Why Nature is Exactly What Kids Need This Summer
When you think back on your favorite childhood summer memories, what comes to mind?
Maybe it was the way the sun felt on your skin as you biked around the neighborhood, the thrill of climbing the tallest tree in the park, or the quiet magic of catching fireflies as the sky turned pink. These moments may seem small, but they gave us more than just fun—they helped shape our attention, creativity, and sense of calm.
And now, research is showing what many of us instinctively knew: nature isn’t just good for kids, it’s essential.
The Summer Brain Reset
After months of structure, screens, and academic pressure, summer gives children and teens the chance to reset. And there’s no better setting for that reset than the natural world.
Researchers Andrea Faber Taylor and Frances E. Kuo have spent years studying how green spaces impact kids’ ability to focus and regulate their emotions. In one study, children diagnosed with ADHD took 20-minute walks in three different environments: a city street, a quiet neighborhood, and a green park. The results? The kids showed the greatest improvement in focus after walking in the park, on par with the effects of medication.
That’s not a fluke. Their follow-up work, along with fellow researcher William C. Sullivan, found that simply having access to trees and grass can improve concentration, self-control, and stress resilience, especially in kids growing up in more urban or high-stress environments.
These aren’t just nice side benefits. Focus, calm, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks are core to healthy development, and nature is one of the simplest ways to support them.
From Overstimulated to Awestruck
Let’s face it: kids today are overstimulated and under-inspired. Between school demands and screen time, their brains are often in “go-go-go” mode. Nature flips that script.
It offers a different kind of stimulation, what scientists call “soft fascination.” Instead of bombarding the brain like a video game or social media feed, a walk through the woods gently captures our attention, through birdsong, the rustle of leaves, or the texture of tree bark. This gives the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and planning) a much-needed break.
When kids spend time outside, especially without a structured goal, they get to drop into a more present, connected, creative mindset. That’s where resilience, self-awareness, and emotional balance start to grow.
A Real-Life Story
One parent I work with shared this: Her 13-year-old daughter was constantly anxious, stuck in the loop of overthinking and school pressure. They started a simple after-dinner routine of walking around the block and naming three beautiful things they noticed or felt grateful for (the color of the sky, a flower peeking through a crack in the sidewalk, etc.). Within a couple weeks, her daughter was sleeping better, had fewer meltdowns, and even said she herself felt “calmer.”
That’s the kind of transformation that doesn’t come from another productivity app or rigid schedule, it comes from slowing down, tuning in, and being in nature.
Nature Activities That Spark Wonder and Growth
You don’t need to plan a camping trip or drive to a national park to reap the benefits. Here are a few ways to bring nature into your child or teen’s daily life this summer, and help them build appreciation, emotional strength, and a deeper sense of connection.
Night Sky Rituals: Lay on a blanket together and stargaze. Let awe do the heavy lifting, ask big questions or say nothing at all.
Sound Mapping: Sit in silence outdoors and draw or list every sound you hear. This boosts sensory awareness and focus.
Tree Time: Let them “adopt” a tree in your neighborhood. Visit it often, sketch it, notice how it changes with the light, the wind, or the seasons.
Build Something Wild: Challenge kids to build a fairy house, fort, or obstacle course using sticks, leaves, and found nature items. This fosters problem-solving, patience, and confidence.
Gratitude in the Grass: Lie down, stare at the clouds, and share one thing you’re grateful for. This shifts mindset from “not enough” to wonder and presence.
Let Them Get Bored: Some of the best nature play comes after “I’m bored.” Don’t rush to fill the silence, let curiosity lead.
Why It Matters
As we head into the heart of summer, it’s worth remembering: kids don’t need more activities. They need more aliveness. They need places where they can wonder, wander, and just be.
When we give children the gift of nature, time to explore, observe, and connect, we’re not just entertaining them. We’re helping their minds reset, their nervous systems settle, and their inner world expand.
And as parents and educators, that’s one of the greatest things we can offer: a path back to calm, confidence, and awe.
Let the wild in a little this summer. It might just be the most powerful thing you do for your child’s growth.
Want to go Deeper?
Join my 5-Day Nature Challenge—running Monday, June 23rd through Friday, June 27th—a simple, science-backed invitation to step outside, slow down, and reconnect with the natural world.
Each day, you’ll receive a short email with:
Gentle, research-supported insights on how nature boosts calm, clarity, and well-being
Easy outdoor activities you can enjoy on your own or with your child or teen
Reflection prompts to help you deepen your awareness and restore your sense of wonder
Whether you're craving more peace in your own life or looking for meaningful ways to connect with your kids this summer, this challenge is your invitation to return to what truly nourishes us.