Enhancing Youth Wellness: 3 Art Activities to Do Outdoors
"The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves." - Carl Jung
In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, the emotional and physical wellness of youth is more important than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “nearly 1 in 5 children (in the United States) have a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder”. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that “physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and death worldwide”, noting that many young people are not getting enough exercise. This lack of physical activity, combined with increasing stress levels, can lead to a wide range of health issues, including physical conditions like obesity, as well as mental health concerns like anxiety and depression.
However, engaging in outdoor activities has been shown to have a positive impact on both mental and physical health. A study by Twohig-Bennett and Jones (2018) reveals that exposure to greenspaces is significantly associated with improved mental and physical health outcomes, including reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression and lower risks of cardiovascular disease. Similarly, Vanaken and Danckaerts (2018) found that exposure to green spaces positively impacts mental health, particularly in reducing emotional and behavioral difficulties in children and adolescents. Overall, outdoor activities that combine physical movement with creative expression can be especially beneficial in supporting the overall well-being of children.
With these insights in mind, here are three simple yet impactful child-friendly art activities to enhance their wellness while nurturing their creativity:
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Purpose: To engage your child in creating sculptures using natural materials by promoting creativity and a connection with nature.
Secondary foci for the art activity:
To encourage exploration and appreciation of the natural environment.
To enhance youth physical and emotional wellness.
Materials:
Twigs, leaves, rocks, and other natural materials (collected together)
String or twine (optional)
Scissors (for cutting twine)
A flat outdoor surface or ground space for constructing sculptures.
Instructions:
Begin by talking with your child about how some artists use natural materials to create art. Discuss the beauty of nature and how it can be a source of inspiration for creativity.
Go on a nature walk together, collecting twigs, leaves, rocks, and flowers. Encourage your child to look for different shapes, textures, and colors as you explore.
Once you’ve gathered your materials, explain to your child that you will be creating sculptures using what you’ve collected.
Show them how to arrange the materials to create balanced structures, emphasizing that there’s no right or wrong way to make their sculpture.
Work together to experiment with different ways of stacking, balancing, and arranging the materials. You can build separate sculptures or collaborate on a larger one, discussing your ideas as you go.
If needed, use string or twine to secure parts of the sculpture, especially if you’re creating something more complex.
After you’ve finished your sculptures, take turns explaining your creations to each other. Share any artistic choices or stories behind your sculptures!
Debrief Questions:
What did you enjoy most about finding and using the natural materials for your sculpture?
Did you feel more relaxed or happy while working on your sculpture? How do you think spending time outside helped with that?
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Purpose: To create colorful murals on outdoor surfaces using chalk, encouraging self-expression and creativity in a fun, open environment.
Secondary foci for the art activity:
To encourage exploration and appreciation of the natural environment.
To enhance youth physical and emotional wellness.
Materials:
Sidewalk chalk in a variety of colors
A large, flat outdoor surface (such as a sidewalk or driveway)
Water and towels for cleaning hands
Instructions:
Introduce the idea of creating art outside with your child, explaining how sidewalk chalk can transform ordinary surfaces into fun, creative spaces.
Head outside to a suitable area like a sidewalk or driveway. Discuss with your child what you might want to draw together or if they’d like to work on their own project.
Provide your child with chalk and encourage them to brainstorm ideas.
They might choose to draw scenes from their imagination, create a game like hopscotch, or work together with you to make a larger mural.
Start drawing on the sidewalk or driveway, either working on your individual pieces or collaborating on a shared mural. Encourage your child to move around and explore different parts of the surface.
As you create a chalk mural, talk with your child about their drawings and ideas, adding your own contributions if working together.
Once you’ve finished, take some time to admire and discuss each other’s work!
Debrief Questions:
How did it feel to draw on such a big space outside? Did it make you feel happy or excited to see your art on the ground?
What was the most fun part of drawing with chalk outside?
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Purpose: To create mandalas by arranging natural materials into intricate patterns, promoting relaxation and creativity.
Secondary foci for the art activity:
To encourage exploration and appreciation of the natural environment.
To enhance youth physical and emotional wellness.
Materials:
Sidewalk chalk in a variety of colors
A large, flat outdoor surface (such as a sidewalk or driveway)
Water and towels for cleaning hands
Instructions:
Start by explaining to your child what a mandala is, its origins, and how it’s used in various cultures for meditation and mindfulness. Emphasize the importance of symmetry and balance.
Take a nature walk together, collecting items like flowers, leaves, stones, and shells. Encourage your child to select materials that vary in color, size, and texture.
Once you’ve gathered your materials, find a flat outdoor space where you can create your mandalas. Demonstrate how to start from the center and work outward, arranging the materials in a symmetrical pattern.
Work side by side with your child, laying out your mandalas slowly and mindfully. Talk about the patterns and shapes as you create them.
Encourage your child to focus on the process, enjoying the quiet and calm.
As you complete your mandalas, discuss how the different patterns came together.
Once finished, take a moment to admire each other’s mandalas. Reflect on the experience and the beauty of your creations!
Debrief Questions:
What was your favorite part of making your nature mandala?
How did it feel to arrange the natural materials into your mandala? Did it make you feel calm or happy?
