As a kid, I loved being outdoors. Though we often lived on bases during my childhood, our quarters were always surrounded by woods or open fields, tailor-made for spending long afternoons exploring. As I grew older, summer camps exposed me to the wilderness as well, and I learned how to canoe, build a fire, and identify all manners of plant and animal life. I believe those experiences shaped me, making me more conscious of the natural world and my place in it.

Author Richard Louv, whose book Last Child in the Woods is out in paperback this month, posits that this generation of children, who are being reared in more urban and suburban settings, aren’t making that same connection. Ironically, I see this firsthand. Since my son’s always lived in the city, it’s been up to me to expose him to a world I had in my own backyard. My kid doesn’t have the freedom to roam and explore the way I did, unencumbered by time. But it’s important that he be exposed. As Louv points out, unless we reveal to our kids the natural wonders of our Earth, the likelihood is greater that they and future generations will feel less compelled to preserve our environment.

So make a point to get outdoors with your own kids this summer. Take them hiking or biking,  or hook them up with a naturalist or a fishing pole. Remind your family that being outdoors and using all their senses isn’t something the Wii can produce. Thank goodness, for nature is far, far grander.

Chucalissa Archaeological Museum
Ask for a brochure, then hike the trails along high bluffs and learn the names of 30 different species of trees. Descriptions include how plants were used by Native Americans and modern industry.1987 Indian Village Dr.
785-3160
chucalissa.memphis.edu

Houston Levee Park, Germantown
Skateboarders can grind it out at this 13,000-square-foot skate park. Bring a picnic lunch, site include grills and tables, then ride bikes along the lighted walking trails.
9777 Wolf River Blvd
ci.germantown.tn.us/cityparks.html

Lichterman Nature Center
Pick up the Family Discovery Backpack before you explore this lush 65-acre park. Filled with binoculars, fish food, butterfly nets, and bug boxes, kids can enjoy an interactive adventure while hiking three-miles of trails through meadowlands, lake, and forest. Watch for goslings and other waterfowl.5992 Quince Rd
767-7322
memphismuseum.org/lichterman

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Ever canoed through a cypress swamp? How about sailed on a pontoon boat? Though further afield than Shelby Farms, this state park offers more varied terrain, fewer visitors, and sparkling views of the Mississippi River. Cycle the 5-mile bike trail or go hiking on Saturdays at 10 a.m. with park naturalist Samantha Cox. Pontoon boat rides on Poplar Lake take place Thursday & Friday, 9 a.m. & 1 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m., 1 & 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. Fee: $1. Deep Swamp canoe floats: Sunday, 9 a.m. & 1 p.m. Canoes available. Free admission.
For reservations, 876-5215
tennessee.gov/environment/parks/MeemanShelby

Shelby Farms
Everyone can get back to nature at this farm. Paved paths accommodate young bikers and skaters, the more adventurous can pedal past Patriot Lake and venture onto the dirt bike trails that meander through the forest. Plenty of picnic spots, grills, and lakes for fishing.
shelbyfarmspark.org.

Touliatos Nature Center
Tucked away just one-mile north of the airport is this 20-acre haven that celebrates the plants and wildlife of West Tennessee. The center’s aviarium sports hand-painted clay tiles of native birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. Easy trails invite exploring. The gardener in your family can even purchase  plants to bring home. Open Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m
On Brooks Rd. between Millbranch and Airways
346-8065
waterplants.net

Wolf River Nature Area (Germantown Rd. & Wolf River Blvd.)
This linear park boasts paved paths perfect for biking or hiking, much under a leafy green canopy. Explore the small pond, and butterfly garden, or simply listen to the many birds as you travel through the park. June 11 & 19: Free nature hikes, led by rangers.
757-7375
ci.germantown.tn.us/wrna_programs.html

Chickasaw State Park
Beautiful lake with sandy beach and shallow end for younger swimmers. Pedal boats rent for $3/hour. The park also boasts plenty of hike and bike trails, riding stables, camping, and cabins. Approximately 1 hour from Memphis in Henderson, TN
(731)-989-5141
tennessee.gov/environment/parks/chickasaw

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Best deal going for spacious swimming in a park setting. This Olympic-sized pool is open from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily— Admission: $3/person.
875-5215
Mud Island River Park
Enjoy a close-up view of the mighty Mississippi with this park’s 1-to-10 scale model of the river. Kids love floating boats down the winding stream, or biking from Front Street over Riverside Drive in to the park. Open 10 a.m-6 p.m. Pedal boat rides: $2. Explore the harbor via canoe: $20/hour, kayak: $15/hour. Monorail rides:
$4/  person. Park admission: Free.
125 N. Front
576-7241
mudisland.com

Tags: Chickasaw State Park, Chucalissa Archaeological Museum, Houston Levee Park, Lichterman Nature Center, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, Mud Island River Park, Shelby Farms, Touliatos Nature Center, Wolf River Nature Area

This entry was posted on Sunday, June 1st, 2008 at 12:00 pm and is filed under 3-5, 6-10, Activities. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.