As summer comes to an end and the routines of school start again, you might find that you and your kids become a little . . . restless. If you’re a parent, weeks ago you were probably madly singing, “mom and dad can’t wait for school to start again,” but also feeling nostalgic and wishing for more family time and sweet agency that only summertime brings.
One of the most enriching ways to reconnect is through activities like gardening and other nature-based experiences. Time spent outside can be a really integral part of mindfulness, directly supporting our physical and psychological health. This can be particularly important as our attention systems are taxed by excessive time indoors and/or looking at screens.
Engaging with nature in creative and therapeutic ways can offer profound benefits for everyone in the family. Outdoor education promotes different types of auditory, visual, hands-on learning, engaging more than one of the senses at any given time. This means kids can embed their learning into memories, and build up positive experiences in nature. Time spent outside is also really important for executive function, which is responsible for working memory, self control and inhibition, and mental flexibility. Recommendations for building executive function include physical activities, planning activities, social activities (e.g. hiking or camping), and music, singing and dancing.
Gardening in the Fall
Gardening is more than just planting seeds and watching them grow. For families, it’s an opportunity to cultivate patience, responsibility, confidence, communication, and cooperation. When you dig into the soil, you’re not just growing vegetables or flowers; you’re teaching, nurturing attachment, and creating lasting memories.
Now is a great time to start a garden, especially since most pests have completed their life cycles and there’s less pressure from weeds – potentially making it even more relaxing! When considering what to put in your fall garden, think about what your family would like to eat most. Radishes are a great fall crop, especially if you need quick satisfaction or reward.
Therapeutic Outdoor Activities
Nature Walks and Hikes can be great for enhancing mood, increasing physical activity, and providing a peaceful escape from daily routines. For families, it’s a chance to explore and enjoy the beauty of the environment together. To find trails near you, check out All Trails.
Learning about the plants and animals in your surroundings can also be a great family learning activity, which can contribute to a sense of belonging and felt-sense of place. We recommend checking out the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which can be downloaded on your phone. You can use the microphone on your phone to record the birds around you and get real-time identification of the birdsongs around you. Google Lens now has a feature where you can get plant identification using your phone.
Mindfulness & Meditation
Practicing mindfulness or meditation outdoors can amplify its benefits. The natural surroundings add an extra layer of tranquility and help children and adults alike focus on the present moment. If you need a good mindfulness activity, try out Sit Spotting.
Art in Nature
Combining creativity with nature, such as through nature-inspired art projects, can be deeply therapeutic. Create leaf prints, rock paintings, or nature collages to express feelings and enhance creativity. For inspiration, check out artists like Andy Goldsworthy or Robert Smithson.
Notice Your Surroundings Year-Round
Find or create a cozy space with outdoor cushions, a hammock, or a small seating area. This can be a perfect spot for reading, chatting, or simply enjoying the surroundings. To take it one step further, try noticing how nature changes through the seasons with an activity like Seasonal Spot Photography.
As a new season of routines begins, find time to be outdoors to strengthen bonds while embracing the therapeutic and educational benefits of nature. Whether it’s gardening, therapeutic outdoor activities, or simply spending time in natural settings, these activities nurture both mind and heart. Step outside, get your hands dirty, and explore the many ways nature can enrich your family life.
What are some of your favorite creative activities to do outdoors? Is there a way you could involve the entire family in your favorite activities?
