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What is a Green Hour?

A Green Hour is time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world. In 2007, the National Wildlife Federation launched GreenHour.org, an online resource providing parents the inspiration and tools to make the outdoors a part of daily life.

NWF recommends that parents give their kids a "Green Hour" every day. This can take place in a garden, a backyard, the park down the street, or any place that provides safe and accessible green spaces where children can learn and play. Scientific research shows kids are happier and healthier when outdoor time is in better balance with indoor time.

And now, as part of Be Out There, Green Hour is strengthened by National Wildlife Federation's nearly 75 years of experience connecting people with nature, including:

• Dozens of Green Hour's outdoor activities.
• NatureFind: Find nearby parks, trails and nature centers with a few clicks.
• Frequently updated tips and articles to help you get outside every day.
• Award-winning children's magazines: Ranger Rick® , Your Big Backyard® , Wild Animal Baby®, & Just For Fun. 
• Wildlife Watch  
• Schoolyard Habitats 
• Great American Backyard Campout & National Wildlife Week  
• No Child Left Inside federal legislation and other public policy efforts

Today's kids spend far less time outside than their parents did. For many of them, tweets are not bird calls but 140-character sound bites. Wii, the electronic game, has replaced "wheee!" -- the squeal of delight.

Something important has been lost. And Green Hour has helped many families find it. 

We want to hear your ideas! Get the latest news and activities or leave us a message on Facebook, Twitter, or one of our other social media outlets. You can also reach us at greenhour@nwf.org or beoutthere@nwf.org.