Summer Vacation’s Last Stand

Another summer vacation is coming to a close; soon Iowa’s school children will be trading in swimsuits and flip-flops for backpacks and new sneakers. Make the most of the last few weeks of summer vacation by getting outside with your family!

Things to do to get outside:

• Hiking
• Fishing
• Take a picnic to a local park
• Stargazing in your backyard
• Camping
• Explore your local creek
• Bird watching on a bike trail

Take a Closer Look at Hiking with Children:

Make it fun!

• Bring a magnifying glass to examine interesting “finds” closely.
• Bring a notebook and pencil to record what you find and your experiences.Make nature bracelets - wrap clear packing tape (sticky side out) around everyone’s wrists. Stick cool things you find to them as you walk (leaves, flower petals, etc).
• Create a scavenger hunt so your hike has a mission.
• Take turns being the “leader”.
• Bring along nature guides to look up things you find (birds, leaves, etc) and/or download a nature app on your phone.
• Take a “water hike” down a shallow stream, or take a “night hike” after dark – kids will love the unusual aspect of it!
• Bring a camera and record your trip!

Preparation

• Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable cotton socks.
• Wear layers.
• Bring a backpack with:

            o   First aid kit
            o   Water
            o  Snacks
            o  Bug spray & sun block
            o  Compass and flashlight

Considerations

• Consider elevation – a level elevation will be easier for younger children to hike.
• Distance – a child should be able to hike ½ mile per year of age. For example, a 3 year old should be able to hike 1.5 miles. Keep in mind that young children will walk at a slower pace so plan accordingly.
• Loop trails are more interesting than walking a trail and turning around and walking back.
• Have a destination in mind (a pond or other point of interest along the way).
• Keep it simple – check your local park or city for bike trails and walking trails.

Hit the Trail: Ideas for Family Hiking

http://www.parents.com/fun/activities/outdoor/hit-the-trail/#page=1

Hiking Book list

Arnosky, J. 1998. Animal Tracker. Random House Value Publishing, Inc.
Arnosky, J. 1997. Bird Watcher. Random House Children's Books.
Arnosky, J. 1997. Bug Hunter. Random House Children's Books.
Arnosky, J. 1993. Crinkleroot's Guide to Walking in Wild Places. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Boring, M. 1999. Fun with Nature. T&N Children's Publishing.
Boring, M. and L. Evert. 2001. More Fun with Nature. Northword Press.
Cole, H. 1998. I Took A Walk. HarperCollins Publishers.
Fredericks, A.D. 2001. Under One Rock: Bugs, Slugs and Other Ughs. Dawn Publications.
Griffin, S. A. and E. M. Griffin. Hiking for Kids: A Family Hiking Guide. T&N Children's Publishing.
Hines, A. G. 1994. What Joe Saw. HarperCollins Publishers.
Quattlebaum, M. and L. J. Bryant. 2013. Jo MacDonald Hiked in the Woods. Dawn Publications.
Radlauer, R. S. and E. A. McCully. 2007. Molly Goes Hiking. Aladdin.
Ross, M.E. 1993. World of Small: Nature Explorations with a Hand Lens. Yosemite Association.
Rotner, S. and K. Kreisler. 1992. Nature Spy. Atheneum.
Woolf, C. M. 2008. My First Hike. Dawn Publications.