Get Kids Outside!Activities | Get Kids Outside | In Your Home | In Your Yard | In Your Community | Volunteer | Join CBF | Discovery Trips | Take A Pledge |Participate in Events  Expanding your children's collection of experiences with nature is important whether or not you live on the Bay. Getting kid's outside is now a nationwide initiative - fight "nature deficit disorder" and support the No Child Left Inside Coalition. Encourage your kids to enjoy the outdoors at every opportunity!
TOP TEN OUTDOOR SUMMER FAMILY ACTIVITIES- Get on the water – canoeing, kayaking, etc. Don’t have a vessel? Rent or borrow a canoe or kayak and set out to explore a nearby river or lake. Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania have many water trails just perfect for family outings.
- Build a rain garden – A simple boxed-in area planted with native plants that helps collect and slow rainwater from a downspout, or other discharge area. This is a great family activity, and your work will help save the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation has an online packet of step-by-step information:
- Camp out in the back yard - The Great American Backyard Campout is every June. Don’t have a backyard? The Great American Backyard Campout site has lists of campsites in your state.
- Catch critters! - Can’t beat this old-time favorite. From frogs to fire flies, see what your family can catch (and release!). Try using an insect net, especially in tall grasses, or a seine net in the shallows of the bay, or its tributaries. Don’t have tall grasses or water nearby? See an interactive map offered by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education.
- Help build a boat - Join the Apprentice for a Day program at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in Cambridge. Age 14 and up are welcome, or younger children accompanied by an adult. No experience necessary. Staff will give all instructions. Cost: $45 a day. Contact: dsutherland@cbmm.org for more information.
- Catch dinner! - Go fishing or crabbing. Try your luck with the Maryland Fishing Challenge http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fishingchallenge/ Be sure to check fishing regulations for local waters, or use Maryland state waters, where kids under 16 can fish without a license. Moms and dads can get their fishing license here (http://www.dnr.state.md.us/service/license.asp). Crabbing information is listed on the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s recreation page.
- Go on a Park Quest - This is a free family adventure at Maryland state parks. Each facility has a unique challenge you must complete. If you complete all of the Quests you are eligible for the Quest Finale at the end of the summer. There you will compete head-to-head with other groups for great prizes including family outdoor packages like camping gear, fishing equipment, bikes and boats. There will also be a picnic for all participants at the finale.
- Harvest vegetables - Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm and reap the benefits. Not only can you buy fresh produce from the farms; often, the owners will allow you to help harvest the vegetables. Contact a CSA in your area.
- Visit a tree - This is a simple activity for younger children. No hugging required but children are encouraged to visit the same tree and see the changes over time.
- Volunteer on a work detail - Lots of organization sponsor volunteer restoration work. Volunteer activities include: removing invasive plants, habitat restoration, trail maintenance, building wetland overlooks, and more.
We also have many projects to empower children and adults to get involved with helping the environment with do-it-yourself projects. Our resource page contains action projects for students as well as for teachers and the general public. Check out our list of recreation activities in your area!
|