Forest Bathing
As National Geographic Kids describes, forest bathing is the practice of immersing yourself in nature and mindfully soaking in your surroundings—whether it’s your backyard, a local park, or a forest. It’s not about exercise or identifying wildlife, but about simply being present. Research has shown a range of benefits, including better sleep and reduced levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Why It's Great for Kids
Forest bathing helps children feel more calm, centered, and focused. It teaches emotional awareness and stress management by helping them tune into their bodies and the world around them.
One of the most rewarding parts? It gets children outdoors—exploring, learning, and enjoying the natural world. The practice is suitable for all ages, from toddlers to teens, and can be adapted to fit developmental stages and specific needs.
It’s calming. It’s empowering. It’s something they’ll carry with them for life.
What Is Forest Therapy?
Also known as Shinrin-yoku (a Japanese term meaning “forest bath”), this practice involves quiet time in the forest, breathing deeply and taking in the atmosphere with all five senses. Unlike a hike or nature walk focused on learning facts, forest therapy is a guided, healing practice led by trained facilitators.
Benefits of Forest Bathing for Children
- 🌿 Reduces stress and lowers cortisol levels
- 🌙 Improves sleep quality
- 🧘♀️ Boosts emotional regulation and calmness
- 💡 Enhances focus, concentration, and clarity
- 🌱 Increases connection with nature and the environment
- 😌 Promotes mindfulness and self-awareness
- ❤️ Supports cardiovascular and immune system health
- 💡 Enhances focus, concentration, and clarity
- 🌳 Teaches children how to slow down and observe
- ✨ Encourages creativity and free thinking
How to Forest Bathe With Your Kids
Here’s how to guide your child through a forest bathing experience:
1. Find Your Spot
Choose a place that feels calm and safe—ideally a wooded area with plenty of trees. Even a quiet park can work if you’re in a city.
2. Minimize Distractions
Turn off phones and devices. Put them away so you can both focus entirely on the moment.
3. Go Slow
Explain to your child that this isn’t a hike. Move slowly and mindfully to allow space for full sensory awareness. As Dr. Qing Li says in Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness, “Walking slowly helps you keep your senses open.”
4. Breathe Deeply
Practice deep belly breathing together. Encourage slow exhalations that are twice as long as the inhalations to help the body relax.
5. Stop and Wonder
Pause occasionally. Ask your child to look up, around, and down. Have them sit or stand quietly and notice how the earth supports them. Encourage appreciation of the sun, wind, and earth through mindful observation.
6. Notice the Details
Invite them to open their senses:
Listen to birds, insects, the wind, and leaves.
Look at the play of light through the trees or patterns on bark.
Smell the forest air—let them know that trees release health-boosting phytochemicals.
Touch leaves, soil, tree trunks—anything that helps ground them in the moment.
Meet Your Facilitator: Laura Kay
Laura Kay is trained certified forest bathing facilitator who offers a valuable resources for individuals seeking to connect with nature and experience the positive impacts of forest bathing for kids.
Through forest bathing, Laura invites children to reconnect with their bodies, emotions, and innate joy. When a child feels safe to listen and explore, express and be fully present in nature – they feel the groundedness ,, they sleep better, concentration amplifies.
“When a child feels safe to move, express, and be fully themselves—they shine.” – Laura
Ready to Begin?
Book a discovery call today!
Join us in creating a nurturing space where kids can thrive, express themselves, and build lifelong wellness habits. Contact us today to learn more or book a session!
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