Get your children outside for Indiana’s Nature Play Days

Did you know? The average American child spends an average of 50 hours a week using electronic media and less than 30 minutes a day playing outside! Demanding schedules, electronics, and fear are just some of the factors that have transitioned childhood from outdoor adventures exploring and learning to sedentary indoor activities. Thankfully, there is hope! The Indiana Children and Nature Network is coordinating with organizations across the state to host Nature Play Days across Indiana during the week of June 11th-19th.

More than 100 Nature Play Days are scheduled throughout Indiana, giving kids and their families an easy opportunity to have fun outside. Activities at parks, camps, and other venues will provide diverse activities for fun and learning. Playing outside benefits children physically, intellectually and emotionally.

Nature Play Days start with a kick off event on Monument Circle in downton Indianapolis on June 10th from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Fishing games, bird watching, live snakes and more will jumpstart the week of statewide events. Other events include fishing days and hikes across Central Indiana, mountain biking in Terre Haute, insect hunts and bug bingo in Michigan City and South Bend, and a kayak race in Hobart. Campfires, hikes and other fun will be had from Clarksville and Evansville to Muncie and Albion.

Across Indiana, Nature Play Days will be a great chance to get outdoors and play with family and friends. Kids that spend time in the natural environment are happier, healthier and smarter.Find a full listing of Nature Play Days as well as an interactive map showcasing events near you on the Indiana Children and Nature website: www.IndianaChildrenAndNature.org.

Also, be sure to post your pictures using #ICANNaturePlayDay to be entered to win one of many prizes including a tent from REI, waking sticks, and State Park Passes.