Spending time in nature benefits young people in pretty much… all the ways. Going outdoors improves mental health, physical health, focus, and mood, while also decreasing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and ADHD (see sources below). As children grow into their teen years, the need for nature doesn’t go down – but the desire often does, especially as teens experience increasingly busier schedules. It’s relatively easy to get the family outside when children are little (for example, my 19-month-old is happy with a bucket of rocks), but this no doubt gets harder the older kids get!
Fortunately, hope is not all lost. I’ve got some simple, cheap, and very much NOT lame (a word teens probably don’t use anymore) ideas to try to get your whole family – including reluctant adolescents – in nature more. The benefits are worth it.
Idea #1: Encourage them to invite friends
This may not always be possible, but it’s honestly the most effective strategy! Teenagers typically enjoy being around their close friends no matter what they’re doing together, so you’re much more likely to get buy-in on a family trip to the lake if you let a buddy tag along.
Idea #2: Take homework to the backyard
Teens can sit in a patio chair with their laptops, curl up in a hammock with a book, or stretch out on a lawn chair to write a paper. Bonus points if you join them with work of your own!
Idea #3: Backyard campfire
In Texas, regular burn bans will obviously limit how often you can do this, but hopefully you can take advantage of this idea during cooler weather. Grab supplies for s’mores and if you’re feeling really brave – let them start the fire themselves.
Idea #4: Volunteer / Help Others
If you’re local, Austin Animal Center lets you walk dogs at your convenience without having to become an official volunteer! (Minors do have to be accompanied by an adult, however.) Other ways teens and families can make a difference outdoors:
- Pick up litter at parks
- Become a summer camp counselor
- Offer to mow the lawn of an elderly or disabled neighbor
Idea #5: Bring food
Big kids are not too cool for picnics! Pack their favorite snacks or pick up some take-out on your way to an interesting spot.
Idea #6: Give them some say
Come up with a list of outdoor activities and let them choose…. or ask them to compile a list themselves. It’s super important to keep an open mind here. If they really want to try mountain biking and you hate it, that’s fine, but we can’t force them out of their comfort zone if we’re not willing to do the same. Be willing to compromise!
Idea #7: Splurge a little if/when you can
Most of my ideas are cheap if not free, but spending more for new and exciting activities that pique your kiddo’s interests might be worth it. Some suggestions:
- Lakes or rivers: stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, jet-skiing
- Horseback riding
- Ropes course
- Laser tag (equipment can be rented in some places and used outdoors!)
- Ziplining
- Oceans: Parasailing, fishing tours or dolphin-watching
Idea #8: Make it competitive
Some teens love a light-hearted competition, especially with their friends! Offer cheap prizes (small gift card, Sonic drink, extra privilege) for whoever:
- Skips a rock the furthest
- Finds the most sand dollars
- Picks up the most pieces of trash
Idea #9: Create a family challenge
Set a goal to hike as many trails in your area as possible by a certain date. Or make a plan to visit as many state parks as you can by the time your oldest graduates high school! There are lots of ways to be creative here.
Idea #10: Find “weird” places (hidden wonders) to visit
Whether you want to see the skeleton of a two-headed chicken or use a pecan pie vending machine, the website Atlas Obscura can help you find unusual outdoor sites all over the country.
But perhaps the most important thing you can do to lure your big kids outside is to lead by example! Whether or not your teen joins you, demonstrate that getting outdoors is part of your own routine, and hopefully, they’ll soon follow suit.
Sources:
Nature reduces rumination (Bratman, 2015)
Exposure to nature improves mood (Norwood, 2019)
Nature helps ADHD children cope (Carmine, 2020 – pdf)
Positive relationship between nature and mental health in kids and teens (Tillman, 2018)
Children and teens show improved attention after time in nature (Johnson, 2019)
Amanda Robinson, LPC-S, RPT-S 