The benefits of getting outdoors … and a local spot to enjoy them
By Jenny Wulf, Early Childhood Education Specialist, Highlands Center for Natural History
My children absolutely love being outside. They are happy and most content when they can simply wander, wonder, and play outdoors. These statements are not true only about my own kids; but I have heard the same expressions from endless numbers of parents and caregivers. When you take your children into nature, or even to a playground, you can take a deep breath and know that they will engage in a healthy activity with laughter and enjoyment.
While many of us love to explore deep into nature off the beaten path, that kind of venture can seem like a daunting task when you involve children. Parents often choose to bring their children to play on playgrounds because playgrounds have bathrooms, picnic tables, and ease of accessibility. The Highlands Center for Natural History offers the best of both worlds. There are 80 acres of beautiful, forested trails as well as stroller-friendly and fully ADA-accessible paths, indoor bathrooms with diaper tables, picnic benches, a gift shop, and a playground.
This blend of nature and accessibility makes the Highlands Center a wonderful place for children and families to come to explore and play together. The miles of trails, the parking, and the playground at the Highlands Center are open 365 days a year and are always free. Located just five minutes from Costco, it’s also right in the middle of the tri-city area. Beyond the trails, the Highlands Center offers a wide variety of programming for children of all ages. There are family gatherings, summer camps, field trips, seasonal events and so much more. If you haven’t visited the Highlands Center with your family, now is the perfect time of year to check it out.
As the winter season approaches, we naturally spend more time indoors, and that often means more screen time for our children. Studies have shown that spending less time outside is directly connected to a rise in attention problems, obesity issues, diminished eyesight, and increased behavioral and mental health concerns in children. The good news is that there’s a growing awareness of the importance of children spending more time in nature. Immersive experiences in nature have been linked to improved executive functioning skills, higher student engagement, reduced ADHD symptoms, increased
problem-solving abilities, and overall improvement in physical and mental health.
While getting your children out in nature might not be at the top of your overwhelming to-do list, visiting the Highlands Center for a quick walk around the Discovery Gardens is an easy way to get outside with your family. If you find yourself with the time to hike, check out our trail system which offers beautifully maintained trails with breathtaking views, creek-side hikes, and perfect picnic spots. Your children will surely thank you for the memories that you can’t buy in the store. I can’t wait to see you all at The Highlands Center as helping children get outdoors is my life’s work and passion. I would argue that there’s no better sound in the world than the laughter of children being carried through the Ponderosas. I hope to meet you someday, playing in the pines.
Jenny has been teaching outdoors in the early childhood realm for over 20 years. She is The Highlands Center Early Childhood Education Specialist and shares a passion for getting all children outside, regardless of weather, age, or ability.
Learn more about the Highlands Center for Natural History at https://highlandscenter.org.