With electronics always within arms’ reach it’s sometimes hard to encourage kids to get out and be active.
Adventure walks are just that - a simple and inexpensive way to turn an ordinary walk with your family into a fun way to disconnect from tech and reconnect with nature. The walks can take place anywhere; in your neighbourhood, at a local park, or you can drive to an area with trails and go for a hike.
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The adventure twist is that you tell your kids you’re going for a walk but don’t tell them where you’re going.
To help make your walk a success, ensure every family member is wearing comfortable walking shoes, weather appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and each of you has water. Nothing can ruin a walk faster than sore feet and a parched mouth.
Now that you’re ready to go, check out these fun activities to help your kids get back to nature.
Items To Have On Hand:
Plastic Bags
Paper
Crayons
Magnifying Glass
Camera (optional)
Have your kids use the magnifying glass to inspect the trunk of a tree. Look for cracks in the bark to see if they can spot any bugs hiding.
After they’ve inspected the bark, use the crayons and paper to do a rubbing. Simply place the paper against the trunk and rub the crayon over top until the bark pattern appears. Have them do this with different species of trees and compare rubbings to see if there is a difference in the bark.
As you walk, have your children collect different varieties of leaves (and place them into the plastic bag). At home, make arrangements and put the paper overtop and rub with a crayon. Use different leaves and colours to create unique pictures.
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Pressed flowers and leaves are a beautiful way to preserve nature and can be used to create unique crafts– from everything from bookmarks to note cards.
Have your children collect leaves and flowers that are dry but not wilted. At home find a large book, open to the centre, and place a piece newspaper over the open pages. Place a piece of tissue paper on top of the newspaper then place the flowers/leaves on top of the tissue paper. Cover the flowers/leaves with another piece of tissue paper then fold the newspaper over top. Close the book and place another book or heavy object on top (a heavy rock or brick works well). Within two to four weeks you’ll have beautifully pressed plants.
It’s time to stop talking the talk and start walking the active walk. Make today the day you have an amazing adventure with your kids!
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