Take Me Outside Day

Take Me Outside Day History

Take Me Outside Day encourages people to appreciate the beauty and benefits of open-air spaces and the natural environment. The event emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature and promoting physical activity, as well as cultivating a sense of environmental responsibility. It invites schools, businesses, community organizations, and individuals all across the country to step out of their indoor spaces and engage with the surrounding natural world.

The idea for Take Me Outside Day originated from the work of Colin Harris, who ran across Canada in 2011, logging over 7,600 kilometres to encourage more outdoor time for students. Recognizing the increasing disconnect between today's children and nature, Harris created the Take Me Outside organization, which has since expanded its reach to include people of all ages. The observance has grown in importance in Canada due to heightened concerns over climate change, sedentary lifestyles, and mental health issues, as they are all interrelated with our relationship to nature.

Typical customs and activities for Take Me Outside Day in Canada include organizing outdoor lessons at schools, family hikes or biking trips, park clean-ups, and community gardening projects, among other creative outdoor endeavors. These activities not only provide opportunities to engage with nature but also foster awareness and appreciation for the natural world, as well as provide health benefits that come with physical activity. Take Me Outside Day is typically observed in late October, offering Canadians a chance to immerse themselves in the beautiful fall landscapes and enjoy cool, crisp air before winter sets in.

Top facts about Take Me Outside Day

• The theme for Take Me Outside Day in 2024 was Place and Pedagogy: Where Learning Happens.
• Over 645,000 students participated in Take Me Outside Day in 2023.
• As of 2022, 4,500 teachers across Canada made the commitment to have outdoor learning at least once a week for the rest of the school year.
• Physical activity and exposure to natural light during outdoor play can help regulate children's sleep patterns, leading to better and more restful sleep at night.
• Numerous studies have shown that children who spend more time outdoors have lower stress levels, improved attention spans, better mental health, and higher physical activity levels.
• Nature provides various textures, sounds, and sights that can help with cognitive and sensory development.

In the News and Trending for Take Me Outside Day

Top things to do for Take Me Outside Day

• Participate in the Take Me Outside Day learning challenge. The challenge is simple and fun. It encourages outdoor learning, networking, and community building. There is even a change to win a $300 gift card.
• Go hiking or camping. Enjoy the outdoors with friends and family today.
• Watch a video showcasing 2020's Take Me Outside Day.
• Many Canadian cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal have extensive cycling trails inviting people to appreciate flora and fauna while cycling.
• A simple picnic at a local park is also a fun way to celebrate the day. Stanley Park in Vancouver or Queen Elizabeth Park in Regina would be perfect picnic spots.