Tips – Page 2 – Kids Discover Nature

Quick & Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids

by Jodi Valenta

A few weeks ago I surveyed readers to determine their favorite outdoor activities to do with their children. The results showed that you overwhelmingly like camping and hiking. Frankly, I was surprised because these activities require a lot a preparation and planning. However, I totally get it because the rewards are great as both activities afford children an excellent opportunity to explore nature and spend valuable time with their families. Plus, summer is the perfect season for camping vacations and weekend hikes!

Now, with summer quickly winding down and children heading back to school, there will be less time to enjoy these activities and it will be harder to make time to enjoy the outdoors. All the demands of the school year have returned, with homework, after-school activities, less time off and, well, you know the drill. It makes the challenge of getting outside more difficult. However, with all those demands comes stress, so it’s even more important that kids (and you!) spend time in nature.

I thought it would be helpful if I provided a list of some outdoor activities for your children that don’t take much time or effort. They can be done even if you have only 30 minutes to spare one morning, afternoon or evening. Print it out and keep it on the fridge for quick reference for those days you need a quick idea.

1) Go for a walk around the neighborhood.
2) Explore your backyard with a magnifying glass.
3) Before bedtime, do a little stargazing on the front step.
4) Do some birding.
5) Pull weeds in the garden and look for bugs.
6) Look for interesting rocks and stones.
7) Play backyard games like tag or hide-and-seek.
8) Eat an afternoon snack outside on a blanket in the grass.
9) Try to catch butterflies with a butterfly net.
10) Spread a blanket out on the grass, lie down and look up at the clouds.

Not only are all of these activities fun, but they also promote relaxation, creativity and several include a splash of exercise!

Please comment on this post and add your own ideas. The school year is long, vacations are short, and we can all use some time to connect with nature, even if it’s only for a few minutes a day!

Hiking

Hiking with Kids: How to Keep Them Motivated

by Jodi Valenta

Hiking with children can be challenging, especially when they are young. My five-year-old daughter enjoys hiking, but tends to get bored easily and often wants to turn around and head home within about 30 minutes of beginning the hike. At least she is predictable! This is about the time I employ some creative activities to keep her interested.

Keeping kids motivated while on the trail:
1) take a break and talk about what they have seen
2) take a food and water break
3) have them whip out the magnifying glass they packed and direct them to something interesting to investigate
4) tell them it is their turn to be the leader – kids love looking for and following the blaze marks on trees that mark the trail
5) picture time! – take a group picture or pictures the kids find interesting (or better yet, have them bring a camera along)
6) scavenger hunt – before you leave provide a list (with simple sketches) on paper of items your child should look for as you hike. When boredom strikes, have him/her take the paper out and, with a pencil, check the items off the list as they are found.
7) Play “I Spy” colors or letters – as you walk along challenge them to spy something that begins with the letter _____. For example, if you see a huge rock, it would be something that begins with the letter “r.” Do the same with colors, like “green” leaves.

Here are some additional great ideas I found in the book “Nature’s Playgound” by Fiona Danks and Schofield.

1) Play sweetie fairy – This is great for little walkers. An adult sneaks ahead every so often and places sweets on the route, maybe on stump, rock or directly on the path. Toddlers and young children will find it exciting to search for and find the treats and will eagerly walk down path.
2) Collect interesting natural items like leaves, flowers, etc.
3) Play hide-and-seek along the trail
4) Hike with another family so the children get keep each other busy.

Keep in mind that hiking with children isn’t about getting from beginning to end. If you are flexible and focus on enjoying the walk and the time spent on the trail, everyone will have fun whether or not you you make it from point A to B. Just remember to make it an adventure the whole family will remember.

Hiking

Hiking with Kids: What to Pack?

by Editorial Staff

* This is the second in a series of posts about hiking with children. See the first “Where to Go” here.

So, you decided on a place to take your children hiking. The next question inevitably is “what to pack?” It might seem like a daunting task, but the key is to keep it simple. There are basic necessities you will need to bring along no matter the place or the distance. If you keep a list, you will always remember the basics and can add to them depending on where you are going and how long you will be gone.

