State & Local Parks
a natural resource for learning
Growing up in Florida, it is easy to take for granted the beauty and the mild weather that allows us to enjoy the outdoors year round. As a child going to parks, camping and walking Florida backwoods trails were intriguing adventures, as I was a tag-a-long to my grandfather’s love of the outdoors and long afternoon rides. I was taught to look, listen, and not be afraid to get dirty. As an adult, I remain amazed at how much there is to learn about nature. A whole new adventure has begun as I now learn alongside my boys in the great outdoors.
State and local parks provide wonderful experiential opportunities for everyone. Parks are more than picnic areas and swimming spots. I took a look at the reason a particular park was developed and historical landmarks. I found that you can use them to touch on just about every subject of learning and across multiple age groups. While my little one is frolicking in the leaves, my older son can identify birds and trees, or learn about an important historical era. So, with a $5 entrance fee and a library card, you can take your education outdoors!
Park rangers are valuable resources. Most have a background in education, blending a love of teaching with wonders of the outdoors. We found them more than happy to share their knowledge. Most parks offer a Jr. Ranger program. My children have earned patches or pins after completing a short, hands-on course about the park. You could create your own reward system for each park you visit. State parks also offer a passport to stamp at each park you visit.
Examples of subject areas to explore are Blue Spring in Orange City, FL It is famous for their manatee. The family living there in the late 1800’s began the development of the orange grove industry and steamboat trade. Another subject is pond life at Katie’s Landing in Sanford, FL. Bring a bucket, net and additional library books for a fun adventure with tadpoles. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is my all time favorite in any season. The historic bike trails of the Virginia Creeper is a day well spent in awe of history and natural beauty. What discoveries will you make in your state?
All of our states offer rich outdoor learning and the exploration of new things. I encourage you to take one step at a time. Pick a park close to you. Pack a picnic. When you arrive go for a walk on a trail, go for an afternoon swim in a spring. The education your children will soak up in an outdoor environment will amaze you.
Here is your challenge for the first week.
- Print out the Parks Challenge worksheet and work on the questions to get you geared up to visit nearby parks.
- Print out the At The Park Challenge worksheet and take it with you on your first expedition. It will help you notice your surroundings and notice what you may not see.
- Use the Animal Tracks pages to challenge you to find more information about animals.