25 Nature Adventures for Kids
Ideas for exploring the natural world -- even in your own backyard.
by Jenni Frankenberg Veal
June 16, 2009
9. Learn about songbirds. Place a bird feeder near a window or in the yard and watch who comes to visit. Purchase a bird guide, such as
The Young Birder's Guide to Birds of Eastern North America (a Peterson Field Guide), to help identify
the birds at your feeder. If your family gets good at identifying birds, try participating in the annual
Great Backyard Bird Count through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Check online for local birdwatching groups; these groups often host educational outings that are interesting for children and adults.
10. Start a nature journal. Buy a blank notebook and some colored pencils and, voila, you have a nature notebook. Pack the journal in a backpack for walks, hikes and canoe trips, and encourage your child to draw what she sees: trees, leaves,
birds, pine cones, rocks — even you. Be sure to set aside 15 to 30 minutes to sit, draw and talk with your child about what she is drawing. Don't critique drawings; simply let her draw and enjoy the experience.
11. Feed the squirrels. Gather acorns or other nuts in a basket and put them out for the squirrels. Watch to see if you have any takers. If you set up a squirrel feeder (dried corn-on-the-cob will work), create a fun maze for the squirrels
using ropes, water guards or other deterrents — squirrels are smart and you'll enjoy watching them navigate the maze.
12. Play outside. American children spend an average of 30 minutes of unstructured time outdoors each week, according to recent studies. Give your child the gift of unstructured play time to discover, create and imagine while outside in nature.
13. Paint rocks. This may seem simple, but rock painting is a great way to excite children about exploring outdoors. The most important part is the rock hunt, which can be done in the woods, the park or the backyard. Have your child search
for "special" rocks. Then sit outside — armed with paintbrushes and non-toxic paints — to create rock art. Painted rocks are artful additions to potted plants, gardens and windowsills. If you live near or plan to visit the beach this summer, you can do this
with shells too. The salt on the shells makes watercolors bright and beautiful, and it's a great way to escape the sun for a while.
14. Visit a state park. Look online for state parks in your area and plan a weekend getaway. Many state parks offer camping or cabin rentals, as well as outdoor fun, such as fishing,
hiking, canoeing and swimming. To get the inside scoop on activities and events, call the park and speak to a ranger — most are happy to share their recommendations.
15. Enjoy a campfire. Campfires represent everything wonderful about being outside — camping, friends and family, hot dogs and s'mores. Check with your local fire department about campfire
regulations. If you can have a safe campfire in your backyard, invite the neighbors over to enjoy it with you. If not, plan a weekend getaway at a park or campground that allows for campfires.
16. Build a fort. Forts, tree houses and playhouses can be rustic or extravagant. There are many books today that offer wonderful and practical ideas for creating
childhood getaways. Or use your imagination — and your child's — to create your own.
About the Author
|
|
Related Articles
|
|
Jenni Veal writes about nature education, travel and the natural landscape of the southeastern United States. As a magazine writer and editor based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she enjoys helping parents to discover the beauty within nature with their children. |
|
|
-
by Nicole Feliciano
Our five favorite ocean alternatives.
-
by Miriam Axel-Lute
How to keep your kids' "inner wildness" — and still keep them safe.
-
by Oz Spies
Indoor activities to keep your kids happy - and you sane.
|
