Kids these days, am I right? Are you finding your children too connected to the screen? Is their skin really pale, are their eyes glossy or do they hiss when you turn the lights on during their 23rd hour of straight gaming? Consider taking them outside, a bit of sun is healthy (it provides vitamin D). The children of this generation will inherit the planet, so why not get them excited about it? Here are six simple ways to get your kids more involved with their natural world, and you can tag along for some good old fashioned family bonding.
1. Pack up the car, and take your kids for a day hike in the mountains.
Read up on the area before so you can point out plants and historical areas on your hike. Talk to the rangers if you are headed to a state or national park! They have a wonderful Junior Ranger program that includes a passport (each park gives out a stamp).
2. Start a garden!
This is something Mom and I have done since I was little and honestly, I cannot thank her enough. It kick-started my interest in nature. Your kids will marvel as their seeds grow into flowers, or your tomato plants start to fruit. Gardening teaches children the importance of being responsible and self-sufficient.
3. Spend a day tubing or kayaking.
Your kids will love floating down the river, and you can breathe easy too. Pack a lunch (be sure it’s in a waterproof bag) and plenty of sunscreen! Both the Broad River Outpost and Cool River Tubing offer trips that can range from a few hours to an all-day event so plan accordingly
4. Take your children to the Botanical Gardens.
While you’re wandering around, you can point out cool plants to your kids. Georgia has 3 unique gardens: the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia (this is run by UGA and thrives on donations) and the Gainesville Botanical Garden.
Both the Atlanta and Gainesville Gardens have botanical artwork incorporated into their designs, so it’s appealing for the whole family. You can teach them ways to identify common plants, and maybe learn some new ones while you’re there!
5. Volunteer with your children!
Help clean up a creek, maintain a trail or weed a garden. The National Park Service can always use passionate young people to care for our parks, and local communities never turn away free help. This is a wonderful way to teach your kids stewardship, after all, the planet is theirs to inherit.
6. Go camping with your family.
There's nothing like cooking your dinner over a campfire, sleeping under the stars and waking up with the sun. Camping is a bonding experience with the great outdoors and is fun for the entire clan. Pack some games and bring the binoculars!
