I just saw this statistic from OnPoint with Tom Ashbrook, a PBS show that I think is one of the most informative shows on the radio.

This statistic is shocking; 4-7 minutes a day playing outside? He points to the fact that it's a lifestyle change that has occurred to this new generation of children. Comes down to three things; more screens, more over-protectiveness and more scheduled time. Whoa. We live just outside of Boston and get an annual pass to the Franklin Zoo. It's convenient because if we don't have anything planned, we can just head over to the zoo where it's pretty safe for our 3-year old to just run outside without fear of running into the street or getting lost in the clothes racks at the local mall. He loves it and we feel that all those fences keep the animals in their areas, and our boy in his area. We still never take our eyes off the boy, but he feels free and as a result, loves the outdoors. Unfortunately, as soon as he comes home, he's asking for that damned iPad to watch Wild Kratts. Sometimes we give in, sometimes we say, 'no' and watch the temper tantrum ensue. But at least for a few hours, he was one with nature and out with us.

Tags: outdoor, central park, fall, seasons, autumn