Are you tired of being cooped up inside this winter? Then bundle up and head outside to enjoy the great outdoors! Plan a walk with your family or friends and make it extra fun by creating exciting stops along the way.
Step 1: Scout a route
Pick a place you want to explore. This can be a forest preserve, a local park or even your own neighborhood. Are you excited about getting out into the woods? Do you love checking out a river path? It doesn’t have to be long or far away — just outside.
Step 2: Plan activities
Come up with three to six activities you want to do along your route. If you’re hiking in the woods, plan a bark or leaf rubbing. Or play Simon Says, nature style. Here are some ideas: Simon says stand like a willow tree. Simon says fly like a bat.
Create a scavenger hunt of things you’re likely to see on a walk, like moss, a hole in a tree or a squirrel’s nest. Plan on stopping to make a snowman or snow angels. Use your imagination!
Step 3: Gather and pack supplies
For some activities you come up with, the only thing you’ll need is you. However, if you want to do a leaf rubbing, you’ll need to remember to bring peeled crayons and paper. Pack everything in a backpack so your hands are free to enjoy the hike. Add some extra exploration tools like binoculars, a magnifying glass or journals for sketching.
Step 4: Forward march!
Now that you’ve gathered supplies and your friends and family, you're ready to hike. Stop along the route to do your activities. Most of all, have fun!
Want some more guidance? The Forest Preserve District is here to help! We have two upcoming Family Fun Hikes: from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, February 29, at O’Hara Woods Preserve in Romeoville and from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve in Plainfield. Registration is required for both programs.
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