A trip to a local Nature Center can be a great and educational way to spend the afternoon.
Nature Centers can be found hidden away in your neighborhood as well as in State and National Parks. Many have both outdoor nature walks and indoor exhibits that let you experience the area's native plants and animals close-up.
It's easy to drive by these hidden treasures and never know they are there, but if you take the time to seek one out, you won't be disappointed. Best of all, most have free admission!
| We recently met up with
Park Ranger John Hill at the Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Beach,
California where we were given a personal tour and education on the
area's wildlife and plants. Outside on a nature walk we spotted a blue heron and a small lake full of friendly aquatic turtles. A surprising sight tucked away in the midst of a sizable city. |
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Inside the center, the kids made their own animal tracks with stamps of different footprints in the sand... |
...felt the fur of several of the area's wildlife and then lifted them up to see which animal they belonged to... |
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...and even got to hold a live snake. Each Nature Center is unique to the area in which it is located, so they're worth checking out both locally and when you're on vacation. Many offer "Junior Ranger" programs, so your child can participate in learning about the surrounding area. After they complete the program, the kids are rewarded with their own Ranger Badge! Visiting Nature Centers is a very hands on, educational experience for the entire family and an enjoyable afternoon excursion. |
FamilyMatters.tv Nature Center Lists
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