You don't need a passport or a plane ticket to have a great outdoor adventure with your kids. My family and I have discovered that some of the best explorations happen right in our own community, and they don't cost a thing. The key is to shift our perspective and appreciate the wonders that are right under our noses.
We'll take a walk in a nearby park we’ve never visited or wander a different path in one we know well. In our city of Ottawa, there are so many trails to choose from. We live near a pond and next to Cardinal Creek, and we sometimes spend time there looking for tadpoles or just listening to the sound of the water. In the fall, we often see large V-formations of Canada geese flying overhead, a sure sign that the seasons are changing. They frequently land right on our local pond to rest before continuing their journey south.
During our walks, we look for things we normally ignore. My daughter loves watching bugs as they crawl through the grass, her face full of wonder. One time, a small snail was crawling across her hand, and she was completely fascinated by it. We had a great time observing a robin's nest in the cedar tree right out front of our home. We've even tried to identify the trees in our area by their leaves and bark. A simple online search or a free app like Merlin Bird ID by Cornell can turn a regular walk into a scavenger hunt, which my kid loves.
The goal isn't to travel far; it's to travel deep. By taking a closer look at the nature that's all around us, we've discovered a world of beauty and wonder without ever having to open our wallets. It's a great way to bond and create lasting memories.
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