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Every June we celebrate National Great Outdoors Month. It is 30 days dedicated to appreciating, exploring, and caring for the natural world around us. Originally designated on June 5th, 2019 by the U.S. Senate, the month-long observance highlights the countless physical and mental benefits that nature offers.
One of the core themes of National Great Outdoors Month is service to nature. It’s a call to action for kids and adults to preserve and protect the outdoor spaces we cherish. Kid’s will learn that their efforts to care for the environment really make a difference. Families can pick up trash, participate in trail maintenance, remove invasive plants, or help out at a community garden. Volunteering builds up the community and instills a respect and love of nature in children.
Get outside together to encourage movement and family fun. Pick a popular family friendly activity to try: bird/bug watching, camping, biking, fishing, or hiking. You can also explore local farms, parks, and nature centers in your area. There is natural beauty waiting around every corner.
Thanks to the Every Kid Outdoors Program, families with a 4th grader have free access to national parks, forests, and monuments for an entire school year (August to August). Visit everykidoutdoors.gov to get your 4th grade pass.
Outdoor play is essential for kids’ physical development and also a fun way to involve the whole family in Great Outdoors Month. This month encourage outdoor fun with: lawn games, climbing sets, play tunnels, obstacle courses, or hula hoops.
Embrace free play and exploration. Some of the most meaningful outdoor experiences of childhood are digging in the dirt, making forts, climbing trees, hunting 4 leaf clovers, or watching the clouds float by overhead. Making plenty of time for unstructured outdoor play is a beautiful way to pay homage to nature.
Get crafty with nature inspired art. Collect items on nature walks like sticks, twigs, leaves, pinecones, and stones. Use found items to make leaf rubbings or pressed flowers. Paint rocks and make nature collages. Creating with mementos will highlight kids’ connection with nature.
The 1st day of summer, known as the summer solstice, falls on June 20, 2025. It’s the longest day of the year and an extra special day to have a sunset picnic, star gaze, or take family hike. It’s a chance to grow closer as a family and build healthy habits. This June, every moment outside counts whether it is in the wilderness or in your very own back yard!
