"A nighttime hike gives kids a sense of adventure and mystery."
— Richard Louv
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| The weather’s still nice and it’s an ideal time to play outside with the kids. Why not help them develop an appreciation for the environment at the same time? Here are four fresh, fun activities to get your family outdoors this weekend.
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1. Discover a hidden universe.
In his national bestseller, "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder," author Richard Louv writes, "Nature inspires creativity in a child by demanding visualization and the full use of the senses." To help you inspire your child, he offers this suggestion: Find a scrap board and place it on bare dirt. Come back in a day or two, lift the board and see how many species have found shelter there. From centipedes to roly-polys, identify these creatures with the help of a field guide (a book that can help your family identify plants, insects and other wildlife. Check your local library for field guides specific to your region.) Return to this hidden universe once a month, lift the board and discover what's new.
2. Take a night hike.
Night hikes offer a wholly different experience for the senses. Listen for owls, watch for bats and wonder at the stars. "A nighttime hike gives kids a sense of adventure and mystery," says Louv. Even the sound of a stick snapping underfoot can be exciting at night. Try woods near your house or a state park that allows overnight camping.
3. Create a "wonder bowl."
Does your young child come home with pockets filled with fossils, stones, sticks and other "treasures"? Make a space for these goodies at home using a clear bowl (like a fishbowl) in which your child can display his or her treasures. Take a nature walk together and come home with goodies for the wonder bowl. You can also use your field guide or a tree book to identify the treasures within.
4. Collect a spiderweb.
In his book "The Kids’ Guide to Nature Adventures," author Joe Rhatigan offers a way for kids to get a really good look at a spiderweb. Find a good web and make sure its maker isn’t home. Spray the web with white paint or whatever color you have on hand, then spray a sheet of black construction paper or a board with adhesive. Quickly press the paper to the web (being careful not to tear it) and cut the threads supporting the web. If you want, spray the web and paper with a coat of spray acrylic sealer. Inspecting the intricacies of the web up close may increase your children’s appreciation for the marvels of the natural world.
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