That's because outdoor play activities often don't involve competition but instead efforts in which children work together to obtain a goal, according to research. Creating obstacle courses over and around trees and rocks, as well as nature-oriented activities such as scavenger hunts, require working together and sometimes even compromise to achieve the objective.
Being in nature alone serves to de-stress children and adults like, making learning how to cooperate easier for children.
In addition, the diverse and interesting play spaces that a hiking trail offers contrasts with the monotone and featureless asphalt playgrounds of many urban areas. The latter leads to boredom, a condition that often results in aggressive behavior such as bullying, researchers say.
Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.
