Fall is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy. The weather is cooler. The leaves are beginning to change color. Appropriately, today marks the start of Take a Child Outside Week. It’s an initiative by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and occurs annually September 24th – 30th.
Looking to get outside with your kids and want ideas of things to do? Here are a few of our favorite outdoor activities:
Take a Hike
Hikes don’t have to be long or difficult. Find paved paths or greenways nearby to stroll along. Check local trail maps to find some shorter paths to try with your kids. I bring along our toddler carrier on these adventures just in case our 2 year old’s legs get tired.
Go Geocaching
Geocaching is a great way to get the entire family outside. My son used to call it “treasure hunting” and it sort of is. If you don’t already have an account, sign up for free at geocaching.com and download the free app. Then start finding geocaches hidden in your area.
One quick tip: use the website and read up on some before taking kids. It’s good to know you are searching for one that has been recently located and not spending all day searching for one that may have been missing for the last 6 months.
Explore a new Park
Find a new park in your area to visit. Spend time at the playground, shoot hoops, have a picnic, or take advantage of another amenity available there. Also check to see if your local park is offering special activities for Take a Child Outside week.
Play in the Backyard
This might seem pretty basic, but being outside can be as simple as playing in your own yard. Kick around a ball, play on the swing set, ride a bike in the driveway, blow bubbles, etc.
Scavenger Hunt
Try a nature scavenger hunt! You can do this in a park, on a greenway, or even in your own backyard. Try the same list at various locations to see what different items you can find.
What’s your favorite outdoor activity to do with your kids?
This is not a sponsored post. We simply enjoy being outside exploring with our kids and appreciate this great idea by our local museum.
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