5 family activities to enjoy nature in a cottage

Did you know that in recent years, several studies have looked into the real benefits of nature on our body? Yes, as many people suspect: these studies have demonstrated the positive effects of contact with nature on the human body.

We are not surprised, what could be better than enjoying the wonders that nature offers us?

In his article Les bienfaits de la nature sur la santé globale, neuropsychologist Dr. Bherer reports his assessment, sharing the benefits that are established with scientific evidence:

• Reduced heart rate
• Reduction of blood pressure
• Reduction in cortisol levels (stress indicator)
• Reduction of anxiety
• Decreased sympathetic nervous activity
• Increased parasympathetic nervous activity

That said, we believe that it is important, even essential, to prioritize time in nature during family activities. What better time to do it than during your next stay at a cottage?

Here are some activities that are completely free and can allow you to fully enjoy nature and its benefits:

1 – Identify the Conifers
These trees are an integral part of Quebec forests, why not take an interest in them and teach your little ones to differentiate them?

 

1. Pines: persistent needles, gathered in bundles of 2, 3 or 5; seeds carried in cones.
2. Thuyas: short, persistent, tight needles or scales, often imbricate and hiding the stem; seeds carried in cones sometimes shaped like berries.
3. Hemlocks: flattened needles, cones at the end of the branches.
4. Spruces: short and prickly needles, arranged individually all around the branch, the needle can be rolled easily between the thumb and the finger.
5. Fir trees: short and flattened needles, arranged on either side of the branch. The flat needle does not roll easily between the fingers. Cones erect on the branches.
6. Larches: needles gathered in bundles of 10 or more on dwarf branches; needles isolated on long branches; seeds carried in cones. Conifer that turns orange and loses its needles in winter.

 

2 – Identify the Constellations
Spotting the constellations is a great educational activity for the whole family. Try to find the following constellations:

1. The Great Bear
2. Ursa Minor
3. Cepheus
4. Cassiopeia

Know that the StarWalk app is a very practical discovery tool!

3 – Make Ephemeral Art
Look around you: nature is your canvas! Ephemeral art is the principle of making Art that leaves no physical trace, it will eventually be destroyed naturally. The ephemeral side of your work allows you to do an activity for simple pleasure. What a great way to stimulate your creativity!

 

4 – Identify the Birds
These little critters are part of our daily lives, but when do we really take the time to take an interest in them? Here are some species to find and identify:

 

If necessary, several bird identification tools are available online to make our lives much easier when we encounter unknown species.

 

5 – Organize a Treasure Hunt Outside!
An activity that easily adapts to all ages! You can choose a theme, or just let yourself be carried away by your inspiration of the moment. As a bonus, this activity is perfect for good energy expenditure!

Finally, if your cottage is located in the Val-Saint-François region, this article will give you some additional ideas for your next stay: Discover Val-Saint-François in Winter!

 

References:

1 - The benefits of nature on overall health, Dr Louis Bherer (2001) Montreal Heart Institute (https://observatoireprevention.org/2021/07/08/les-bienfaits-de-la-nature-sur- global-health/)

2 – Identify a conifer, Natural Resources of Canada (2015), Government of Canada (https://aimfc.rncan.gc.ca/en/trees/identification/conifers)

3 – Le Cherche-Etoile, ASTROLab of Mont-Mégantic National Park (2023), National Research Council Canada (http://www.astro-canada.ca/le_cherche_etoile-star_finder-fra)