September 24-30 Annually

take a child outside week

Inspired by Richard Louv’s book “Last Child in the Woods,” Take A Child Outside week was founded to help connect children with nature. By celebrating opportunities for children to have free play outside, highlighting locations offering places to explore the outdoors, and providing simple activities anyone can do, we hope to increase the number of children experiencing the natural world.
Happy smiling young girl holding a sunflower.
did you know?

Children are spending HALF as much time outside as they did 20 years ago.
Source: National Wildlife Federation

See Activites

benefits of going outside

Children spending time outside supports creativity and problem solving
Supports creativity
and problem solving
Improves
eyesight
Enhances
cognitive abilities
Children spending time outside improves academic performance
Improves academic
performance
Children spending time outside improves nutrition.
Improves
nutrition
Children spending time outside increases connection with nature.
Increases connection
with nature
Children spending time outside improves social relations
Improves social
relations
Children spending time outside reduces stress & anxiety.
Reduces stress
& anxiety
Children spending time outside reduces Attention Deficit (ADD) symptoms.
Reduces Attention
Deficit (ADD) symptoms
Children spending time outside improves self-discipline.
Improves
self-discipline
Children spending time outside increases physical activity.
Increases physical
activity
Let's Get Started!
Ready... Set... Go Outside!

illuminating the natural world

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, located in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, has the mission “to illuminate the natural world and inspire its conservation.” The Take a Child Outside initiative is one of the ways that we support this mission internationally.

MEMBERSHIP

Become a member and support the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. See the fun that awaits when you join the Museum!

Become a Member

INSPIRED?

Inspired to head outside? Get some tips before you head out and activities for a fun adventure!

Ready, Set, Go Outside!

DONATE

Donate to support the Museum’s spectacular exhibits, extraordinary research labs, live animals, educational programs, and more!

Make a Donation

need help?

our partners

Take a Child Outside Nationwide Partners Interactive Map

Take A Child Outside is a program designed to encourage children and adults to spend time together outdoors.

Become a Partner

community photos

Family with children smiling outside Grass
Children outside learning about insects Flowers and grass with blue sky Group of children walking outside
Forest creek Cabin used for outside activities upload-icon
Upload Your Own Photos
Family with children walking outside Children outside learning about plants
Family with children smiling outside Grass Children outside learning about insects Flowers and grass with blue sky Group of children walking outside Forest creek Cabin used for outside activities Family with children walking outside Children outside learning about plants upload-icon
Upload Your Own Photos