Go outside and play!

North Chickamauga Greenway, Hixson

Studies show that experiencing nature is an important ingredient for a child's physical, academic, emotional, and spiritual growth. But statistics show that children are six times more likely to play a video game indoors than to ride a bike outside, and older children spend an average of 6.5 hours per day in front of some sort of electronic screen.

Here are some ideas for getting the whole family outside ...

• Hiking is a recreational activity that works for the entire family, and Chattanooga is full of great local trails. (Check Hiking Chattanooga for all types of hikes.) Hiking is great exercise, it's free, it can be done almost year-round, and it requires very little equipment. Even young children can participate as long as you start slowly and consider the terrain. Remember the sunscreen and water!
• Camping is a great way to spend quality time with your family outdoors, but it does require some extra preparation. Try to avoid long car rides, and find out ahead of time whether the campgrounds are kid-friendly. Help children take part in everything from pitching the tent to making dinner (with close supervision, of course!).
• Outdoors at home. Don't neglect the simple pleasures of being together in your own back yard. Chasing fireflies, family sunset-watching, looking for four-leaf clovers, and raking/jumping in leaves are all no-cost family activities that children will remember for a lifetime!
• Astronomy. The night-time sky can be magical. Do some research on the Internet or in the library to help define your local night sky, and then lie on your back on a clear night to watch the show God puts on every night. (This is fun for preschoolers, who often enjoy the extra "treat" of getting to stay up a bit later.)

Spending unstructured time outdoors - without the distractions of screens and chores that often take priority inside the home - is a wonderful way to connect with children through meaningful conversations. Since a language-rich family environment is an indicator of school achievement, these ideas for unstructured family time may help you discover ways to improve your family's physical and academic health at the same time!

(Sources: Creative Discovery Museum, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, and Harvard Education Letter.)