Bored?

Well then it must be time to get back in to Nature!

Our next Family Nature Club excursion is scheduled for

Saturday, January 15th 

Pencil in the day and check back for details.

Until then, consider any of the following for you/your family:

Trail blazing

Head to a local, state or national park and make a day of nature hiking. Before you go, make a list of things for your family to find and identify, such as a black oak tree, woodpecker holes, a Gardner snake or a raccoon paw print. Carry a backpack with binoculars, sunscreen, visors or sunglasses and plenty of water and snacks. Don’t forget your hiking shoes.

Suggestions:

• Fort Worth Botanical Gardens, Fort Worth, 817/871-7673
• Joe Pool State Park, Grand Prairie, 972/299-2227
• Audubon Dallas, Dallas, 972/293-5110
• White Rock Lake Park, Dallas, 214/670-8890

Z is for Zoo

Visit the wild at one of the many zoos that have created natural, spacious settings for their animals, and teach your children the importance of these habitats. Check the schedule for animal presentations, and don’t miss the petting zoo where youngsters can walk and talk with the animals and feed them from their palms.

Suggestions:

• Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose, 254/897-2960
• Fort Worth Zoo, Fort Worth, 817/759-7555
• Dallas Zoo, Dallas, 214/670-5656
• Dallas World Aquarium, Dallas, 214/720-2224

Your Own Backyard

Under the stars. Take full advantage of the peaceful Texas nights and camp out in your backyard. Kick off the evening by watching the sunset, then build a bonfire (if it’s permitted in your area), roast marshmallows and gaze at the stars. Bring out your guide to the stars and see what you can spot: the Little Dipper, Hercules or Sagittarius.

Croquet champs. Set up this outdoor game for the entire family to play.

Up, up and away. Is the wind hampering your fun? It won’t be for long. Make the most of that breeze and get your kite up in the air.

Green thumbs. Make gardening a family affair. Ask each member to choose a favorite vegetable to plant. If you’re getting a late start, look for starter plants that have already sprouted. Work together to get the garden ready and plant it, then give each person his own responsibility for keeping it up: watering, pulling weeds, picking ripe produce, cleaning vegetables and preparing produce to eat or store.

Swiss family who? What’s a backyard without a hideout or special place to kick back? Little ones will thrill at building a tree house or fort. Older kids will look forward to a covered hangout — such as a gazebo — for visiting with friends. Whatever you build, have the whole family pitch in. Small children can feel a part of the project by carrying small materials, dispensing nails and occasionally swinging the hammer.

Recycled treasures

Join the craze and spend the day rummaging for treasures. This is a great way for kids to get the most out of their limited earnings and to teach them the importance of recycling and how to get the best value for their money.

Super sights

Places and things to see in are abundant — from checking out the big city with its tall skyscrapers, old architecture, and murals and art displays, to viewing the wonders of nature.

Suggestions:

• Sundance Square, Fort Worth, 817/255-5700
• Water Gardens, Fort Worth, 817/871-8700
• West End Market Place, Dallas, 214/748-4801
• Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Dallas. 214/327-8263

Park play

Take your family for a picnic and an afternoon at the park. Scout your area for an updated park with a large, enclosed fort-style playground. Bring along a playmate for your child, and they’ll be content for some time.

Suggestions:

• Trinity Park, Fort Worth, 817/871-7698
• River Legacy Park, Arlington, 817/459-5474
• Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Plano, 972/941-7250 (Voted No. 1 Family Park by DallasChild readers.)
• Towne Lake Park and Recreation Area, McKinney, 972/542-0045

 Source: Dallas/Fort Worth Child

See you NEXT Saturday!!