Tips for Exploring Nature with Your Kids from the Metroparks – Cabin Fever Cures – Tips on Exploring Nature in the Winter from our Friends at the Metroparks. This winter, check out these chilly-weather tips from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
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Tips for Exploring Nature with Your Kids
Let’s face it – the cold weather that comes with winter can make staying inside really tempting. But if we hunker down all season long, we miss out on so much of what nature has to offer. Fresh air, open space and yes — a magical cure for your kids’ cabin fever. Plus, getting outdoors is great for your mental and physical health (because moms deserve that boost, too). To help you prep for your next trip to the great outdoors — or just your local park — this winter, check out these chilly-weather tips from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
Tips for Exploring Nature with Your Kids – Tip 1 – Bundle Up
This one’s obvious, but definitely the most important for keeping your family safe and extending your time outside. When in doubt, over-layer! If it’s colder than expected, you’re already prepared — and your kids can peel off layers the moment they start sprinting around. Make sure your outer layers are both insulating and water-resistant. And if you’ll be exploring the nature trails, proper footwear is a must to avoid slipping on snow or ice and to keep moisture out. Frozen toes make for zero fun — trust us.
Tips for Exploring Nature with Your Kids – Tip 2 – Stay on the Trails & Keep your Distance
This tip applies all year long. Hike-Bike Trails are salted and cleared throughout the season, giving you a safe, steady path. Nature trails aren’t cleared, but they are well-marked and the best option for exploring those areas while protecting the surrounding habitat.
Speaking of habitat — winter is actually an awesome time for wildlife watching. With the leaves gone, many favorite woodland creatures are much easier to spot. If you do see one of our furry or feathered friends, remind the kiddos to admire from a distance. Some animals, especially at places like Kensington, are used to seeing humans and might wander a little closer than expected. But we always want to avoid feeding wildlife, especially in winter when it may seem helpful but can actually cause harm. The Metroparks have a full list of reasons why feeding animals is a no-go.
Tips for Exploring Nature with Your Kids – Tip 3 – Plan a Shorter Hike
If temps are especially frigid, you don’t have to stay out long to soak up some fresh air. Many Metroparks nature trails have short loops near the nature centers or short cuts that let you choose your own adventure. You can still enjoy the outdoors while keeping cold exposure brief. Check out the Metroparks website for trail maps and pick the perfect one for your crew.
Tips for Exploring Nature with Your Kids – Tip 4 – Keep It Moving
The more you move, the warmer you stay. If everyone starts to feel that winter chill creeping in, throw in a quick dance break or a silly movement challenge. It gets the blood pumping — and usually gets some giggles going, too.
Tips for Exploring Nature with Your Kids – Tip 5 – Create a Game to Keep the Kids Engaged
Sometimes keeping kids focused on a winter hike is half the battle. Turning your walk into a game can make all the difference. Try “I Spy,” look for animal tracks, or play the alphabet game. Anything that keeps them noticing nature (and maybe forgetting how cold it is) is a win.
Tips for Exploring Nature with Your Kids – Tip 6 – Warm Up at the Nature Center
Your adventure doesn’t have to end when you step off the trail. Pop into any Metroparks Nature Center to warm up, meet live animals, explore hands-on displays and learn about the world around us. If your kids spotted something interesting and have questions — or you have questions of your own — the interpreters on site are happy to help. Nature centers can be found in or near Oakland County at Kensington Metropark, Indian Springs Metropark and Stony Creek Metropark or if you’re up for a little drive, Interpretive Centers are also located at Hudson Mills, Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, Oakwoods and Wolcott Mill Metroparks.
So while the indoors are warm and cozy, we hope these tips help you bundle up, head out and explore the beauty of nature — in every season.
For more awesome Exploring Nature with Your Kids at the Metroparks Tips, visit metroparks.com.
