Skip to main content

Go Play Outside!

Find out what your child learns from exploring the great outdoors.
Updated: December 1, 2022

In this article, you will find:

Start When They're Young
Gather Groups of Older Kids

Gather Groups of Older Kids

Older Kids and Preteens Outside

Older kids and preteens like to be in groups. Any kind of group problem-solving or scientific testing will get the best results when kids this age work in teams.

At this age, kids usually like physical activity and need a lot of it. Recreational activities such as cross-country skiing, biking, and snow-shoeing can help lead them into the outdoors.

One popular activity is called Predator/Prey. Students role-play different organisms in a giant food chain tag game. They love the running and tag but also learn a lot about food chains.

Older kids and preteens can learn to:

  • Identify why living organisms make environmental adaptations.
  • Describe cyclic changes.
  • Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources.
  • Identify organisms using a key.
  • Use tools like thermometers and compasses.
  • Identify different ecosystems.

Teenagers Outside

Teenagers like a measure of independence. They can spend a lot more time outdoors than younger kids and participate and lead outdoor adventures like backpacking, canoeing, and rock climbing.

A great project for teenagers is to look at a local environmental problem and try to come up with a solution. In this activity, not only do teens learn about their own ability to solve a problem, but they also must understand the source and cause of the problem.

Teens can learn and grow from exploring the natural world. They can:

  • Identify and explain the differences among various types of soils.
  • Identify and explain the importance of the major aquatic biomes.
  • Describe the key features of the major kinds of terrestrial biomes.
  • Identify local environmental problems, determine their causes, and describe an appropriate solution.
  • Participate in and lead, depending on experience and interest, any number of outdoor adventures.

FamilyEducation Editorial Staff

About FamilyEducation's Editorial Team

FamilyEducation is a trusted leader in parenting and pregnancy… Read more

Join the Family

Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning.

Subscribe