Children and Nature

Spring is just around the corner, a time when most people enjoy getting outside. Here in central Texas, the mild weather, warm sunshine, brilliant wildflowers, flocks of migrating hawks and songbirds, and plenty of places to hike, fish, canoe, and camp just can’t be beat. It just feels good to be outside.

As it turns out, spending time in nature is also great for our minds and bodies.  When it comes to children, studies show being outdoors positively affects their physical, psychological, emotional, social, and mental well-being.  They experience reduced stress, better physical health, increased creativity, improved concentration, increased resilience, higher test scores, better problem-solving skills, better self-discipline, and increased happiness.

With so many benefits, it’s time to help our kids get outside!  There are no rules about how to do this; the important thing is to just have fun.  If you would like some guidance on getting started, here are a few tips:

• Seek variety. Look for places with a variety of habitats, such as woodlands, water, and fields. Each habitat will have its own different, interesting things to explore.
• Look for hands-on experiences. Kids of all ages love to interact up-close with nature.  Creeks and small streams are wonderful places for hands-on fun: turning over rocks to look for small critters, looking for frogs and fish, or talking about how plants can live underwater are perfect spring and summertime activities.
• Set realistic expectations. Young children may not be able to walk far or carry anything, while older kids may need more of a challenge to enjoy the trip. Keep the first few trips short in order to figure out your child’s abilities.
• Bring plenty of snacks and water.
• Be flexible. Let your children set the pace, and take your cues from them about what they find fun and interesting about the outdoors.  For instance, young children might delight in looking for different colors in nature, and older children can learn about the natural history of various plants and animals or can use a trail map to help everyone follow the right trail.
• Safety. Consider giving every child a whistle.  Teach your children to stay in one place and use their whistle if they become lost. Additionally, every child who is able can carry their own water and/or some lightweight food, such as granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit in a backpack.

These tips are only a starting place.  Below are some resources to help you expand your knowledge about nature and the outdoors as well as a few places near the greater Marble Falls area to begin exploring the natural world with your children.   

To learn more about the outdoors:

Texas Parks & Wildlife Outdoor Kids

Texas Parks & Wildlife Texas Outdoor Family Program

Children & Nature Network

National Wildlife Federation Ranger Rick

Some nearby places to explore:

Inks Lake State Park:

• A great place for all ages. Older kids can climb the granite outcroppings, and younger kids can look for deer or hunt for acorns. Rangers offer a variety of programs for kids and families.

Pedernales Falls State Park

• Easy trails and a kid-friendly bird-watching blind that is a short walk from the parking area. Young kids can easily see the birds up close, and older kids can try to identify the birds using the photos in the blind.

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

• Doeskin Ranch is perfect for all ages; younger kids will enjoy the short Creek Trail and older kids might enjoy the longer trails.