What is the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights? 

The Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights is a list of outdoor experiences that every child has the right to experience in their residing city, county, or state. The City of Belmont’s Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights was created in a collaborative effort by the Belmont Parks and Recreation Department and Belmont Youth Advisory Committee, before being adopted by City Council in February 2023. The 8 rights are free to low-cost local opportunities, accessible to all Belmont children for the sake of their physical, mental, social, and ecological health.

Why is the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights important?

Research shows that engagement in outdoor recreation benefits physical, mental, and social health and reduces sedentary behaviors in children. Research also shows that playing outdoors and connecting with nature enhances children’s creativity, problem-solving skills, and relationship skills, while also reducing stress and negative emotions. Providing equitable access to outdoor recreational activities for all Belmont children will allow them to develop a strong value of spending time in nature, carrying on into adulthood.

Ways to Explore