Abstract

The objective of this article is to describe the positive implications that the practice of leisure activities in nature has in youth development, unlike those activities that take place in other areas. In order to do this, we analysed the main leisure activity of young women and men that are in post compulsory education in the Spanish school system, in relation to aspects linked to the benefits of this leisure experience (physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioural and social) and the level of responsibility and management of this young people, as well as the level of satisfaction and the importance that this practise has on their lives. Besides, we typified this practice, in order to visualise the distinguishing elements in relation to other different activities. All of this has been carried out through a questionnaire designed ad hoc and handed to a sample of 1750 students in the Spanish school system, both state and private schools.