How To Make Outdoor Nature Walks Fun For Kids
How To Make Outdoor Nature Walks Fun For Kids
Springtime means longer days and warmer temperatures. Taking a nature walk is great way to get some fresh air and stretch your legs. And for parents with little ones, it’s a great opportunity to introduce kids to all Mother Nature.
Before you set out, do a quick check of the park or nature center you’re planning on visiting. While most parks and walking paths are open, many restrooms, playgrounds and visitor centers are temporarily closed. And some parks have limited or no park staff on hand to help out in emergencies, so you should plan on visiting spots that are familiar and not too strenuous.
Be sure you also have plenty of refreshments and snacks on hand before setting out including water and, if the weather permits, a picnic lunch packed with tasty sandwiches and fresh salads.
To help you with your family adventure, we have a few ideas on how to make your outdoor walks exciting and fun.
Scavenger Hunt / Nature Bingo
One of the best parts of nature walks is there’s always something new to look at, especially as trees and flowers are in bloom. If you’re lucky, you can even get to see some wildlife. There are plenty of scavenger hunt lists online, or you can build your own and personalize it to your area and your family. Smaller kids can be on the look-out for birds, mushrooms, bugs, footprints and rocks. Give your older kids harder things to find, like specific birds (like robins, crows and finches) and trees (like maples, oaks and birch trees).
Park Pick-Ups
As you move through parks looking for new plants and wildlife, you may also notice some human-made sights: litter. While most folks follow the “leave no trace” rule, litter is almost always unavoidable. Consider bringing a trashbag with you on walks so you can leave your walk better than you found it.
Get Artsy
There’s no better art teacher than Mother Nature! As you’re exploring your neighborhood parks, take a moment to sketch your favorite flowers and trees. Bring tracing paper with you to take leaf rubbings. Share your photos with friends and family on social media. Challenge your kids to write poems and songs about what they experience on your walks.
Picnic In The Park
Nature walks can often work up appetites. Plan a picnic in your favorite park with easy to carry snacks and drinks. For longer walks, you can find a perfect picnic spot for an outdoor lunch. Order a sandwich and fresh salad for you and a kid's meal for them online and pick it up on your way to the park for an easy packed lunch. Just make sure you take your empty bags and packaging with you or toss in the garbage on your way out.
Have Fun & Be Safe
There are endless ways to connect with your family on nature walks. Make new memories by teaching your kids how to skip stones and make bird calls. Discover the homes worms and insects have built under rocks and tree branches. Whatever you do – be safe!
Once you're all back indoors, you can keep the family time going with a warm meal together. Get a Three-Course Family Meal delivered from Bob Evans to enjoy as a family and talk about what you saw and your favorite parts of the day.