Spring can be a beautiful time of the year. Leaves are budding, plants are sprouting and temperatures are starting to warm – it is a great time to go on a learning adventure with your child in the great outdoors!
- Find an appropriate location. Start small; you do not want to intimidate your little one by trying to climb to the top of a mountain in one day! Contact your local visitors’ center or tourism office for maps of trails or parks in your area.
- Once you have found the perfect trail or park, map out a path with your child and stick to it. Carry the map with you and do not wander too far off the trial, especially if you are not familiar with the area.
- Hiking is a physical activity, so take a few minutes to loosen up and stretch at the beginning of the trail. Let your child suggest a few stretches, too.
- Pack water and healthy snacks. Drinking water often and nibbling on food throughout your hike will keep you and your child energized.
- Enjoy the beautiful scenery and look for signs of wildlife, such as paths in the weeds, mounds of dirt or footprints in the mud.
- Collect objects such as leaves or rocks (check with the park/trail authority to ensure this is permitted) or take pictures of things that interest your child.
- Remember to ‘carry-out’ your trash. Food and trash can be harmful to wildlife.
Have fun and enjoy this wonderful learning and growing opportunity with your child!
Tags: Fitness, Hiking, Outdoor play
I have always loved being outdoors. As a child I crawled out of the family tent while camping in the Hoh Rain Forest at 4am and found my way to the the side of a pond where I waited for the river otters to show up! In my neighborhood in Seattle I spent most of the day outside whenever possible. Later as parent I took my kids hiking, camping, and found many ways to play in nature. This time in my life is filled with grandchildren ages 9, 6, and 10 month old twins. My daughter and I have taken the twins on hikes and to local parks and beaches where they can feel the sand, smell the moist soil, or see their first squirrel, deer, raccoon. As you say its important to remember the 10 essentials, prepare and play! Learning through playful experience is not just for kids. Adults learn best through play and movement as well. En-JOY! Spring is here!