Fun With Nature

Exploring the Great Outdoors

By Kendeyl Johansen

Tired of hearing "Mom, I'm bored"? Take your kids outdoors and prove their world is far from boring!

"Respect for nature ties into respect for ourselves. We utilize nature as a learning tool," says Craig Merry, director of the Norwegian Outdoor Exploration Center in Park City, Utah. Merry encourages families to go outdoors and explore. "Go on a nature walk and examine different flowers and plants. Look for animals or signs of animals, like their tracks. Listen for animal sounds. Watch birds fly. Study insects. And don't forget to discuss what you see and to enjoy each other."

The Norwegian Outdoor Exploration Center offers adults and kids age 5 and older a heady taste of "friluftsliv" living your life with nature and enjoying what comes naturally. Popular activities include river rafting (thrilled 5-year-olds wear helmets and paddle with their own oar), wildflower hikes, spelunking and animal tracking. But simple activities, such as a nature walks, also can be exciting. Tom Cammermeyer, owner of the Norwegian Center, encourages observation. He's often overheard saying, "Slow down and enjoy the journey."

Take your preschooler outside and show him an ant colony. "My son and I have been known to sit on the sidewalk watching carpenter ants excavating a tree or a spider wrapping up dinner," says Margherita Cappelli of Rhode Island.

Exploring the outdoors brings families closer together. "We go hiking with our four boys. It's good for us to get out away from the TV, computer, phone, etc.," says Carrie Smith of New Hampshire. "It's something great to do as a family."

Want to see more?

• Books are wonderful tools to help introduce nature to your child. Read some reviews of great nature books here.
• How Does Your Garden Grow?
• Thanksgiving Fun: Turn A Nature Walk into Art!
• Indoor Gardening: Bring the Fun Inside
• Springing Free: Outdoor Activities to Share with Your Toddler
• Talk about it!