subject: Creating Precious Moments In Nature [print this page] There are many special things that can be learned and experienced in nature. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are planning a family walk.
Going on a family hike can be a lot of fun. It can be an activity where the children will learn to appreciate nature.
You may also become closer as a family and get to know each other better. Besides, it's a great excuse to avoid the chores and enjoy some more sun!
Depending on the age of your family, you may want to hike on the local city path through town or you may want to take on a mountain. If you are going for the first time as a family, it is a good idea to select a fairly easy, but beautiful trail to see how everyone holds up.
If your family is older and that trail did not seem challenging enough, you may want to increase the difficulty of the next family hike. Selecting the right kind of route is one of the most important things of going on a family hike.
Let your children become involved in the choice. You may be surprised to find out what they prefer.
For example, your oldest son may prefer hiking in red rock, your little daughter in flower fields, and your other boy through town. They will also be able to give you input about whether or not the last hike was challenging enough and worthwhile.
You will need to consider what you will see on different routes, whether there are good rest points, how crowded the trail is, and so forth. Do some online research on your route and read the reviews of other hikers on the route.
This will help you know what to expect when you are selecting a route. You should not settle on anything that is more challenging that your youngest child can handle.
When you arrive, ask the rangers whether there are any potential dangers on the trail ahead so you can be prepared for what you are going to meet. Be sure to watch out for new types of plants and animals to point out to your children as well.
It is very important that you try to make hiking fun for your children when they get tired or they will never want to do it again. About half way or three quarters along, you should have a rest planned.
Be sure to bring water and snacks for your kids to fuel up on. There are some great camping recipes for snacks that taste absolutely wonderful in nature.
If you have younger children, you may want to plan a shorter hike with longer stops. On these stops you may want to bring a Frisbee or ball to entertain them with.
When you leave your rest point, be sure to pick up all of the trash you may have accidentally dropped. You can also spark interest in the surroundings by asking your children to look out for good rocks, sticks, and pine cones.
Tell them that they will be able to use these items in craft projects later that day or the next. There are many different craft ideas for things found in nature that can be found online.
Some of them are really cute, but really simple and are perfect for children. Many of them also inspire them to go out in nature again and to fully appreciate it.
For example, you can make a Pine Cone Bird Feeder which will draw your children to learn about different kinds of birds. Of course, this only works if you are walking through a city park.
National Parks are legally protected and you are not supposed to take anything from them. You are supposed to leave everything exactly as you found it.
You can also play games such as seeing how many of a certain animal or flower each person can find. Some families enjoy singing songs together.
There are many camp songs that are fun to sing and very lively. If you have a tired little one, this may be just the thing to cheer him or her up.
Be sure to take your digital camera along so you can document your adventures. Let your children take pictures of things they find too.
Later, print them off and let your child make a handmade scrapbook or storyboard using the pictures. Have him or her draw pictures, cut, and glue to make it pretty and attractive.
If you do not have a digital camera, even a disposable camera is a good idea. You do not want to forget all of the precious moments that you are creating now.