Here is a list of the basics:
1) Map, compass and or GPS (purists would ditch the GPS).
2) Food – you will need a few snacks along the way. Make sure they are healthy and have protein and carbs. The classic GORP (good old raisins and peanuts) is always a favorite with my family. You can use dried fruit, soybeans, chocolate chips, seeds, granola or whatever your imagination conjures up that day.
3) Drink – water is best!
4) Sunblock
5) Hat, visor or sunglasses
6) Some extra clothes such as a sweat shirt, etc. if you will be gone a while. It is also wise to dress in layers if it is cool.
7) Basic first aid items/kit
8) Most importantly wear the correct shoes! A pair with sturdy soles that cover the entire foot such as sneakers or trail shoes are best. If you will be climbing rugged surfaces, hiking boots are a necessity (and make sure they fit properly).

Encourage your kids to carry their own stuff in a backpack if they are old enough. This will allow them to have control over when they need something from it. There is nothing more annoying for a kid (and the parent) then to have to constantly ask mom and dad for something. Plus, you can encourage them to pack a few items of their own to make the hike more interesting such as a collection bag, camera or magnifying glass. However, it would be wise to limit these items so you don’t end up carrying the bag if it gets to heavy for the child.

And there you have it! Now you have the quintessential list for summer hiking fun and just in time to take advantage National Park Service’s next fee-free weekend! The next one is scheduled for August 15-16, 2015. The Park Service is offering access to over 100 national parks that normally charge a fee. What a wonderful way for your kids to learn and appreciate the natural landscape of out country. It’s also a great way to have memorable family fun and save some money at the same time.

So now you know where you are going and you have your check list of what to pack. Now you just need some ideas on how to handle the inevitable ” I’m bored, when will we be done, etc.” comments. My next post will include some fun activities and tips on how you can keep kids motivated during the hike.

Hiking

Hiking with Kids: Where to Go

by Editorial Staff

Note: This is the first in a series of posts about hiking with children.

Hiking is a great way to introduce children to nature. Not only do the outdoors stimulate all the senses, it is great exercise (for grown ups too!). Going for a hike does not have to be a complicated activity, in fact, you and your kids can derive pleasure from just a simple walk in the woods. Go with your instincts and choose a place you think they will like. Try to think about it from their perspective – their sense of exploration and adventure.

The first “step” is to consider what places or trails are available to you. It might be a nearby park or forest, or maybe even a beach for nature center. The key is to choose a place that is easily accessible and nearby. You don’t want them to get bored on the way, nor do you want them to have trouble getting to the place where you plan to hike. Most importantly, be sure to involve them in the planning!

Hiking with kids always requires good planning. Below are some basic things to keep in mind as you decide where to go:
1) Consider their age – If your children are small enough, you can carry them in a specially designed backpack. If they are older, here are some pacing rules of thumb for children of varying ages (borrowed from Pine Mountain Trail Association): Children 2 to 4 years old can hike ½ to 2 miles on their own. They should stop every 10 to 15 minutes to rest. Children ages 5 to 7 can hike for 1 to 3 hours each day, covering 3 to 4 miles over easy terrain. Rest stops should come every 30 to 45 minutes. Eight and 9-year-olds can hike a full day at an easy pace, covering 5 to 6 miles over variable terrain.
2) Choose a place with varied terrain – For example, varied habitats, such as an area that changes from woods to meadows, are more interesting for kids than a flat field.
3) Don’t think too big – Do not expect to scale Mount Washington! Choose a place that is attainable so they (and you!) do not get discouraged. Climb a small hill or hike to a stream or pond.
4) Have a goal in mind – The top of that hill or the bank of the stream or pond are all great targets. It gives children something to think about on the way and they will look forward to it. Plus, they will feel a sense of reward when they reach their goal.
5) Make it challenging – Kids love to jump over streams, climb rocks and weave between trees. Find a place that offers challenges and you will not hear many complaints about boredom.
6) Make your hike into more than just a walk, make it and expedition. Plan to stop and look at things along the way, like a great view or a field of flowers. Point out interesting creatures and ask them questions about what they see.
7) Flexibility is key – Keep in mind that things may not go as planned. Your child may get tired sooner than you expect and many need to stop for a longer rest or an early lunch. They will also undoubtedly want to stop and investigate as they go.

