By Maury Peterson

Today’s kids spend a lot less time outside in unstructured play than you probably did growing up.

On average, they spend only four to seven minutes outside a day. And that’s not nearly enough time for them to experience the incredible health and wellness benefits that are just beyond their front door.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children and teens who spend time playing outside experience significant health benefits.

Children are physically healthier when they engage with nature. More outdoor time is linked with better sleep, improved motor development, lower obesity rates and lower risk for nearsightedness caused by a lack of exposure to outdoor light.

And, it turns out, our bodies need the sun to make vitamin D, a vitamin that plays a crucial role in many body processes, from bone development to our immune system. Sun exposure also plays a role in boosting our immune system.

Children are mentally healthier when they experience the outdoors. Stress and depression are lower for children (and adults) who spend time in nature. Children also show increased focus and reduced symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Kids who spend time outside are less likely to act out. Research shows that when children spend time in natural settings, they have less anger and aggression, and their impulse control improves.

And, children and teens who embrace the outdoors are more engaged in learning. Playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Studies have found that children who spend more time in nature exploration have improved learning outcomes.

The Pikes Peak region has plenty of opportunities to connect to nature, especially this fall.

Launched by Great Outdoors Colorado in 2015, Generation Wild connects youth and their families to outdoor experiences. The movement mobilizes participants with free outdoor programs and activities, like backyard hacks and 100 Things to Do with your kids outdoors.

A local Generation Wild partner and longtime outdoor steward, Catamount Institute, connects kids to the outdoors through environmental education and adventure.

Founded in 1997, Catamount Institute serves children ages 2-18 with summer camps, outdoor school programming, field trips, pre-school and after-school programs, and home school network enrichment.

Fall brings an iconic opportunity to visit the pumpkin patch to learn about seeds, growing vegetables and the fun of getting your hands dirty whether you are planting, picking or carving.

Whether it’s the Miners Pumpkin Patch in Northgate, Colorado Pumpkin Patch in Monument or historic Venetucci Farms in Fountain, the Pikes Peak Region is dotted with opportunities to celebrate the season on the land. Explore the pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoo and more. Not only can kiddos learn about planting, watering and growing vegetables, like pumpkins, they can press and make apple cider.

If a child grows up never walking in the woods, digging in soil, seeing animals in their habitat, climbing a mountain, smelling the aspens or playing in a stream, they may never really understand the wonders that surround them.

This fall, step outside with your kids to experience all the benefits and beauty of the great outdoors.

—

Maury Peterson is the executive director of the Catamount Institute.