Why Holidaying in the ’Great Outdoors’ is Good For Children’s Mental Health

Taking a holiday in our UK national parks, such as the Lake District, help us reconnect with nature, destress from our day to day lives and improve our mental and physical health. These holidays are good for adults, but how good are they for our children’s wellbeing? Jerry Rebbeck from holiday property management company Wheelwrights and clinical psychologist Dr Marianne Trent discuss why holidays such as these are great for children’s mental (and physical) health.

1. Encourage movement to reduce stress

“Outdoor play naturally encourages movement, which is essential for a child's physical health. This, in turn, promotes mental well-being through the release of endorphins and reducing stress. Activities like running, climbing, and playing in nature can improve mood, enhance concentration, and decrease anxiety,” says Marianne.

“If you have particularly energetic little ones, look out for holiday cottages with gardens and outdoor spaces, so even if you fancy a morning in with a cup of tea, you can still send them out into the outdoors!” suggests Jerry.

2. Encourage Creativity and imagination

“Unlike indoor play, nature provides a limitless feast for creative and imaginative play. Sticks and branches become houses, insects become a captive audience or mud becomes hot chocolate! Being playful and creative stimulates different parts of the brain which support optimum cognitive development and emotional expression,” says Marianne.

3. Exposure to ‘awe’

“There is evidence that experiencing awe is critical to our wellbeing and of course it’s easy to be awe-struck when out and about. From hugely tall trees to valleys and beautiful sunsets. Children who experience awe-inspiring moments can reap lasting positive effects on their development, well-being, and overall quality of life. Awe has even been found to stimulate creativity, enhance emotional well-being, and foster a sense of humility and altruism in children,” says Marianne.

“When looking for a UK holiday destination, take a look at whether the location has areas around it which can expose your child to awe in this way. For example, Grizdale Forest in the Lake District World Heritage site is an amazing location to take kids with endless forest trails and sculptures to keep your little ones entertained. Langdale Valley can also create this sense of Awe, with the Pikes and dramatic scenery, as well as Grizedale” suggests Jerry.

4. Help Manage Symptoms of ADHD

“There is even some research which indicates that children with ADHD benefit even more so from time spent in nature. This is because the environment offers a natural outlet for energy, fosters concentration, and helps children manage impulsivity. In a world full of screens and distractions, nature offers a calming, focused alternative,” says Marianne.

5. Provides a Sense of mastery

“Engaging in adventurous activities such as hiking, trekking, or water sports can promote physical fitness, boost confidence, and provide a sense of accomplishment. They can also expose children to practice skills in problem-solving and resilience. These are all really great experiences for both children and adults alike”, says Marianne.

“The 15 national parks in the UK are excellent places to introduce your children to adventurous activities which as Marianne says can give them a boost of confidence. Look out for child friendly hikes and water sports, with many local clubs running weekend programmes and school holiday programmes,” says Jerry. "We also recommend Graythwaite Adventure for a range of fantastic outdoor activities to inspire children and adults."