Judy Molland

This is a tip from my book, Get Out! 150 Easy Ways for Kids and Grown-Ups to Get into Nature and Build a Greener Future (Free Spirit, 2009). I'm adding it into my blog here because so many people have commented on how much they liked the idea!

The latest survey on children getting outside in Britain came up with some interesting beliefs:

* Cows hibernate in winter

* Conkers come from oak (or maybe beech, or is it fir?) trees

* No leaf can soothe a nettle sting.

Last week I wrote about a new trend amongst pediatricians, to prescribe play and family activities for children who are overweight and just don't move around enough. That's right - not just advice on leading a healthy lifestyle, but actually an Rx, written in that illegible doctor handwriting.

Here's an interesting study just published by the Royal Horticultural Society in Britain, about the positive effects of making gardening a part of every child's school curriculum.

It's a fascinating, but long, report - so here's the link:

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/schoolgardening/uploads/documents/impact_of_schoo...

Doctors in Portland, Oregon are prescribing fun and family-friendly activity for some children who are overweight or who move around too little.

That's right - just 5 minutes of outdoor exercise can boost your mood and your self-esteem, according to researchers at the University of Essex, U.K. They found that as little as five minutes of a "green activity" such as walking, gardening, cycling, or farming can make you feel better.

One of the less pleasant events on my South West Coast Path trip was coming across this sign at Kimmeridge, a tiny Dorset village. The main attraction is the Marine Heritage Center, where I was rescued from extreme dehydration by a kind employee who offered to fill my water bottle!

Just back from a spectacular backpacking trip along part of the South West Coastal Path, in England. The whole trail is 630 miles, and I only did about 90 of those miles, but I feel energized, renewed, and happy!

I'm leaving today for the U.K., my homeland. After attending my niece's wedding near Ipswich, I'll be GETTING OUT and hiking along the South West Coastal Path for a week. More when I return! Happy travels to everyone, hope you're all having a great summer!

I want to take today to thank everybody who's posted their ideas on GETTING KIDS OUT on these pages. Some great ideas - do go back and check them out!

I especially like the blanket under the stars, and don't worry if you don't know the names of all those constellations.

For good measure, here are two more from readers, audience members, and friends: