Fall Family Time at the Lake: Rest and Enjoy Nature

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Fall Family Time at the Lake: Rest and Enjoy Nature

Kathryn Gardner • September 21, 2022

Fall Family Time at the Lake: Rest and Enjoy Nature

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I would say that fall is my favorite season. The temperatures are cool and we can go exploring outdoors. There is the beauty of the changing leaves and quietness in nature. One of the best places to appreciate all that fall has to offer is at a lake. The serenity of the water views, the critters all preparing for winter ahead and God’s beauty in the changing trees. All of this leads to nature therapy or healing your body, mind and soul. Let’s get refreshed on a trip to the lake!

In the United States, you are never far from a lake. Whether it is man-made or natural, you can take a car ride with the kids to a nearby lake. Or perhaps you have a lake your family has traveled to for years. The fall is the perfect time to go sit by the water one last time before winter!

As I have been writing my book about family activities to do on vacation that bring us closer together and help to recharge our strength, it is exciting to see all of the things you can do on a trip to the lake.

Benefits of a Getaway

First, any time you book a day trip with your family, you are already making a choice to do a bonding activity. By getting outdoors, you are doing something healthy for everyone. Your time in nature will be therapeutic physically and mentally. You get the opportunity to walk and explore the plants and critters. You are away from the stress of work and school. Together, you can be curious about what you see and all that God has created.

To enjoy the day or weekend trip to the lake means putting in some planning and anticipating what you can do for yourself and as a family. Here are 5 ideas to get you started to find your tranquility while you visit the beauty of a lake!

Sit Quiet

Nature invites us to take a seat and just be. You may have been frantic to get out the door this morning, but now, sitting at the lake, catch your breath. I invite you to just sit in the quiet and stillness of the area. Allow yourself to be still. Take a moment to observe. What do you see? What is flying above? What is crawling along? What is swimming below? What is growing? What is slowing down its growth?

This stillness is what helps your body and your mind to find Tranquility. Tranquility is a state of no distress, feeling calm and confident. Without distress, you are free to feel more joy, peace and love fully.

You may also meditate while sitting in nature. Close your eyes, listen to your breath, repeat your calming phrase. (Check out my blog post for more meditation ideas).

Write

Bring your favorite journal notebook with you on the trip. You may want to sit on a log or your comfy blanket to look out at the lake. You may have creative ideas to jot down. Or plans you would like to make. Write down a goal you would like to reach by the end of this year. Write about a situation that has been bothering you, release the tension that it brings you. Write about the gratitude you have for this trip and time with your family.

If you have others with you, share with them what you wrote. Let them know your wishes and dreams. Ask them the same questions and listen closely to their answers.

Need a cute journal notebook? My daughter and I designed this Palm Tree Journal Notebook (less than six dollars on Amazon Prime).

Take Photos or Draw

The beauty at the lake can be overlooked when we are busy. Slow down and notice the smallest of details. As the season changes, take note of what is ready to change too. Use your phone or camera to capture the essence of the lake. Take a photo of a single leaf or footprint in the mud. Look up and take a photo of a bird soaring above. Invite your kids to draw a picture of the trees and their colors. Talk about why the leaves change and how it cycles. Opening up these conversations helps your child to feel heard and that you are interested in them. This love gesture will go a long way!

If your anxiety makes your mind race, you may want to look back at these photos or drawings to calm yourself. Nature scenery brings us calmness.

Be Curious

As you look at the turtle pop his head above the water or the birds standing at the shore line, be curious. Ask the kids - where do they think the creature lives? Is there a family of turtles? Where do they go in the winter? These conversations help us to get to know each other better when we hear each other’s ideas. These grow us closer together.

These observations help us to open up hard topics that you want to talk about. At night, sit by the water and look up at the stars. Send wishes to your deceased loved ones. Enjoy the serenity of the lake.

If you are also enjoying the woods near your cabin or cottage, here is a YouTube video I put together to help you experience Nature Therapy with your kids.

YouTube video: Family Getaway ~ Cool Things to See in the Woods ~ NATURE THERAPY

Appreciate Nature

As you have observed and explored with your kids all there is to see, take a moment to appreciate it. Part of being mindful and being in the moment is to notice the beauty, talk aloud about the amazing elements and to praise God for his creation and incredible changing seasons.

“Thank you God for your amazing creation. Your hand has designed each leaf and feather. Thank you for bringing our family together today. Help us to continue to love each other as you have loved us. Amen.”

I hope that you and your family have a wonderful trip to the lake this fall. May this trip recharge you and refresh you.

Upcoming book in 2022 by Kathryn Gardner ~ Find Tranquility on Your Family Trip: Rest, Recharge and Connect on Your Family Trip. Plus 100 Christian Family Travel Activities

So glad you are on this journey with me to go from stressed to refreshed! Find your tranquility today!

Be well and God bless,

Coach Kathy

Kathryn Gardner, mom of 2, police wife, and Therapist specializing in the wellness of moms & Certified Health Coach moved with her family to Tampa, FL to be near the ocean and explore the health benefits of nature. Her passion is helping stressed moms find tranquility! Check out TranquilityMoms.com for the latest blog post and YouTube video. She posts encouraging messages on Instagram and Facebook.