Summer break is a great time for kids to unwind and regroup after the school year and prep for the next, but if you’re hearing a lot of “I’m bored” or battling over screen time, it may be time to hit the pause button and head outside for a little vitamin N—vitamin Nature, that is.
Did you know that the average American child spends less than 10 minutes a day outdoors and up to 44 hours per week on screens? The Vitamin N Challenge, in partnership with the Children & Nature Network, is the perfect way to motivate your family to spend more time outdoors. Start this summer and continue as the seasons change! These fun activities will have your kids begging to go outside instead of hanging in the house.
Design a nature bracelet
Wrap some thick tape around your wrist, sticky side out, and gather small leaves, flowers, or petals to make a DIY piece of natural jewelry. Create a bracelet with just items from your backyard or go for a walk and see what you can find. (Just make sure you’re picking responsibly!)
Film a nature documentary
Hand your phone to your kids and let them make a mini-documentary or short film about what they discover outside: bugs, flowers, birds, city animals, the sky is truly the limit here! If you’d rather not use a phone, pick up a disposable or Polaroid camera and let them play photographer instead.
Create nature-inspired art
Have some cardboard boxes in need of recycling? Turn them into an art project! Create a “turtle blossom” by drawing a picture of your choosing on cardboard, then poke holes and fill them with flowers to “color in” the drawing. Or, arm your kids with a handful of color pencils, head to a pretty nature destination nearby, and have them draw what they see. Or paint rocks! Use bright, colorful paint to turn rocks from your yard or garden into little masterpieces.
Another fun option is to make your own sidewalk paint and decorate the neighborhood with artwork. Mix equal parts cornstarch and water and pour it into cups or a muffin tin. Stir in drops of food coloring to create your desired shades, then get to painting!
Make lunch or dinner with farmers market goodies
Go to your local farmers market as a family and choose ingredients for that day’s lunch or dinner. Challenge yourselves to make a meal using only what you purchased, like a yummy salad, egg bake, or grilled veggie skewers. Then eat outside!
Plan a nature scavenger hunt
A pretty rock. A red bird. A newly planted tree. A pet on a walk. Create a list of items to find and set your kids off on a scavenger hunt in the backyard, at the park, or in your neighborhood. Not only are they getting active as they race to find each item, it also encourages them to be more present in the moment as they explore.