Nature Rocks Truly Rocks

Unbelievably, we’ve hit the halfway point for my kids’ summer vacation. In the fall, our youngest moves to the “big kids’ school” so this summer feels extra precious. We are trying to use this time well but I often have a hard time taking care of the busy-ness of everyday life and work while also being creative about family activities. (For those of you who have figured out how to make that shift successfully, please feel free to share your tips. I’ll be most grateful!) We went into this summer wanting to do more outside but the soaring temperatures have soured our plans for hikes and days at the park.

Then I found exactly what I needed to make sure we have lots of nature-related fun this summer on Nature Rocks.

As they share on their website:

Nature Rocks is a national program to inspire and empower families to play and explore in nature. Our mission is to make it easy for you to have fun in nature, and connect with others to do the same. We want all families in every city in America to see for themselves how much Nature Rocks. Your kids will be happier, healthier and smarter, and besides, it is generally free and a rockin’ way to create and share fun quality family time.

They want to make our lives easier. And help us get our families outside having fun. And they include free options. As we say in Texas, bless their hearts!

The group was founded by the Children & Nature Network, of Richard Louv (Last Child in the Woods) fame, and ecoAmerica and has support from groups like The Nature Conservancy and the American Camp Association so you know they are passionate about connecting children to nature. (BTW, I love the ACA’s Green Spoken Here pledge!)

Their site features a searchable map to find nature in your area, which includes destinations ranging from arboretums to zoos, activities such as hiking and canoeing, and services including places to rent equipment. I did have an issue with the “Club/Group” feature under Services as more dance clubs than hiking clubs showed up in my search but it was clear this was an issue with Google Maps rather than their site.

My favorite feature was the tool to find activities. Here you can enter how much time you have available (from 30 minutes to a weekend), your location (including in your home, in your backyard, in your community, or your region), and the ages of your kids. They then suggest several activities you and your kids can use to explore, play, create, and be active. The ideas are thoughtful and each provides a way to invite friends to join you.

Other fun features include free nature e-cards, a link to The Nature Conservancy’s Eagle-Cam, and other resources to explore.

If you are looking for fun nature activities to do with your family, make sure to check them out because nature truly does rock!

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