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Forest Bathing

Activity

Slow Down and Listen to Nature

As you roam, engage in a practice called Forest Bathing. Take the time to really absorb the natural landscape around you. Close your eyes and listen to the natural sounds, stop and take in the little things along your way, and clear your mind. How does being in nature make you feel? What is the relationship between you and the natural world?

Science Seed

In ecology, we often think about how organisms interact with each other, but we sometimes forget to consider how we as humans interact with nature. Forest bathing, known as “Shinrin-yoku” in Japanese, began as a specific practice in Japan in the 1980s. The concept emerged as a response to the fast-paced urban lifestyle and its associated stressors. Dr. Qing Li, a Japanese researcher, made the term popular. His studies show the therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature.

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

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join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.