May 15, 2012
Getting Started - Tips for Successful Outings
Ideas for fun on the trail
- My 2-year-old loves throwing rocks in the water, especially off bridges. If your kids haven't discovered this yet, it is 10-15 minutes of non-stop concentrated fun activity. A bridge, stream, pond or puddle all work.
- I try to point out birds and what kind of birds they are (I'm not much of a bird-watcher). Occasionally we can see into ponds and streams with fish, which he also enjoys seeing.
- In Maine we have a tradition of "fairy houses" which one will find along the trail in places. Kids make small shelters (4-12 inches high typically) out of the natural materials in the immediate vicinity.
Discussion:
Oh yes, fairy houses. I first encountered them on Baker's Island in Acadia National Park. There is a trail through the center of the island, and usually you can find 15 or 20 fairy houses there. My kids have spent many hours examining existing fairy houses and making there own. I must say however, in a high density fairy home area, I think it is important to discourage the use of moss as a roofing material.
05/17/2012 01:59 PM
Beyond those mentioned, we've found another highly popular activity for both our 2-year old and 6 year old boys when on the trail is making sure we plan a walk or trip that includes a stream, river, or other interesting water feature as part of our route. You've likely got a winner in terms of interest and engagement especially on those hot days of summer. I don't know how many times we've gotten to the next stopping point on our outdoor adventure by discovering another water feature to be explored just around the bend to the calls of 'Mommy, Daddy, I can hear a stream ahead!'
05/31/2012 06:00 AM
Yes, I want to receive expert advice on getting my family outside!
Tip of the Day
Devise a local treasure hunt with a hand-made map, or practice your more formal map and compass or GPS skills.
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