11 Best Places to Explore Nature with Grandchildren
Big elaborate trips aren’t the only way to have fun and create lasting memories with your grandchildren. You can do those things by just simply getting outside. Engaging in nature-focused activities is an easy, enjoyable way to step outdoors, have fun, and perhaps even learn something new! So, pack your favorite sunscreen and a snack or two, and get ready to learn more about some of the best places to explore nature with your grandchildren. From grand adventures to local options, this list has them all!
The Beach
Sun, sand, and surf. If you’re like me, there’s almost nothing better out there. Beach vacations are great for water play like swimming, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding. But they’re also great for learning about nature. Activities like exploring tide pools and building sandcastles are perfect teaching moments. Even walks along the beach, looking for wildlife and shells, can help your grandkids learn more about the world around them. There are so many beach options out there, as well! Many lakes have a beachfront, and even some rivers. So, don’t fret if you don’t have access to the ocean.
Dude Ranches
A dude ranch vacation can allow you to experience the great outdoors on horseback. The website duderanch.org is a great place to start looking to find the perfect ranch to match your wants and needs. This adventure will renew your appreciation of nature, family, and friends! Surrounded by good riding, good food, and family, you’ll leave with peace and contentment in your heart. Experience the wind in your face and the millions of stars that bedeck the night sky. With activities ranging from canoeing, archery, and river rafting to yoga, zip-lining, and spa treatments, there’s no shortage of fun to be had! Of course, you can always explore the great outdoors while horseback riding.
Camping
If it’s a great outdoors and more affordable adventure you’re seeking, you can’t beat a good old-fashioned camping trip! Whether it’s tent camping, cabin camping, or RV camping, spending time in nature is revitalizing for campers of all ages. From fishing, hiking and just exploring the great outdoors, you can’t beat the experience that camping provides. Of course, you’ll have to roast a hot dog and make a s’more or two! New to camping? Don’t worry! There are so many websites, blogs, and social media accounts dedicated to teaching and sharing camping tips and tricks! Dive on in and get ready for one exciting and memorable adventure!
Visit a Farm
With USDA grants’ help in 2011, Scottie Jones, the owner of the Leaping Lamb Farm in Oregon, launched the website farmstayus.com. This helpful website connects travelers with farmers and ranchers for farm stay-style vacations all over the United States. The directory lists working farms and ranches where nature lovers can experience firsthand where our food comes from and what it takes to run a farm. These unique experiences are great for the whole family and encourage everyone to put their electronics down, do some hard work, and most importantly, have fun doing it. Check out the website to see if there are any farms near you for a day trip or even a unique vacation experience!
The Mountains
Just because it’s a little cold doesn’t mean you can’t go and explore the great outdoors! Snow-filled vacations (or staycations, depending on where you live) in the mountain peaks provide outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of ways to play. Downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing in the great wintry outdoors are all great activities. If you don’t have any mountains near you or aren’t up for the travel, don’t worry! You can still get out and enjoy the winter wonderland if you get any winter weather where you live. And if you don’t, make your own fun! Enjoy the chilly weather and get outside for a cold-themed scavenger hunt, or a hot chocolate hike! Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can’t go outside and have fun.
National Parks
The U.S. National Park System is massive, boasting a total of 423 different National Park sites. This includes not just traditional National Parks, but also, monuments, seashores, and so much more! These parks span across 84 million acres in each state and the American territories, including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam. National Parks offer hiking trails, historical lessons, learning opportunities, and so much more. You can stay within the parks at lodges or campsites or simply stop by for a few hours of nature play. If you plan to visit National Parks sites at least three times within one year, then I recommend purchasing an America the Beautiful pass as a way to explore the parks all around you for cheaper.
State Parks
While the big National Parks get a lot of glory, there are also 6,600 State Park sites in the U.S. These cover an astonishing 14 million acres of land. State parks are a way to get out and explore nature around you without having to venture too far from home. And, just like the National Parks, they boast hiking trails, nature and historical lessons, unique learning opportunities, and so much more.
The Zoo or an Animal Sanctuary
Zoos, animal sanctuaries, bird watching, whale or dolphin watching, snorkeling, and even swimming with manatees. All these options and more can give kids an appreciation of wild animals. Another perk is that it brings you closer to nature! Learn something new, do something adventurous, and have a blast while doing it. More and more animal encounters are popping up every year to encourage people to learn more about animals and our world. Take advantage of these fun opportunities!
Botanical Gardens or Arboretums
Botanical gardens and arboretums are the perfect place to see nature. Particularly if you’re one (or your grand is one) who prefers nature in a more manicured, curated way, not only can you explore glorious nature with your grands, but there are also play spaces, a lot to learn as well, and even the occasional animal to try to find! See if your local botanical garden offers any classes, as many do! And then pack a picnic lunch and head out to enjoy a beautiful day!
The Garden
If your grandkids live close enough or are spending some time with you and you want to explore something new, try joining a community garden! Don’t know if your community has a shared garden? Ask around or search on Google. And if there’s not anything nearby, start your own garden! From fruits and flowers to herbs and vegetables, the options are endless and so much fun! Spend time together cultivating the earth and reaping the rewards!
Hiking Trails
Taking a simple (or strenuous, if that’s more your speed) hike can be a great way to explore with your grandkids. It could be a stroll on a path at a nearby park, or even a more challenging mountain terrain hike if you are both up for it, and anything in between! If you’re unfamiliar with local hikes and paths, Google is your friend, and so is the site AllTrails. Just enter your zip and then find out what trail would suit your needs! This site has reviews where hikers let you know about the conditions of the trails and things to be aware of, and also if they are kid-friendly! Another option is to go directly to your local park system either by email, phone, or in person. They’ll be very familiar with your area and can guide you based on your needs.
Nature is All Around!
Nature is all around us, ready to be explored at any moment, All you have to do is look around and dive in. Take the time to get outside, not just to have fun with your grandkids, but to do it for you as well. Being outside is great for everyone and is so rewarding. Now, get out there and enjoy exploring the great outdoors!
Looking for more great articles like this one? Be sure to check out these before you go!
- Let Nature Help You Rest Today
- 6 Fun Ways to Connect to Your Grandkids
- 6 Amazing Roles That Grandparents Fill in Our Families Today
- 8 Things To Send With Grandchildren When They Move Away
- 53 Best Games to Play with Grandkids on a Rainy Day
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Originally published July 22, 2024
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