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Connecting Kids to Nature

There are many reasons to get your kids outdoors. It's good for their bodies, it stimulates their minds and the more they are exposed to nature the more they appreciate this wonderful resource and want to preserve it. It generally is known that getting active outdoors helps kids maintain healthy bodies and healthy weights. But did you know that playing outside also helps kids learn and be more creative? Here are some ways to get kids engaged with nature.

Boy holding a leaf
Benefits of Getting Kids Outdoors

Studies show that nature is good for kids. Among other benefits, it can relieve stress and build problem-solving skills. See five reasons to get your kids outdoors. More »

More information and ideas:

Get to Know Nature
Here are nine easy ways to foster a child's curiosity about and love of nature. More »
Track Your Child's Development
See how a child's understanding of the natural world develops as he grows. More »
Learn to Recycle
There are many ways to recycle, including making something new out of something old. More »
Caring for the Earth
Mister Rogers Neighborhood explores ways children can join with adults to care for the Earth. More »

Expert Q&A with Richard Louv

Richard Louv

Richard Louv, chairman of the Children & Nature Network and the author of seven books about family, nature and community, including Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder answered your questions.



Read a Book about Nature

Reading about nature is a great way to stimulate a child's interest in the natural world, no matter what the age. Even babies enjoy being read to! Try reading a book and then doing a related activity to reinforce what kids learn from the book. Or, if the book is about a plant or animal that exists in your community, go for a nature walk and point out the real thing.

Kid in a Tree

Find a book that is just right for the age of your child by clicking an age group below:

Photos: © Corbis
EARTH DAY on PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO!
Share the Earth
with these fun activities!
Postcards
from Buster
Buster
Nature Treasure Hunt
Mister Rogers
Neighborhood
Mister Rogers Neighborhood
Nature Mobile
It's a
Big Big World
It's a Big Big World
Be a Nature Custodian

DragonTales
DragonTales
Nature Walk

Maya & Miguel
Maya & Miguel
Recycled
Treasure

Kratts’ Creatures
Kratts’ Creatures
Creature
Adventure

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