The benefits of children and parents/caregivers experiencing nature together include (1) improved communication and stronger bonds between family members, (2) deeper appreciation of family traditions and cultural heritage, and (3) stronger and sustained connectedness to nature.

Mothers and daughters find spending time outdoors together strengthens communication and family connectedness

Interviews with 26 mothers and daughters (age 10-12) in the U.S. indicated that the benefits of family-based nature activities — in addition to promoting positive individual health outcomes — support increased well-being for families. The family benefits include improved communication between family members and members getting along better with each other.
Izenstark & Ebata, 2019. Why families go outside: An exploration of mothers’ and daughters’ family-based nature activities.

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Childhood family-based nature activities are positively linked to early adulthood time outdoors and preference for outdoor environments

Online questionnaires completed by 349 undergraduate students in the U.S. showed that the frequency of family-based nature activities was highest during early childhood and then significantly declined in each succeeding developmental period. However, frequency across all developmental periods — especially during middle adolescence — was associated with frequency of time spent outside and a preference for outdoor vs. indoor environments in early adulthood.
Izenstark & Middaugh, 2022. Patterns of family-based nature activities across the early life course and their association with adulthood outdoor participation and preference. 

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Outdoor mentalization-based family therapy may be effective in assisting families with difficult interaction patterns

This theoretical paper presents an evidence-based rationale for the Nordic approach to mentalization-based family therapy (MBT). Three versions of family outdoor MBT as used in Finland are described. The rationale for the Nordic approach is based, in part, on research demonstrating distinct benefits of outdoor nature-based activities. These benefits, in addition to promoting family connectedness, may also support connectedness to nature.
Mattson et al. 2022. Restoring connectedness in and to nature: Three Nordic examples of recontextualizing family therapy to the outdoors.

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Exploring how family values, social norms, and experiences of nature can enhance connection to nature

Research conducted with over 1,500 adults in Singapore found that duration and frequency of visits to public greenspaces and gardens predicted greater connection to nature. Results also showed that biospheric and altruistic family values predicted higher scores on the cognitive aspects of connection to nature, while egoistic values predicted lower scores in this area.
Oh et al. 2021. Connection to nature is predicted by family values, social norms and personal experiences of nature.

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A shared wilderness experience may encourage role shifts in parent-child relationships 

Responses from father and youth participants of an Outward Bound (OB) family course indicated that the experience allowed for role restructuring, such that the roles of parent and child were equalized or reversed. This “equalizing experience” was deemed to have a positive impact on the father-child relationship that persisted after the OB experience.
Overholt, 2019. Role shifts and equalizing experiences through father-child outdoor adventure programs.

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Nature in women’s shelters may support parenting

Information provided by care professionals working in three women’s shelters in the Netherlands indicates that access to an outdoor natural area and the use of nature as a part of the care process can support parenting by women at the shelter. Positive changes were noted in (1) relatedness between parent and child, (2) parental feelings of competence, and (3) autonomy in parenting.
Peters et al. 2020. Making women’s shelters more conducive to family life: Professionals’ exploration of the benefits of nature.

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Shared outdoor adventures can help create, maintain, and enhance family well-being

Fifteen families in the UK participated in interviews focusing on their shared outdoor adventures. Responses indicate that such adventures can promote personal development and family wellbeing (FWB). Factors associated with increased FWB include unmediated family time together, as well as the making of memories during family outdoor adventures and recollecting these memories after the experience.
Pomfret & Varley, 2019. Families at leisure outdoors: Well-being through adventure.

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Nature offers well-being benefits for youth and families

This study is based on thematic writings of Finnish youth (age 15-21), the researcher’s field notes from camping with her family, observations of young scouts camping, and a focus group discussion with four camping mothers. Findings indicate that as youth and families spent more time in nature, they became more skilled in perceiving nature-related affordances that enhance their well-being.
Rantala & Puhakka, 2019. Engaging with nature: Nature affords well-being for families and young people in Finland.

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A visitor’s garden in a prison setting promotes positive parent-child interactions

This study explored the activities and perceived impact of a newly developed visitor’s garden at a women’s prison in the U.S. Results based on surveys, interviews, and children’s drawings showed that a visitor’s garden in a prison setting can promote the therapeutic, rehabilitative, and relational goals of incarcerated women and their children.
Toews et al. 2020. Feeling at home in nature: A mixed method study of the impact of visitor activities and preferences in a prison visiting room garden.

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Research on factors related to family-based nature engagement generally indicates that families vary considerably in their preferences and use of natural areas. This research also shows that certain factors can facilitate or hinder a family’s involvement in nature-based activities. These factors include having a child with disabilities, transportation issues, and safety concerns. 

Young children with disabilities tend to experience more family nature-based learning opportunities in home versus in community settings

This study found that young children in the U.S. with and without disabilities routinely participated in a variety of family nature-based activities in the home and in community settings. Activities in the home, however, provided more learning opportunities for children than did community activities, especially for children with disabilities.
Dunst, 2020. Everyday learning opportunities of young children with and without developmental disabilities or delays.

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Family is a strong determinant of open space use

Three-generation (child, parent, grandparent) Scottish families were interviewed to understand which open spaces families used and why. There was a general tolerance for biodiverse (more messy) landscapes. Preferred spaces tended to be farther from home and not equitably distributed across the city. Family-based preferences for certain open spaces demonstrated transmission of family values and connectedness to certain spaces from generation to generation.
Freeman, Buttery, & van Heezik, 2022. Nature exposure and use of open spaces in three generation families: Implications for planning. 

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Parents of children with autism identify benefits and barriers associated with spending time in nature

Information shared by three Australian parents of children with autism indicated that time in nature supports their child’s interests and imagination, is calming for the child, and helps the child cope with change. Barriers to time in nature as noted by the parents include time constraints related to appointments, the child’s sensory challenges, balancing the needs of siblings, and dealing with the exhaustion of daily life.
Galbraith & Lancaster, 2020. Children with autism in wild nature: Exploring Australian parent perceptions using Photovoice.

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Gentrification affects use of green play spaces by young families, impacting community building

Case studies conducted in two neighborhoods in Barcelona found differences in the impact of gentrification on the use and perception of green play spaces. A more negative impact was reported by parents in the neighborhood at a later stage of gentrification. This research indicates how gentrification may offer short-term benefits yet lead to long-term losses, especially for socially vulnerable families.
Oscilowicz et al. 2020. Young families and children in gentrifying neighbourhoods: How gentrification reshapes use and perception of green play spaces.

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For some families, costs, lack of information about park locations, and concerns about safety serve as barriers to more frequent park visits

This study analyzed data from 78 parents/caregivers receiving health-related services from an active park prescription program for low-income families in the U.S. Participants reporting more frequent visits to parks tended to know park locations, valued visiting parks with their families, and perceived their neighborhoods to be safe for their children. Cost was the most oft-cited barrier to visiting parks.
Razani et al. 2020. The association of knowledge, attitudes and access with park use before and after a park-prescription intervention for low-income families in the U.S.

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