There’s still plenty of summer left and with many activities and summer camps cancelled, families face the challenge of coming up with more ways to engage their children through the warmer months. Perhaps you are feeling the same way? Whether you have children or not, you may find something on this list that will spark some new outdoor explorations.
National moth night was July 18th-26th but, really, it’s a fun activity to do during any summer night. Never heard of having a moth night? Check out National Moth Week’s website for how-to’s. You might be surprised to find out how many different types of moths visit your yard!
Moth night resources:
Many campgrounds are open but you don’t need to go far to have a fun campout experience. The Great American Campout offers lots of ideas for indoor and backyard camping. You’ll also find recipes, ideas for bringing the outdoors in, gear checklists and more. Grab your supplies and head out to your yard.
Camping resources:
- Camping activity book for families
- The pocket guide to camping
- Outdoors with kids Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont
- Kids’ guide to camping : all you need to know about having fun in the outdoors
- Camp out! : the ultimate kids’ guide, from the backyard to the backwoods
Have you ever been pond dipping? There’s so much life in the water- some of it easy to observe, some you can see only with a microscope. Kids especially will be intrigued with what they find and will get a thrill from identifying the various critters. Watch out for those toe biters!
Pond life resources:
- Field book of ponds and streams
- Pond life
- Over and under the pond
- Woodland Trust website: How to pond dip
Go on a wildflower hunt. Create your own scavenger hunt like this one, bring along a field guide and identify them as you see them or, take photos and identify them later. These guides will assist you:
Create a sound map. What is a sound map? It’s very simple and can be done anywhere. All you need is a place to sit comfortably outside, a piece of paper, and something to write with. You’ll find all the information you need here. You can be as general as you’d like (“bird song”) or be more specific (“a black-capped chickadee singing”). It’s also interesting to separate man-made noises from the sounds of nature. This is an easy and engaging way to tune into your surroundings and connect with nature.
Have you ever tried your hand at building a shelter? Why not gather a couple of your favorite people and have a go? It’s a helpful skill to have and you’ll be left with a neat place to hang out and read a book whenever you could use a little alone time.
Shelter building resources:
Getting outside, especially being active outside, is a great way to stay healthy. If you’re looking for new places to explore, these sites have just the place:
Be sure to follow safety guidelines when enjoying outdoor activities. The Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust has some good information here.
And here at the Topsham Public Library, be sure to stop by our Dahlov Ipcar story walk! Outside time, movement and story – a great combination!
Wishing you good health. Until next time, stay curious and get outside to notice nature!