Families Connect to Nature

Connect Kids to Nature on Open Space and Mountain Parks

Turn off the TV and turn kids on to nature! Since 1898, City of Boulder residents have intentionally preserved the amazing lands that characterize Boulder. There are now over 45,000 acres for children and families to enjoy. In fact, Boulder was named the “best place to raise an outdoor kid” by Backpacker Magazine in 2009. There are many ways to connect with and explore nature. Below is information on the benefits of nature as well as many ideas to get a daily dose of nature on OSMP.

Health, Kids & Nature

Spending time in nature has been proven to:

• Increase creativity, self-confidence, academic achievement, and overall cognitive functioning.
• Reduce obesity, stress, depression, and symptoms of ADHD.
• Create compassion and improve social bonds
• Foster a life-long passion and appreciation for plants, animals, rocks, stars and other elements of our natural world.

No Child Left Inside!
Did you know?

Nature-Deficit Disorder is a disconnection from nature experienced by communities, families, and individuals across the globe.

Children have experienced a 50 percent decrease in outdoor time over the last 25 years.

Kids spend an average of 7.5 hours per day connected to some type of electronic media such as television, computers, ipods, cell phones, and videogames.

Check Out a Nature Discovery Pack

Learn how to sign-out a Nature Discovery Pack at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage and head out for a hike.

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OSMP Connects Families to Nature:

Boulder can be a model for other cities. Explore ways you and your family can take advantage of Boulder's outdoor resources to connect to nature.

• Schedule a free school field trip or group outing
• Ask Coyote Bob your nature questions
• Visit our Kids’ Page for puzzles and games
• Join us for free 'Natural Selections' nature hikes and programs for kids and families
• Sign-out a Nature Discovery Pack at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage and head out for a hike
• Explore the Sensory Nature Trail up at Flagstaff Summit
• When you're in high school, you can apply for a paid job outside on OSMP as a Junior Ranger
• Go fish! Visit Colorado Parks & Wildlife's website '101 places to take kids fishing' for local options.
• During the summer months, visit the Flagstaff Summit Nature Center
• Check out Boulder's Top 10 Parks for Nature Play!
• Satisfy one of the Colorado Kids’ Outdoor Bill of Rights on OSMP!