Why playing in nature is
so good for your children

Do you feel that it can be difficult to unglue your kids from the screen, and that they spend too much time inside...? You are not alone.

During the pandemic, both children and teenagers increased their total screen time. When they analysed 89 different studies focusing on increases in screen time in connection with the pandemic, researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) found that they were associated with inferior diet, poor eye health, deteriorating mental health (including anxiety and loneliness) and behavioural problems.

Change the scenery

At the same time, 57 percent of children in Europe have never paddled a canoe across a shimmering lake or glittering fjord.

This was revealed in a survey conducted by Respons Analyse in which parents in four European countries, Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden, were asked about their habits around letting their children play freely in nature and spending time outdoors.

In Denmark, 68 percent of children have never experienced going for a mountain hike, due to lack of mountains. And 66 percent of children in Germany have never gone rock pooling – a traditional summertime seaside activity for Norwegian kids.

The parents also strongly agreed that it's important that their kids spend more time in nature than what they do today.So why not change their scenery?

A natural playground

In Norway we say that playing with dirt makes for happy kids! It's not unusual to meet a four year old on the ski slopes or mountaintops. Outdoor learning, where kids learn things while they're outside, has become more and more popular in recent years. As creatures of nature, children do not belong indoors.

Don't settle for a crowded, ordinary playground. Choose a natural, imaginative one that kids love instead. Norway is a naturalplayground and a world-class destination for adventurous young travellers. They are free to climb (and slip and fall) on the trees and rocks, play and work together, overcome challenges, and have lots of fun.

Summer holidays in the mountains

When the spring arrives and the snow melts, Norwegians of all ages head outdoors. We even have a Norwegian term, friluftsliv, which can be literally translated as "outdoor life", to describe the phenomenon of spending time outdoors for better health, to cure stress, and to make a bad day brighter.

Summer in Norway is prime time for outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling, climbing, and fun river activities. You can also visit a seter, a summer pasture farm in the Norwegian mountains, where the kids can meet cute goats, while the parents enjoy traditional food and scenic surroundings.

For small kids with big curious eyes, Norway looks like a fairytale country with majestic mountains, deep fjords, and beautiful waterfalls. Take your family on a thrilling troll hunt while exploring rock formations, twisting roads, caves, and cliffs.

Bond with the family

Nature can also be an excellent place for getting to know each other, and growing closer than ever. Take the time to have good conversations over the fire pit, or on a long riding tour in the mountains. Both you and your kids will remember and appreciate it for a lifetime!

A family holiday in Norway is also perfect for adventure-loving kids and parents, with possibilities for kayaking, surfing, e-bike trips, dog sledding on wheels, and more.

Getting your heart rate pumping and sharing a thrilling challenge will bring the whole family closer. Try zip lining and feel the thrill of the air beneath your feet, master a via ferrata route, speed down mountain trails on a bike, or go rafting down a river. Are you up for the challenge?

Inspiration for kids and adults alike

Alexander Read and his young daughter Mina Floriana received the “Årets villmarkinger” award ('Wilderness People of the Year') in 2019, for inspiring Norwegian children and adults to explore the outdoors. Read their story, get useful friluftsliv tips, and learn the secret of how to make hiking with children a success!