier kids
The back-to-school season is just getting started; however, that doesn’t mean families should press pause on time spent outdoors. In fact, remembering to spend quality time in nature as kids head back to classrooms can set them up for a successful school year.
Many studies have proved that children who spend time in nature have better moods, focus and are more resilient. There are also myriad physical health benefits, including increased vitamin D, and better sleep and fitness levels. Many of these benefits are the opposite of what is associated with large amounts of screen time, such as increased anxiety and obesity-related illness.
Indeed, most children ages 8 to 12 get more than four hours of screen time per day (up to nine hours for teens), with less than 10 minutes of unstructured outdoor play.
Here are just a few ways to easily plan outdoor play time this back-to-school season:
Nature play areas: Different from traditional playgrounds, nature play areas are constructed with natural materials that encourage children to use their imaginations as they jump, climb, build, balance and beyond. Your Five Rivers MetroParks is home to six nature play areas in:
- Cox Arboretum MetroPark, 6733 Springboro Pk., Dayton OH 45449
- Englewood MetroPark, 4361 W. National Rd., Vandalia OH 45377
- Hills & Dales MetroPark, 2606 Hilton Dr., Kettering OH 45409
- Possum Creek MetroPark, 4790 Frytown Rd., Dayton OH 45417
- Sugarcreek MetroPark, 4178 Conference Rd., Bellbrook OH 45305
- Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (Children’s Discovery Garden), 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton OH 45414
Children’s Discovery Garden: Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark is home to the Children’s Discovery Garden, a destination where children can use their senses and imagination to explore the natural world. The Children’s Discovery Garden is divided into three main areas that offer opportunities to play among interesting and whimsical plant displays, learn about Ohio’s habitats and grow vegetables and other backyard plants.
Specific features include:
- Sensory Garden
- Music Maze
- Sandboxes
- Fossil Cave
- Water features (the water features are seasonal, from Memorial Day through Labor Day)
The Children’s Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark is free to the public with varying hours year-round.
Take the MetroParks Trails Challenge: Created for all ages and skill levels, the MetroParks Trails Challenge encourages participants to hike, bike, walk, horseback ride, paddle and mountain bike on the region’s many trails.
The MetroParks Trails Challenge is free and those who participate get a chance to win fun prizes, including a kid’s adventure pack, gift card, T-shirts and more.
Because the MetroParks Trails Challenge can be done at your own time and your own pace, participants can begin with easier trails and work their way up to more difficult trails.
To participate, click here and register. Be sure to submit your log by online by Oct. 31, as well. Those who prefer to check off trails and navigate in real time can download MetroParks’ free mobile app at metroparks.org/mobile.
Grown-ups need outside time, too
Many of the benefits that children experience when they connect with nature also apply to adults, from reduced stress to better heart health.
“Adults may grow out of many activities they enjoyed as children; however, spending time outside should remain a priority at every age,” said MetroParks director of marketing and public engagement Shelli DiFranco. “For more than 60 years, Five Rivers MetroParks has been connecting people with nature by providing clean, safe outdoor spaces that support the public’s physical emotional and mental health.”
Participating in MetroParks’ programs are a great way to explore nature-based activities that families can do together. Your Five Rivers MetroParks hosts dozens of programs each month that allows participants to experience outdoor recreation, nature education, earth-friendly living, conservation, the arts and beyond.
While many of MetroParks’ programs are free, some programs do require a small registration fee. To ensure that access to nature is equitable for all, the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation offers Access to Nature Financial Aid that helps qualifying families cover some of the cost of programs, rentals and beyond.
