Out of the House and Into Nature!

Summer is in full swing and there is no better way to experience this beautiful season than to spend time outside with our families!  

If you are like me, you enjoy being outside and you would be thrilled if your kids loved it as much as you do.  For some kids, putting down that electronic device and getting into nature can seem equivalent to doing chores...and let's be honest, convincing them that it is a good idea can be a chore for us parents as well.  The good news is that's what I am here for! Today's post is full of ideas to get your children out of the house and into the dirt, sand, rocks, grass or whatever else they can safely explore in nature.  

Let's Go For a Nature Walk

Having a great time outside can be as easy as going on a simple nature walk!  I recently came across this fun blog that includes 100 Things to do Before, During or After a Nature Walk. 

The author, Jimmie, has created this list to help parents like you and me provide an experience for our children that will help expand their minds and encourage them to get outside!  The best part about her list is it includes a variety of fun and easy ideas. 

Her list includes things like:

• Construct a pond viewer with instruction on how to do so

• Create and use a scavenger hunt list while on your walk

• Build a fort

• Make fairy homes like this

• Look at things through a magnifying glass

• Make and wear a nature bracelet

• Imagine and tell stories using mythical creatures that could inhabit your forest

Click here to read all of Jimmie's ideas for creating a fun and engaging nature walk experience for you and your children!

Find a Trail

A friend recently recommended an amazing app that I will be using over and over again this summer.  It is the All Trails app.  Have you heard of it?  Have you used it?  Are you as excited as I am to discover new trails in our beautiful area?  I can't wait to use this app all summer!  Let me tell you a little about it and then hurry over and get it so you and your children can get out and discover a new trail!  

This app gives you a list of trails in your area no matter where you are!  You can see maps, read reviews, look at pictures, difficulty levels, trail lengths and rating.  You will know exactly where you are taking your children to explore.  You can even turn on your GPS and follow your trail so you and the kids don't get lost.  So cool!!  There is also a website so you can access information to trails on your computer as well!

Here are some trails I found in the Ogden area that you and your kids may love to explore!

Gibbs Trail

4.3 miles 

Gibbs Trail is an out and back trail near Ogden, Utah.  It is filled with beautiful wild flowers and is easy enough for all skill levels.  Dogs are allowed which can make this activity even more fun if you bring your dog along!  Check out more details about Gibbs Trail here.

Waterfall Canyon

2.5 miles

Who doesn't love a waterfall? Waterfall canyon has a little bit of a climb but if you go slow your kids should make it up just fine.  There are some flat trails at the base of this trail where they can explore before or after you hike to the top!  This is a fun trail for the whole family with a great views and a beautiful waterfall.  Click here to learn more about this beautiful trail.

Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area

4.2 miles

If you live out west or are looking for an easy and flat trail you could check out this fun place! It is primarily used for nature walking, canoeing and bird watching.  The only downside is there aren't trees that offer shade so bring a lot of water and I recommend going during the cooler time of the day. To see more photos, read reviews and find a map click here!

Bonneville Shoreline Trail

11 miles 

(make it as short or long as you want)

Before you count this trail out because of how long it is just hear me out!  This trail is amazing.  It is an easy trail and you have beautiful views the entire time.  It is kid friendly and you may even find wildflowers along the way.  Make this trail as short or as long as you would like. Here is a link to more information on this trail!

Some of the best trails are off the beaten path.  Your kids may love exploring in the field in your back yard or even at the park.  The most important thing is that they EXPLORE and get out in nature this summer!

What trails do you and your family love?  Which activity did you try with your kids and was it successful?  Comment below and share to receive a free Contigo water bottle!  Happy trails!!

Sincerely,

Shalyse