Welcome to the National Wildlife Federation’s Green Hour™! A movement to encourage everyone and especially kids to spend an hour per day learning and playing outdoors in nature. The idea of a “Green Hour” comes from research on creative play and health by the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Research also shows the best way to connect young people to a lifelong concern for nature, wildlife, and the outdoors is through regular positive experiences with nature.
We need a Green Hour now more than ever!
Parents with younger children are struggling with the new pandemic paradigm – work at home, school at home and play at home.
Kids are spending more time on screens and missing out on the emotional, physical and mental health benefits of being in the outdoors.
- Recent studies show outdoor time helps children grow lean and strong, enhances imaginations and attention spans, decreases aggression, and boosts classroom performance. In addition, children who spend time in nature regularly are shown to become better stewards of the environment.
Parents are stressed out
- In the past month, nearly half of parents report their stress level is high compared with 28% of adults without children(American Psychological Association, May 2020).
The Outdoors is the Antidote!
We are thrilled to team up with L.L.Bean to provide fun, easy, and enriching ways for kids and families to get outside safely on a regular basis. Learn more about L.L.Bean and our partnership.