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What do children need to stay well? A nutritious diet, regular exercise and sleep, to be sure. But there's another important factor: plenty of time in the great outdoors. "More research is showing that kids who spend a lot of time outside are happier, healthier and do better in school," says Cheryl Charles, PhD, president of the Children & Nature Network. One recent study, for example, revealed that a 20-minute walk in the park improved the concentration of children with ADHD. Pull kids away from the TV or computer screen by making them feel more connected to and curious about nature with these activities.

1. Find a green space where kids can sit quietly. "Within about five minutes, they'll start to see and hear things they didn't notice before," says Dr. Charles.

2. Take a hike and bring along binoculars and a magnifying glass.

3. Plant something. It can be as simple as sprinkling flower seeds around the base of a tree.

4. Set up a tent in the backyard and camp out.

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