Why are we always under the delusion that we have to have money—or to spend it—to realize our own happiness? It’s true that money might be able to relieve stress through paying off our bills and debt, buying things that make us more comfortable and perhaps even getting a massage now and then—but the old adage that money doesn’t buy happiness has always held true for me.

Instead, I’ve always found happiness in gratitude, loving my family, and being in good health. If everyone you love is in decent health today, that’s cause enough to celebrate! The same goes for finding things to do. You always hear of people complaining of how bored they are and if they just had some money they could ease this boredom.

Again, I haven’t found this to be true. Instead, I’ve discovered that, like happiness, boredom can be eased with free to low-cost activities in the recreation department. If you’ve grown so out of touch with things like playing board games (get it? Games for when you’re bored!) or taking a walk, there are plenty of books to help you get back on track. One of my favorites is called I Love Dirt!

Now, this is technically a book for parents to share with their kids; it has fifty-two activities to help introduce children to the wonders of nature freely or very cheaply. And we all know that today’s kids could use a bigger dose of nature overall! But it’s also great for the kid in you—and don’t deny it, you’ve got one!—and coaxing him or her to come out and play.

This little 144-page book is just teeming with fun, open-ended interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy. Written by nature lover Jennifer Ward, it’s great for large stretches of open air, vast meadows or even tiny green patches within the urban jungle. It’s organized by the seasons, making it easy to find activities to do all year long.

When was the last time you built a snowman? How often do you slow down to play in the leaves or watch a bug crawl? These may not sound as much fun as plugging in the Wii at first, but once you start those childhood memories will come flooding back almost immediately. And if you don’t have childhood memories of playing outside and enjoying nature, all the better to create them now. Appreciating the environment and the seasonal gifts that nature brings are things we could all use in our heavily disconnected- from- the- natural- world lives today.

From picnics to fishing trips, watching shooting stars to simple mud pie-making, Ward reminds us of the joys of childhood that simply can’t be found plugged into an outlet somewhere. And the best part is that most of them are so easy on your wallet that they can become a fun habit quickly.

You may have forgotten the wonders and magical quality found in your own backyard; use I Love Dirt! to remind yourself and your family that fun things to do are just outside your door.