Kids need vitamin N every day — vitamin Nature, that is! Time in nature is proven to uplift mood and inspire creativity, lower stress, improve diet and exercise, and so much more.

However, today’s kids are spending less and less time outside, in part due to barriers like accessibility to safe green spaces and more time in front of screens. The average American child spends less than 10 minutes a day outdoors and up to 44 hours per week on screens.

With these concerning statistics in mind, we joined forces with the Children & Nature Network to host the Vitamin N Challenge, which encourages everyone — kids, families, coworkers, whoever! — to get out there and enjoy the wonder and beauty of the outside world. Because more time in nature is good for everyone, everywhere.

Meet the Children & Nature Network

Children & Nature Network is an organization that supports a global movement of leaders working to turn the trend of an indoor childhood back out to the benefits of nature. They believe that spending time in nature makes kids happier, healthier, and more successful in school, and their entire mission revolves around creating equitable access to nature everywhere kids live, learn, and play.

At Nature’s Way, we believe in the transformative power of nature to enhance the health and happiness of people of all ages, and we’re endlessly inspired by nature’s ability to grow, adapt, and thrive. That’s why we’re thrilled to join forces with the Children & Nature Network for the second year in a row. It’s time to feel the sun on your skin and the sand or grass between your toes, to embark on a new adventure or simply eat dinner outdoors once a week. Let’s experience the wonderful wildness that is nature together.

How to get involved

It’s so easy!

First, choose your challenge. Maybe that’s a specific time per day outdoors, a list of activities to accomplish throughout the rest of the year, or an office challenge for you and your teammates.

Make a summer plan, take the pledge, and get your people involved.

Share your experience with us on Instagram or wherever you use social media by using #VitaminNChallenge on your post. Who knows? We may feature you in one of our spotlight challenges!

Some fun ideas to get you started:

1. Set a goal to be outside for 30 minutes each day for a month. That’s it! You can read, eat breakfast, walk the dog, play games, garden, whatever feels good that day — as long as it’s outside.
2. Learn about a local bird or plant in your region and make note of when and where you see it, what it looks like, and how it interacts with the rest of the natural world.
3. Create a nature scavenger hunt for your children. Add a few easy things, like rocks and flowers, and more difficult items, like a certain animal or a constellation. Try to complete it by the end of summer.
4. Teach your children how to mow the lawn. They get the two-for-one bonus of more time outside and the feeling of pride that comes from mastering a skill and having a new “grown-up” responsibility.
5. Relish the simple act that is watering and caring for flowers or herbs. Appreciate how wonderful it is to care for a living thing and watch it grow.
6. Indulge your inner child with bubbles, hopscotch, and outdoor games like flashlight tag.
7. Plan a weekend camping trip. (It’s OK if you choose to stay in a cabin or a resort versus a tent.)
8. Watch the sunset from your backyard, the beach, or even your favorite restaurant patio.
9. Each lunch outside with your coworkers and talk about your favorite nature moments and memories.
10. Go stargazing. Bring a blanket and snacks to your local park or hang out in the yard and see how many constellations you can find.
11. If you live near a State or National Park, get a season pass and start exploring!
12. If you’re a city resident, seek out pockets of nature near you: dinner on a rooftop, a walk around the neighborhood, a local park or playground, an outdoor sculpture garden or art piece.

Our Vitamin N Challenge Giveaway

The Vitamin N Giveaway sponsored by Nature’s Way is over! If you entered our giveaway, thank you! You can see the full terms and conditions as we wait to announce our winner.