Terrill Bravender, MD, MPH

Time spent with nature is a prescription for better physical and mental health. Families can encourage nature play at home both in the home and outdoors. Here are 6 ways to recreate some of the areas at the Gaffield Children’s Garden in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at home.

It’s no fantasy that children who play freely in the great outdoors are healthier in body and mind. New studies also suggest that active engagement with the natural environment reduces stress and relieves depression in all ages.