There is an endless amount of fun activities to enjoy in a nature park. You’re only limited by your perspective, creativity, and preparation. The last thing you want is to miss out on a memorable adventure because you forgot something, or to plow ahead without proper equipment and ruin the experience because you weren’t prepared.
Here is a list of five things to bring to your next trip to the nature park.
Net
Whether your kids are looking for bugs, fish or stream creatures, it will be a lot easier to catch something with a net. It is a great way to avoid being stung or bit by bugs that you didn’t expect to do so and this allows you to let your children do the catching. Make sure it is a closely knit mesh, other wise creatures and slip through. Look up the creatures that you catch on your phone and identify them if you don’t already know.
Sealable clear container
If your kids are catching anything, they are going to want to keep it. Bring a water bottle or some type of see through sealable container full of water for drinking and once it’s empty, store bugs or other creatures in it on the hike out. If you catch any creek creature it is a good idea to let them go, as they will stink as soon as the water gets warmer. They won’t survive. They are used to moving water.
Flash lights
You never know when you’re going to find a cave to explore. If you aren’t afraid of such things and you don’t plan on going to deep, bring a flashlight for each person. The kids will probably want flashlights of their own, so they can shine them on thing they find interesting, and it will make them feel safer.
Food to feed animals
Kids love feeding animals, it is a great way to spend time and teach children about nature, but it is important to know what types of foods to feed them and which animals to feed. For instance, don’t feed the bears. Geese should not eat bread, but if you plan ahead, oats or bird feed are great treats for ducks and geese. Squirrels and chipmunks love eating nuts and fruit, so bring some trail mix, and let your kids feed
Sandals
If your going to a nature park with a stream bed, pack some cheap foam flip flops in your backpack. They fit easy into a back pack and are easy to clean and dry off. Your feet and children will thank you, and they are light and easy to pack in. Then you can play in the water in comfort to keep cool, catch crawfish, or make little homemade boats, and watch them float down stream.
