Reason to hike with kids No. 16: Improved memory

"Hmm, let me try to recall..."

Kids can’t remember if they have homework or not? Or maybe you forgot where the car keys are? Take a hike.

Literally.

New research shows that walking outside can improve your memory. The improvement could be by up to 20%, according to the Rotman Research Institute in Toronto.

The 2008 study found that an hour-long walk in a woodland setting positively affected memory and attention. A study done earlier this year found similar results for those who were diagnosed as clinically depressed.

“Walking in nature may act to supplement or enhance existing treatments for clinical depression,” said Dr. Marc Berman of his follow-up spring 2012 study.

Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.