I’m happy to report that our inaugural family nature club meeting was much more than I’d hoped for. In fact, the 5 ½ year old (aka “the big explorer”) informed me that the kids had so much fun, they didn’t want to leave! I consider that a success.
We kicked things off with a summer nature scavenger hunt, which gave the kids a chance to get to know one of my favorite spots in Los Angeles to explore nature, Temescal Gateway Park.
Instead of searching separately, the kids decided to hunt together for the items on the list. We found some cool things, like a tree with a hole in its trunk.
One of the kids had a great eye and discovered a salamander, which definitely counted as something brown.
There were things to listen for, too. Like the birds chirping and the breeze rustling the grass. I was amazed at how quickly the kids would quiet down when one of us parents asked them to listen for something.
The kids didn’t need the list for long. Soon they started adding their own finds, like goldfish in the creek. And once they reached the creek, they took off adventuring.
They started by following the creek in one direction, then another. They grabbed sticks and pretended to fish in the water, too.
Then they found this bridge across the creek, complete with a very large chain alongside, the perfect castle drawbridge.
After trying unsuccessfully to get the bridge to budge, they sat down and played in the dirt instead.
The only thing that got them up from here was the lure of the water. Each of the kids spent at least some time in it before we parted ways.
When all was said and done, the kids were filthy. And having the time of their lives.
I couldn’t have asked for a better first outing. If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll join us on one of our future adventures!