If you take the time to plan before setting out, you will be prepared and your children will know what to expect. Good planning equals great times!

Be sure to check back for the next post in the series of Hiking with Kids. I will cover tips on what equipment and supplies to pack. Also, please comment and add any tips you have that I have not covered. Learning from others helps everyone!

Photo: FAMILY HIKING
© Rahela | Dreamstime.com

Tags: hiking, children, Mount Washington, terrain, backpack, Pine Mountain Trail Association, children, kids, nature

Research

8 Step Plan to Disconnect Your Kids from the…

by Jodi Valenta

“School’s out for summer!”
That notorious verse by Alice Cooper brings with it thoughts of all the possibilities 10 sunlit hours brings. Aside from no schedules, studying and homework, summer means many wonderful days of hanging out at home.

The Challenge of those Wonderful Long Summer Days

Along with the fun of summer comes a bit of angst for parents. There lies ahead the challenge of keeping the kids busy and fending off boredom and bickering while all the while resisting the urge to stare at screens. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that kids shouldn’t have any screen time. The challenge is how to fill it with more hours of the day doing something else, preferably outdoors. If you have a game plan for each day, it will be easier to keep the day full with fun, quality activities. As a result, children will reap the many benefits of spending time in nature, and you will be able to carve out some time for yourself in the process.

The Plan for Success

Turn it off – Yes, turn the damn thing off! Neither your children nor you need it. Do yourself and your family a favor and stop the constant glow. Create rules that limit them to a reasonable amount of time. This link can give you information to help you determine what amount of time is best for your family
Write a plan – Ok, now sit down and figure out what you want to do this summer. It’s not about all those projects you have been meaning to finish. It is about developing a family outdoor fun plan. List all the activities (camping, biking, hiking, swimming, picnicking, etc., etc.), you would like to do and all the places you would like to go and see.
Set goals – Determine how many activities and or/day trips you want to do each day or week
Develop a schedule – Put your goals into a daily schedule. This will help keep you focused and prevent the urge to turn on the TV or another screen. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your summer calendar will fill up once you start filling in the days. Plus, you and the kids will have something to look forward to all summer. ***Added bonus, your children will appreciate having a schedule as it will help thwart the boredom bug. Plus, they can help stick with the plan.
Be prepared – There are two ways to be prepared. First, you will hear the inevitable complaints about not wanting to do the planned activities for all the typical reasons (I don’t feel like it, it’s boring, so-and-so doesn’t have to do all this stupid stuff, I’m too tired, etc., etc.). If you are prepared for the complaints, you will be better able to ignore them. Second, if you have everything organized for the activity the night before, you’ll be ready to go and won’t waste time in the morning trying to prepare and then give up because you feel like it’s too late and there are other things you could be doing.
Let It Go – Don’t worry so much about what’s not getting done and try to remember that your children are only young once and that summer provides a precious opportunity to spend quality time with them. Plus, you will notice over time that because they have had exercise, were able to breathe fresh air, felt the freedom that being in nature brings, had your undivided attention for a solid block of time and, as my dad says, “had the stink blown off of them,” they will be more willing to play independently and give you some time to yourself.
Go Outside – Even if it is as simple as digging in the dirt, drawing with driveway chalk, or lying on a blanket in the yard and watching for and listening to the birds, just get out there!
Enjoy – Yes, enjoy all the benefits of connecting your kids to nature while creating wonderful family memories.

Are you with me?

Writer’s Note – Inevitably some of my reader’s will have the opinion that summer is a time to do away with schedules and take a break from the planning and scheduling. I do not disagree. However, planning to BE OUTSIDE is very different than planning for the school year and all the activities and expectations it brings. The purpose of my 8-Step Plan is to provide parents with a strategy for breaking the screen habit and creating a new, healthier one. Experts say it takes 21 days to break an old habit and adopt a new one, so this cannot be accomplished without a serious plan of attack. Once you do it, you will find you can ease up on the plan because being outside will become a normal part of your life.

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Quick & Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids

Hiking with Kids: How to Keep Them Motivated

Hiking with Kids: What to Pack?

Hiking with Kids: Where to Go

8 Step Plan to Disconnect Your Kids from the…

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