PHOTO ADVENTURE Capture nature ’ s splendor . Hiking trails provide plenty of photo opportunities , and kids will love snapping the shots . Discuss in advance what each person wants to photograph , such as a huge oak tree , a monarch butterfly , deer tracks , or a close-up of a nibbling squirrel . When you get home , print out the best photos , and create a nature scrapbook with them .
TREE TALES These giants of nature are not only intriguing because of their size but also because of their many variations . Borrow some books on trees from your library that describe the unique features of trees and their history . Use clues such as the shape of the leaves , texture of bark , and size of the trunk to identify the kind of tree .
WHICH WAY DO WE GO ?
Roam the countryside and teach the kids directional skills such as how to read a map and use a compass or the sun to determine direction . Before setting out , choose a trail system that provides maps , or make up your own . Take a trail that branches off several times , allowing for plenty of skill-building opportunities . For even more fun , turn the excursion into a treasure hunt . Hide a small prize just off the trail under a bush or pile of leaves , mark the location on your map , and let the journey begin .
ANIMALS ALL AROUND
Take a quiet hike in a wooded area with grassy clearings and see how many animals you meet . Watch for snakes , turtles , and geese if there ’ s a nearby lake or stream . Also , look for squirrels playing chase or gathering food ; birds of prey circling overhead ; or grazing rabbits and deer . Discuss the animal ’ s unique characteristics and how those qualities help or hinder the animal . Talk about what the animals eat , their shelters , and species they are related to . Also , keep eyes peeled for animal tracks to identify and determine how recently they were made .
CREEPY CRAWLY THINGS
Scouting for insects is an all-time favorite among kids , and the variety of creepy-crawly creatures in the woods is remarkable . Carry an insect book , clear container , tweezers , and a magnifying glass for close examination of insects ’ fascinating features . Bring a journal and track the types of insects you find . Read about insects ’ defense behaviors and characteristics such as colors that indicate danger to predators .
PLANTLIFE , OLD AND NEW
Discover with the children the fantastic diversity of plant life . Before you head out , review some books on plants to spark your interest . On each hiking trip , choose a different trail or area and see what plants grow in certain types of soil , climates , and in each season . As you inspect plants , look for their seeds , and notice the variations . Talk about how seeds travel by blowing in the wind or catching on the fur of animals . Carefully brush away the ground cover and look for seeds that have sprouted their roots that will soon develop into a new plant or tree . Learn how individual plants have evolved to have natural defenses to protect against creatures that would otherwise devour them .
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