Remember the last time your child’s eyes widened at a stunning sunset, or their jaw dropped at the sight of an ant colony working together to move a leaf?
That feeling -awe – is actually changing their brain in fascinating ways.
I was recently in Oxford, England, in late Springtime, and around every corner – even in the center of the city – there was a stunning display of wisteria and magnolia flowers that sparked awe in me every time!
As a family, experiencing awe in nature together can create powerful bonds while providing incredible mental health benefits.
What Exactly is Awe?
Scientists define awe as the feeling we get when encountering something so vast or extraordinary that it expands our understanding of what’s possible.
Research from UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center shows that awe reduces stress, improves mood, and even boosts our immune system. For kids, these moments of wonder are even more impactful, helping shape how they see themselves and their place in the world.
The Science of Awe in Nature
A recent roundup of the research identified five ways the emotion of awe can enhance well-being.
Increased Sense of Meaning: Awe inspires us to find deeper purpose and significance in life.
Neurophysiological Changes: Experiencing awe can actually lead to beneficial changes in the body, such as reduced stress and inflammation.
Reduced Self-Focus: Awe shifts our attention away from ourselves, helping to lessen our worries and self-centered thoughts.
Enhanced Social Connections: Feeling awe encourages kindness and a sense of community with others.
Greater Social Integration: Awe fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens our ties to social groups.
Research with children specifically has shown that after experiencing awe children:
- Have reduced stress levels (their parasympathetic nervous system was more likely to be activated, making them calmer)
- Show increased empathy and prosocial behavior
Recent studies also have revealed some amazing insights about how experiencing awe in nature affects our brains:
- Experiencing awe reduces inflammatory proteins in the body, potentially improving physical health
- Even brief “awe walks” can significantly improve emotional wellbeing
- According to the Journal of Environmental Psychology, children who regularly experience awe in nature show increased creativity and problem-solving abilities
Where to Find Awe as a Family
While natural wonders like the Grand Canyon certainly inspires awe, you don’t need epic destinations to experience wonder.
Here are some accessible ways to find awe in nature with your kids:
- Watch a sunset together and explain how far away the sun really is
- Lie on your backs and cloud-watch, imagining the vast atmosphere above
- Examine tiny worlds with a magnifying glass – a single flower can contain an entire universe of detail
- Visit a local viewpoint where you can see for miles
- Stargaze on a clear night and talk about the cosmos
Beyond Awe: Nature’s Other Gifts
While awe is perhaps nature’s most powerful gift to our brains, time outdoors offers many other benefits for families:
- Improved attention and focus
- Better sleep patterns
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Enhanced creativity
- Stronger immune system response
Making Awe Part of Family Life
The key is making nature exploration a regular part of family life rather than a special occasion. Even 15 minutes of intentional “awe-seeking” can have meaningful benefits. Here are some simple ways to start:
- Create a family tradition of sunset walks
- Keep a “wonder journal” where everyone records their discoveries
- Make time for unstructured nature play
- Share and celebrate each other’s moments of awe
Why The Science of Awe Matters Now
In our increasingly indoor, screen-focused world and with unprecedented rates of child mental health conditions, actively seeking awe in nature has never been more important. For our children especially, these experiences provide a crucial counterbalance to the artificial stimulation of modern life.
In essence, every time we step outside with our kids, we’re not just getting “fresh air”. We’re giving their brains the natural nourishment they need to thrive.
What amazing moment will you discover together today?
Steph Simmons is a passionate outdoor mom and founder of Wild Bloom Families. When she’s not writing about outdoor family adventures, you’ll find her camping with her kids, crafting with natural materials, or advocating for more wild spaces in her community.
