I must admit that I am a bit envious of my fellow nature lovers and outdoorsy families who live next to pristine nature preserves on the outskirts of breathtaking national parks, but alas, that is not the geographical landscape we live in here in Los Angeles. We live smack dab in the middle of a sprawling urban city and so, we must be creative and determined in our hunt for outdoor adventure. Here is a guest post I wrote for Linda at Rain or Shine Mamma, which details seven of our family's most favorite outdoor urban activities, designed to you get you and your kids outside and into nature!
Adventures in Urban Hiking
Hiking in an urban setting can mean something as simple as stepping foot outside your door and making the decision to turn left or right. You'd be surprised how much there is to discover and learn with your children, just by making a trip around the block. Gather items like rocks, seed pods, berries and leaves to use as tools for teaching how varied leaf textures can be or to open a discussion on the difference between metamorphic and sedentary rock formations.
Urban hiking is a great way to start if you're a novice because it's easy. Let's face it, you're never too far from a restaurant or a store, so no need to buy a grappling hook or expensive high tech hiking boots. Just pack a light lunch, some water and use it as a way to take in the sights, study the surrounding architecture and reflect on the distinctions of the enveloping sounds. Better yet, on a nice warm evening, adventure out on a nighttime walk and allow your child to examine how differently the world seems when the sun goes down.
This is such a sweet post I love that no matter where you are you make use of the beautiful environment around you. What great family time! Thank you for sharing this post with us at the Countdown in Style Link Up.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you are finding things to do right outside your door. We have just decided to stay in town instead of a hotel making it a staycation. We will probably get to utilize some of these things this week! Thanks for sharing with Countdown in Style.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. There is so much out there in nature. What I love about homeschooling is that I will be able to take my kids right out there and teach them and we won't be confined to being in a classroom. Thanks so much for sharing these possibilities with us at Countdown in Style!
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