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Fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors with kids
The great outdoors can be an inviting place with plenty of opportunities for adventure . It ’ s also a treasure trove of sights and sounds that can serve as a springboard for a lifelong yearning for knowledge .
Children of the 1980s and before may remember long days spent outside with requirements to “ come back in when the street lights turn on .” Today ’ s children may not have as much freedom , but they still can benefit from both unstructured and structured play outside . The following are some outdoor activities families can enjoy together .
• Fossil hunting : Whether there is a natural fossil bed nearby or not , children can use plastic colanders and shovels to dig in the dirt or sand to see if any treasures can be found .
• Collect and paint rocks : Collect stones and then paint them with vivid designs or sayings . Once painted , families can place them back into their natural surroundings for others to discover .
• Make a nature collage : Take a hike or a stroll through a nearby park and collect little treasures along the way . Glue these items to a piece of cardstock or cardboard to create a collage that will serve as a memento of the day .
• Run through a sprinkler : Pools can be great fun , but something as simple as a garden sprinkler can keep everyone occupied for a few hours .
• Visit a botanical garden : Tour a nearby botanical garden to get an opportunity to see flowers and plants that may not be native to the area . Bring sketch pads and draw your favorite plants .
• Go camping : Whether you camp in the backyard , in the woods or at a campsite , spending a night immersed in nature can be an unforgettable experience . Camping equipment can be rented or borrowed , if necessary .
• Enjoy a picnic : Bring a meal outdoors to a quiet spot , like a park or garden .
• Take a boat ride : Enjoying the great outdoors from the water brings an entirely new perspective . Purchase tickets for a fishing charter or take a tour of a local waterway .
• Feed ducks or other birds : Children can see wildlife in its natural environment , and provide some supplemental nutrition in the process . Bring along wild birdseed ( bread is not a healthy option ) and sprinkle some along shorelines or in the water to watch the birds arrive .
• Do a scavenger hunt in nature : While on any excursion , you can engage in a scavenger hunt . Have a list of five to 10 items to find , such as a pink flower , a leaf with a stem and a black rock . See who can find them all the fastest .
Spending time outdoors provides plenty of opportunities for family-friendly excitement and fun . n
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44 MoultrieScene MAY 2023