Sunlight regulates human physiology and behavior. In fact, approximately 100 bodily functions have daily rhythms that require exposure to the sun's day and night schedule for optimal function.

If you're feeling a little antsy and you want to try someplace new here are a few suggestions on how to find the hidden gems in your area.

Research has confirmed time and time again that what children are naturally and unabashedly drawn to, unrestricted outside play, contributes extensively to every area of childhood development.

Their lanterns were easy and fun to make, using many items you may already have on hand. They love this open-ended and customized craft because they were able to choose their own colors and designs.

Quite incredibly, wool can absorb 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet at all; and what happens next is astounding. In cold weather, during this process of trapping the moisture, wool actually generates heat.

Whereas parents mere decades ago were content with hours upon hours of neighborhood play, parenting today comes with compelling pressure to enroll in extracurriculars and there is almost no neighborhood play at all.

We can build nature time into our lives just like how we build in other good habits. In this way we change the tone of the activity and time in nature becomes an exciting, dependable, and meaningful part of the landscape of childhood.

Since time outside provides multi-faceted physical, social, mental, and emotional benefits, we are intentional about scheduling nature time into our week. Research shows time and again that kids need quality nature time and they need lots of it!

For the most part we don't take toys with us when we go outside. One major exception is the beach! Kids love to use the endless supplies of sand and water to make exceptional creations.

In the sea of activities available to children and families the simple act of stepping outside to play can easily get lost. Who has time for playing in the yard when there are dances to be rehearsed, homework to be finished, music notes to be played, and soccer drills to run?

While we are totally supportive of whatever your outside goals are we do want to encourage you that a goal of 1,000 hours is an attainable goal for many. 1000 Hours Outside within a calendar year will absolutely change the entire landscape of childhood.

The best time to go outside is whenever can you do it!!

Here are five tips for increasing nature time when you'd really rather be snuggled up in front of a fireplace.

If children can consume media through screens 1200 hours a year on average than the time is there and at least some of it can and should be shifted towards a more productive and healthy outcome. ​

​After work. After school. After dinner. It is a short period. But it's a short period you get most days of the week. Instead of "binge-watching" how about trying "binge-hiking"? Or "binge-wrestling-in-the-grass"? This is such a superior choice to cartoons.

What's a family to do during the dreary days of winter?  Staying inside for four to five months is not a viable option.  Children have to get outside and so do families.

When we go outside, we often stay outside for many hours. This is in stark contrast to how I used to plan our activities and to a degree I think it is also different from how many other American families plan their days.

The best day of my life was the first good day I had as a mom. My life was forever changed on that day and I am here to pass it on. Mull it over. Think about that 4 – 6 hour time chunk. Could you do it? What would it take? Where would you go? Who would you go with? Are you willing to try it just once?

​Parents, there are so many things that vie for your time. By the time school is over and homework is finished there aren't many minutes left. My passion is to bring the gentle reminder that nature play is always worth the investment of your family time. It's value extends into all facets of childhood development and beyond. Maybe, just maybe, weekend forest time or family walks after dinner should be among the first things we write in on our calendars. My hope is that this list will empower you to slow down, embrace blank spaces in your weekly routine, and experience the beauty of our world with your family.