Research indicates that children are happier, healthier and smarter when they have nature-based outdoor play time as part of their everyday lives.

-According to recent studies the estimated percentage of time today's children spend indoors is 90% with 23% of children spending NO time outdoors.

-The average daily hours children aged 8-18 spend watching TV playing video games and using the computer is 6.5 hours.

-Childhood obesity and related health issues have doctors estimating that today's generation of children will have a lower life expectancy than their parents.

-Studies have shown that children who spend time outdoors have lower stress levels, are more physically fit, have better social and emotional development, a greater level of creativity and imagination, fewer attention lapses and their overall learning ability significantly improves.

Are you looking for something to do outdoors? Here are 10 simple activities children and parents can do outdoors in your own neighborhoods:

1. Start a nature journal-draw & write about the outdoors

2. Start a collection of insects, leaves, flowers or rocks

3. Practice looking for shapes in nature with young children

4. Take a walk at a local nature preserve or park

5. Start a garden in your yard or in a planeter

6. Play in the puddles after rain

7. Take pictures of "things" in nature and make an album

8. Build a Snowman or snow fort

9. Watch birds

10. Find your own special spot outdoors

For more ideas and informationi on connecting children with nature visit the Outdoor Discovery Center or Children & NAture NEtwork at www.outdoordiscoverycenter.org (or) www.childrenandnature.org