If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I help my child explore and get more comfortable in the outdoors?” or are simply looking for simple ways to build their excitement and curiosity about nature, you’ve come to the right place!
Below take a look at all of the different ways you can inspire your kids to explore, notice, and ask questions about the world around them this month.
All of these activities can be done somewhere outdoors near you, such as your backyard or neighborhood park, although the more wild the place, the better!
Nature is full of vibrant colors, and summertime is the best time to see all of them! Use your keen eyesight to try and find all of the colors of the rainbow on your hike. Be sure to look up, down, and all around you. Try to find a new color as high in the sky and as low to the ground as you can see.
A pollinator carries pollen from one flower to another to help seeds grow, and there are many different kinds including bees, beetles, flies, wasps, butterflies, and even hummingbirds and bats! What pollinators can you spot on your hike?
There are many living beings that call natural areas like the park and even our backyard home. What animals live here? Can you find any animal homes? Remember, this is someone's home. Think about how you want people to act in your room or house, and to observe these areas respectfully.
Summer is the time many flowers and plants flourish. Be on the lookout for tons of different flowers or plants you can see. How many different shaped and different colored flowers can you find on your hike?
Children (especially very young children) who spend more time learning outdoors have increased self-discipline and emotional well-being than those with little, or reduced, time in nature. Learn more about the benefits of engaging your child outdoors from the Children & Nature Network.
Get a full year of free access to all Pottawattamie County parks.
Become a member of the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation