Family Resource Highlight - Get Outside!

Each month we will be highlighting helpful resources for families in the San Diego area based on various themes. This month's family resource highlight is centered around the importance of unstructured, free play in nature for a child's physical and mental well-being and development! Below are some great local resources for increasing accessibility to the natural world and encouraging families to get outside and explore!

"Family Adventures in Nature" Meetup: This is a group that organizes 2-3 monthly events around San Diego centered around outdoor exploration and play. To join, families just have to make an account through the Meetup app to see upcoming events. Link to group: 

https://www.meetup.com/familyadventuresinnature/events/?type=past

Outdoor resources @ San Diego Library: libraries are an AMAZING resource and the San Diego library offers various programs for making the outdoors more accessible to all. Some things they offer (with valid library card) include: 

• free rental of state parks pass for access to over 200 state parks 

• free rental of Daytripper Backpack including field guides, binoculars, magnifying glass, compass, and more. 

Hiking around San Diego: 40 Kid-Friendly Hikes In San Diego | Hidden San Diego

• Tips for unstructured exploration: go slow and follow your child's lead, explore and discover using all 5 senses (smell, touch, taste, vision, hearing)

Reading resources to learn more about the importance of unstructured outdoor play for kiddos (both available at the San Diego Public Library):

• "The Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Louv

• "Balanced and Barefoot" by Angela Hanscom

We hope you find these resources helpful. Happy exploring :)

-Abilities Pediatric Therapy Team