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San Diego Go Outside and Play!

The Importance of Outdoor Play for Kids and Grown-Ups

By Courtney Daly-Pavone July 18, 2018

It's been over a decade since Naturalist and author Richard Louv introduced the world to a new term, Nature Deficit Disorder.  NDD is not a clinical diagnosis, but it gave a name and meaning to an alarming trend, kids hooked on screens and in short supply of fresh air and free play.   Richard Louv is the author of several books that ignited a nature movement.  More than ten years after introducing the world to Nature Deficit Disorder are we any better off? A growing number of children are addicted to their tablets.  Ask any parent about their children's addiction to screens and you'll get an earful.  At a recent San Diego Natural History Museum discussion, Mr. Louv explained that more parents, educators, and physicians are aware of Nature Deficit Disorder.  He advised the audience that tech isn't going away, but that we can control the amount of technology in our lives. 


Schedule Time Outdoors

Louv suggested that, "Over-scheduled families make outdoor time a priority. As parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles, we can spend more time with children in nature. " He  recommended actively planning outings such as hikes, bike  rides, and picnics in the fresh air, and using computers in small  increments.  For example, going online for an hour before spending time outdoors.  Louv also recommended parents join groups like San Diego Children and Nature which has several outings throughout the year.  "By  going with another family, kids won't want their tablets, they'll play  just like kids used to play unstructured and free,"  said Louv.

Find Balance Between Tech and Nature

Richard Louv admitted being addicted to his screens, but he says balance is key.  "The more high-tech our lives become, the more nature we need. In education, for every dollar we spend on the virtual, we should spend at least another dollar on the real – especially on creating more learning environments in natural settings. If we do that, the kids will be fine. "

Richard Louv is co-founder and chairman emeritus of the Children and Nature Network and author of THE NATURE PRINCIPLE: Reconnecting With Life in a Virtual Age and LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. His most recent book is, VITAMIN N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life. He is currently working on his tenth book, about the evolving relationship between humans and other animals. 

Go Outside Try Some of These Fun Outdoor Activities!

Go Snorkeling with Leopard Sharks $25-$30 Birch Aquarium 

Visit: https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/experiences/programs/shark-snorkeling

Go Hiking FREE The San Diego Natural History Museum Offers Guided Hikes for Children 

Visit: https://www.sdnhm.org/education/school-programs/guided-nature-hikes/ 

San Diego Natural History Museum also offers Hiking Excursions for Adults

Visit: https://www.sdnhm.org/calendar/public-programs/canyoneer-hikes/

Join San Diego Children and Nature They Have Meet-Ups and Playgroups for Children

Visit: https://www.childrenandnature.org/about/    

Join Central San Diego Macaroni Kid It's Free Click the Link Below:

https://centralsandiego.macaronikid.com/subscribe;emailAddress=undefined