Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights
Every child should have the opportunity to:
- Discover wilderness -- prairies, dunes, forests, savannas, and wetlands
- Camp under the stars
- Follow a trail
- Catch and release fish, frogs, and insects
- Climb a tree
- Explore nature in neighborhoods and cities
- Celebrate heritage
- Plant a flower
- Play in the mud or a stream
- Learn to swim
Research shows that the activities listed in the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights nourish children's physical, social, and emotional development, while connecting them to the wealth of resources available in their backyards, neighborhoods, cities, and region.
The following family activity suggestions, keyed to the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights, offer some quick ideas for simple outdoor fun:
Take a trip somewhere totally new!
There are thousands of places to enjoy: play in parks and prairies, go rowing in a beautiful lake, pick a pumpkin at a local farm, follow tracks in a snow-blanketed forest preserve, and many other things. Most people -- including city dwellers -- live less than a half hour from a beautiful natural area, and many are much closer. However it's most fun, comfortable, and safe for you -- including with a naturalist or a guide -- keep an ear out for opportunities and make a list of all the places you might go. Then check them off!
Camp with fifty friends!
In many towns and cities, park districts offer special camping programs. Some may even let you camp in parks where you wouldn't otherwise be allowed to. Very often these busy overnights include fun games and guided encounters with animals like turtles and frogs.
Take a walk!
Pick a short amount of time -- even 5 or 10 minutes will do -- and go for a family walk. You can observe things, think deep thoughts, talk, or just breathe the fresh air. You'll find some part of nature wherever you go, including your own neighborhood. It may seem way too simple, but plain old walking has inspired many a great naturalist.
Discover the wilderness under your feet!
Place a flat wood board over bare dirt. Come back in a day or two, lift the board, and see how many different kinds of animals have found shelter there. You can also just carefully roll over a rock or log. Identify these creatures with the help of a field guide. Usually, there are lots of cool insects, and you might even find an earthworm! Return every month to discover who's new. (courtesy of Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods, Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder", and chairman and co-founder of the Children and Nature Network. Mr. Louv's website is richardlouv.com)
Be a leaf master!
Try to find as many different leaves as possible in your garden or neighborhood. Together, you can find leaves on flowers, shrubs, vines, and trees. If kids want to venture up a little ways up into a tree, parents should spot them. Afterwards, try to identify the leaves you have collected together. You don't have to know the scientific terms -- try grouping them into fun categories like "round," "pointy," and "smooth."
Make a neighborhood map!
Draw a map of your block -- maybe draw the streets, sidewalks, and alleys first. Then add trees, bushes, interesting weeds, and other natural things. If you're really ambitious, you can draw a trail on your map and try to walk it once a week. Each time you go, write down or draw each bird, squirrel, or colorful bug that you see. Soon, you'll have a record of wildlife on your block in every season.
Go fish!
Many parents and grandparents have fond memories of going fishing. Embark on a family fishing expedition: borrow a fishing pole and tackle from friends who love to fish or from your local park or forest preserve district. Soon you'll have your own favorite fishing spot and be able to tell the difference between bluegill, sunfish, and bass. Those who cast a line usually need to buy a permit. Ask your park, forest preserve, or state department of natural resources office about local fishing regulations.
Plant your dinner!
All you need to grow food is earth, water, sun, and a plant! At your local garden or hardware store, buy a clay pot ($3), a bag of organic soil (especially if you want to grow vegetables for eating) ($8), and a starter plant ($4). (You can also start with seeds, but that takes more work.) For just a little dough, you can grow a basil, tomato, bean or other food-producing plant for the rest of the season. If you want to, decorate the pot. You can also garden outdoors, of course, but make sure to have your soil tested first -- many city soils can contain harmful pollutants such as lead.
Be a watchful wader!
The next time you're near a gentle stream or pond, try taking off your shoes and socks and dipping your foot in. What do you feel? Are there plants? Is the bottom made of gravel, muck, or what? Do frogs go hopping away? A parent should closely supervise, and kids can hold a parent's hand for balance. In some places, it's often a really good idea to keep your shoes or sandals on, because there can be sharp objects on the bottom.
Take swimming lessons!
You can sign up for inexpensive swimming lessons at your local pool. Once you do, you'll feel a lot more safe and comfortable playing around near ponds, lakes, and streams. Before lessons start, you can become more comfortable in the water by playing together in a shallow wading pool or splashing in the tub.
Further suggestions for outdoor activities are available in the printed materials we make available to families, groups, and organizations.
