By Wade Ellett, QC Outdoors Adventure Blogger
Spring has sprung and summer is right around the corner. Worried about your kids spending too much time watching TV or playing video games?
Mother Nature has a solution. It’s time to get more active in the outdoors!
As a kid, I spent as much time as possible outside, and there’s no better way to spend the summer months. Luckily, there are tons of activities to introduce your children to nature in and around the Quad Cities.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry; here are a few ideas to consider.
1. Nahant Marsh, Davenport, IA.
One great example that’s close to home is Nahant Marsh.
In their Education Center, open Monday through Friday 8:30-4:30 and Saturdays 9:00 – 3:00, they have awesome programs. Flooding this spring forced them to close for a while, but they’re back up and running for the season!
For younger kids, Nahant has a Toddler Tales program, which introduces kids age 3-5 to the outdoors with a nature-themed story, followed by a craft project, and an outdoor activity.
Their upcoming schedule includes snakes, worms and fishing!
Your whole family might be interested in guided nature hikes, led by naturalists around the marsh, the first Saturday of the month.
2. Wapsi Educational Center, Dixon, Iowa.
Another great spot is the Wapsi Educational Center in Dixon.
In addition to scenic trails and river access, the center uses natural history and live animal displays to educate the public about prairies, woodlands, and animal life.
3. Young Pioneers in the QC
If you’re looking for some more structured recreational activities for your kids this summer, examples abound at the Dan Nagle Walnut Grover Pioneer Village.
This camp offers multiple one-week sessions, from June to August, Monday through Friday for children age 6-12.
Each week, the camp features a different theme like Native American, Little House on the Prairie and Weird Science, so there are sure to be lots of new experiences.
You’ll need to register for each week that you want your child to attend. Consider doing so soon; registration is first come, first serve, and I’m sure they’ll fill up fast!
4. Camp Abe Lincoln
Another structured option, the YMCA’s Camp Abe Lincoln, in Blue Grass Iowa, has a long-standing tradition of offering a variety of summer camp opportunities for children and teens of all ages, as well as the whole family!
They also have equestrian camps for children who are interested in riding and caring for horses, as well as a counselor in training program for teens aged 16-17.
This is a great opportunity for teens who are interested in pursuing careers working outdoors, with children, or in educational programming.
If your family has outdoor plans or you know of a great program or activity that would be great for QC kids, share with us in the comments section! We’d love to hear about how you’re spending time outside!
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Meet Wade Ellett, Let’s Move Quad Cities Outdoor Blogger. Wade is an outdoor adventurer who shares his passion for QC outdoor adventures here! Read his other posts by clicking here. |
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