I’m no Yogi Bear but I know how it is important to encourage our kids to spend time outdoors throughout the year. Exploring the nature around us is not only needed physically but also mentally! Whether it’s playing in the park, hiking in the woods, or exploring a local beach, spending time outside can help kids stay active, learn about nature, and improve their mental and physical health.

10 ideas for exploring the nature around you

Spring:

1-Plant a Garden:

Spring is the perfect time to start a garden with your children. You can plant vegetables, fruits, flowers, or herbs. Not only is it a great way to spend time outside, but it also teaches kids about where their food comes from and how to care for plants.

++Being in Korea, it’s not easy for people to have their own private gardens as space is limited and most of the population lives in apartments. So I miss having that garden smell around me that I had back in my home city of Ottawa, Ontario.

2-Go on a Nature Walk:

Take a walk in your local park or nature reserve and encourage your children to look for signs of spring. You can point out the different types of flowers, trees, and animals you see along the way.

++Easiest way to go! I mean it all depends on where you’re reading this from. Nature walks are fine and dandy plus kids love them. I’ve got readers from Bangladesh to Thailand and from France to Toronto, so ‘nature walks’ will be very different in all these areas. Be safe and STOP to smell those ‘proverbial flowers’.

Summer:

3-Have a Picnic:

Pack a picnic lunch and head to your favorite outdoor spot. Wherever, at a local park or a beach, a picnic is a great way to enjoy the sunshine and spend time together as a family.

++We’re living on a peninsula, so the beaches are everywhere, and exploring nature comes naturally to many! Love it… packing some food and drinks to go the East Sea for a cool plunge and some gim and beer! It’s fun and it’s needed by everyone.

4-Go Swimming:

Cool off in the water by taking your children swimming. Whether it’s at a local pool or a nearby lake, swimming is a fun way to stay active and beat the summer heat.

++I was raised with a swimming pool in my backyard so, yes, this is my favorite on the list! Go get wet!

Fall:

5-Go Apple Picking:

Head to a local apple orchard and spend the day picking apples with your kids. You can use the apples to make homemade apple pies, apple sauce, or apple cider. Could also align yourselves with strawberry picking as well. Anything to get you all out and have no screens to distract you all!

6-Go on a Scavenger Hunt:

Create a fall-themed scavenger hunt for your children. You can include items such as acorns, pine cones, and colorful leaves. This is a cool idea, kinda like and Easter egg hunt.

Winter:

7-Build a Snowman:

When it snows, take advantage of the opportunity to build a snowman with your children. You can also have a snowball fight or go sledding.

++We don’t get much snow here on the peninsula but when it does snow, I take the day off and play for hours with my son. Yes, I love snow! He loves it as well. When you build a snowman you’re also building memories with your kids.

8-Go Ice Skating:

Take your children ice skating at a local rink. Ice skating is a fun way to stay active and enjoy the winter weather.

++As mentioned, I’m from Ottawa, Canada home of the longest skating rink in the world! It’s almost 8km long…16km round trip. Crazy eh? Skating is in our blood!

All Seasons:

9-Go on a Bike Ride:

Take a family bike ride through your neighborhood or on a nearby bike path. It’s a great way to stay active and explore the outdoors.

10-Have a Campfire:

End a fun day outside by having a campfire in your backyard. You can roast marshmallows, tell stories, and enjoy the warmth of the fire.

Spending time outdoors with your children is a great way to bond and create lasting memories. No matter the season, there are always fun activities for exploring nature and getting your kids out and about. The worst case scenario is to get their balance bikes out of the garage and go have fun!

Part Deux

Visit Korea! Very kid-friendly place!

These are simple views of what you can do if ever you’re on the peninsula. Plenty of stuff to do here during every season. Enjoy!

Traditional Korean Village:

–The basic on anyone’s list must be a visit to a traditional Korean village, such as Bukchon Hanok Village or Namsangol Hanok Village. The kids, and you, can learn about Korean culture and history, and even try on traditional Korean clothing.

These villages can be fun and educational. We live near one in Youngin on the outskirts of Seoul. It’s called Korean Folk Village. This one has small theme park rides as well.

Exploring Nature in Seoul’s Parks:

—Seoul, and the Gyeonggi province area, are home to many beautiful parks, such as Namsan Park, Yeouido Park, and Olympic Park. Take your children for a walk, have a picnic, or even rent a bike and explore the park together. There are also cool 4 passenger bike rentals in some of these parks. Good stuff and good memories!

Visit the Seoul Children’s Museum:

—The Seoul Children’s Museum is a fun and educational place for kids to learn about science, art, and culture. If your kids are into museums, this one is a must. Some cool exhibits and workshops allow children to explore and learn in a hands-on way. (Not an ‘exploring nature’ kinda outing but it worth the visit)

Visit Lotte World:

Lotte World is a popular amusement park in Seoul that offers rides, shows, and attractions for children of all ages. It’s a great place for a fun day out with the family. We love coming here. It’s nestled in the middle of the city on a lake!

My son and I went there last week and, man oh man, did we have a blast! I surprised him on Tuesday morning and said “Hey buddy, no school and no Taekwondo today, let’s go to Lotte World.” He was shocked and happy! Yes, a dad award is needed! Awesomeness all around.

Where’s the exploring nature in this one too? Well, it’s half inside and half outside. The outside part rests on a lake that’s surrounded by beautiful trees and a long walk path.

Visit a Palace:

Seoul has several palaces that were once home to Korean royalty, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace. Kids can learn about Korean history and culture while exploring the beautiful architecture and gardens.

Take a Hike:

Seoul is surrounded by beautiful mountains that offer hiking trails for all skill levels. Take your children on a hike, such as Bukhansan National Park, and enjoy the beautiful views and fresh air.

Attend a Festival:

Seoul hosts too many festivals to list here…seriously, there’s a festival for every week basically. Some awesome more known festivals are the Seoul Lantern Festival, the Seoul Kimchi Making and Sharing Festival, and the Seoul International Fireworks Festival. These festivals offer fun and unique experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

If ever you’re visiting Korea drop me an email!

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