Examining family-based nature activities among Latinx students: contexts for reinforcing family relationships and cultural heritage

ABSTRACT There is a strong need to conduct research and inform practice related to increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the leisure field (Floyd and Stodolska [2019]. “Scholarship on Race and Ethnicity: Assessing Contributions to Leisure Theory and Practice.” Journal of Park and Recreation Administration 37 (1): 80–94). Using a routines and rituals framework, we explored how and why Latinx families spend time together outside. We collected qualitative data via an online questionnaire from 134 Latinx students from an urban, west coast university. Findings showed participants engaged in a variety of outdoor family traditions from routine walks, bike rides, and backyard activities to longer ritualized adventures in parks, beaches, and natural areas that reinforced family relationships and cultural heritage. Engagement in family-based nature activities provided opportunities to strengthen relationships, communicate meaningfully, and spend quality time together, given fewer technological distractions outdoors. Participants suggested focusing on improving existing outdoor spaces and community facilities, implementing more family-based community events, and creating educational campaigns to promote participation in outdoor activities.