Outdoor activities such as hiking and camping are providing significant opportunities for physical fitness, mental health improvements, and family bonding. Experts suggest that engaging with nature helps reduce stress, enhances cognitive capacity, and offers an inexpensive way for families to disconnect from digital devices.
Mental and Developmental Benefits of Hiking
According to Maren Voss, a Professional Practice Extension Professor of Health and Wellness at Utah State University, family hikes serve as a vital way for parents and children to connect. As school, sports, and various activities increasingly limit shared time, hiking provides an adventure that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Voss noted that exploring the outdoors can boost both physical and mental health while acting as a natural stress reliever. For young children, being on the trail allows them to roam freely, test their limits, and navigate challenges like crossing streams or trekking up hills. For teenagers, these excursions offer opportunities to develop essential life skills, including resilience, grit, planning, and organizing abilities.
Psychological Gains from Nature
The psychological advantages of outdoor engagement extend beyond simple relaxation. Christina Pay, an Extension Assistant Professor at Utah State University, highlighted research suggesting that physical activity in nature enhances mood, $“focus,” and attention. Furthermore, such activities have been shown to increase cognitive capacity and improve self-esteem.
Pay also noted that physical demands associated with camping—such as setting up tents, backpacking, fishing, and exploring—contribute significantly to overall health and well-being. Research has even linked outdoor physical activity to a decrease in depressive thoughts.
Camping Trends and Sleep Health
Camping provides specific physiological benefits, particularly regarding sleep hygiene. Citing the National Park Service, Pay reported that sleeping under the stars can help promote the body's natural circadian rhythm, which serves as a foundation for high-quality sleep.
This connection to nature is part of a broader trend in North America. According to the 2020 North American Camping Report, there are more than 94.5 million camper households across the continent. In the United States specifically, 48.2 million households reported camping at least once during 2020, which included 10.1 million households participating in camping for the first time.
Tips for New Outdoor Enthusiasts
For those new to the outdoors, experts suggest starting with manageable goals. Pay recommended that beginners ease into the experience by planning trips close to home, such as pitching a tent in a backyard or selecting a nearby campsite. This approach requires less planning and offers greater scheduling flexibility.
As individuals become more comfortable with local trails and campgrounds, they can expand their horizons to explore state and national parks. Similarly, Voss noted that hiking does not require expensive equipment; for many, comfortable clothing, tennis shoes, water, snacks, and a basic first aid kit are sufficient to begin.
Essential Safety Protocols
Safety remains a critical component of successful family excursions. Intermountain Healthcare suggests several safety protocols for families, including knowing the trail beforehand and catering the difficulty level to the youngest or weakest member of the group.
Other essential safety measures include using the buddy system by pairing children with adults, wearing sunscreen, and monitoring hydration levels, particularly in infants who can lose fluids quickly. Parents should also warn children about the hazards of both flowing and still water. To avoid disturbing wildlife, experts suggest it is acceptable to be noisy, as noise can scatter unwanted critters. Additionally, a helpful strategy for lost children is to 'hug a tree'—instructing them to stay put in a recognizable location if they become separated from the group.
Long-term Value of Nature
Whether through local hikes at locations like Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge, Mount Timp, or Cecret Lake, or through overnight camping trips, the benefits of outdoor engagement are extensive. Both Voss and Pay emphasized that time spent in nature is an investment in both physical health and lasting family memories.
