Leah Payne

These days, we have some great scientific studies that show what we already know intuitively: being outside has big benefits, for all involved.

Some benefits for kids in particular:

• possible better mental health in adulthood
• greater physical fitness
• appropriate and safe risk taking
• a greater appreciation for the environment in adulthood

That’s right—research is showing that kids who spend lots of time in nature may work harder to protect the environment as adults. It makes sense, really, because you’re more likely to protect something that you care deeply about. Still, always nice to see it in writing!

Here’s an article I wrote for alive magazine, all about the topic: https://www.alive.com/lifestyle/into-the-woods/.