Spending time outdoors can be compared to making regular deposits into a savings account; small, consistent investments can lead to significant benefits for our well-being over time.
As we explore the parks and hiking trails in and around Salt Lake County, we’re doing more than just engaging our physical bodies; we’re actively investing in our present and future health.
Research shows that consistent exposure to nature can enhance our ability to deal with stress and provide us with the opportunity to process our emotions in a tranquil setting.
Taking a break from screens and enjoying the natural environment allows us to breathe fresh air and appreciate the beauty around us.
While the personal benefits of outdoor experiences are well-documented, these activities also positively influence family dynamics and children’s attitudes toward environmental stewardship.
A Finnish study revealed that preschool programs with extensive outdoor instruction resulted in children developing a stronger sense of responsibility for caring for the environment.
This highlights the significance of providing young people with ample opportunities to connect with nature.
However, it can often be a challenge to motivate ourselves and our children to step outside in our entertainment-driven world.
For families that require accessibility options, finding suitable outdoor locations may feel daunting, but Utah offers numerous accessible natural spaces.
To foster a love for nature in kids, parents are encouraged to actively participate in outdoor adventures.
Children learn by observing the adults in their lives, and by showing curiosity and enthusiasm for nature, parents can cultivate similar habits in their children.
The USDA Forest Service conducted the National Kids Survey, which examined children’s engagement with the outdoors and found a strong link between outdoor activities of parents and their children.
When parents make a habit of spending time outside, it significantly increases the likelihood that their children will follow suit.
Transforming outdoor activities into imaginative adventures can also heighten children’s interest in nature.
Encouraging kids to pretend they are animals in their environment can drastically change their perspective.
Using tools like binoculars enhances their vision and promotes inquiry, allowing them to engage with their surroundings creatively.
Getting low to the ground or climbing trees to see landscapes from different angles fosters curiosity and excitement, making the experience fun and adaptable.
Beyond simply heading out into the wild, communities in Utah provide a plethora of opportunities for families to explore nature together.
Families can benefit from visiting local zoos, aquariums, and museums that focus on natural history, igniting curiosity about the outdoors before embarking on nature trips.
Those interested can further enrich their experiences by delving into the geography and history of their locality.
Guidebooks like “Wild Wasatch” are excellent resources, offering information on various natural attractions and educational insights about the environment.
One highlighted attraction in “Wild Wasatch” is the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve, a 4,400-acre wetland located near North Salt Lake City and Layton.
Accessible to families with strollers or wheelchairs, the preserve features a wide boardwalk with ramps, providing an ideal setting for exploring the area.
The boardwalk is designed as a flat loop, allowing visitors to experience diverse habitats while observing various wildlife, including birds, frogs, and snakes.
Along the boardwalk, informational plates offer fun facts, adding an educational twist to the visit.
For those looking to admire the surroundings from a different vantage point, several towering viewpoints provide excellent sightlines across the preserve.
From majestic blue herons to small Western chorus frogs, families will be delighted by the array of wildlife and different perspectives available.
The Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve is just one of many outdoor excursions offered in “Wild Wasatch,” which encourages families to connect with the natural world.
The book is available for purchase at the Museum Store, where museum members can enjoy a discount by presenting their Member ID.
Investing time in outdoor activities can yield dividends for both physical and mental health, reaping benefits for families as they foster healthy habits in their children.
Regularly engaging with nature not only helps in emotion regulation and stress management but also nurtures a shared sense of responsibility for the planet.
Ultimately, encouraging families to enjoy the outdoors is a simple yet profound way to blend fun, health, and environmental consciousness.
image source from：https://attheu.utah.edu/facultystaff/how-to-help-kids-love-nature/
