Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.
The snow is piling up, school is canceled (again), and your kids are restless. Instead of endless screen time or hearing, “I’m bored” for the 10th time, why not turn your snowy neighborhood into a winter wonderland of discovery?
Environmental education (through crafts, experiences and hands-on activities) helps kids develop curiosity, problem-solving skills and a deep appreciation for the world around them – even in the middle of winter!
Nature does not hibernate in the winter, and neither should curiosity. Here are eight fun, hands-on ways to spark a love of the outdoors without going far.
Fresh snow is the perfect canvas for tracking wildlife. Take the kids outside and search for tiny footprints in the snow (bird tracks, squirrel trails, a neighborhood cat, or maybe even a coyote.) Bring a notebook and sketch the tracks to compare them later.
Bonus activity: Use the Pocket Guide to Virginia Animal Tracks to help identify what you find.
Winter can be tough for birds, so why not give them a snack? Find a pinecone, spread peanut butter on it and roll it in birdseed. Hang it outside and watch the birds feast. Keep a journal to track which birds visit.
DIY bird feeder instructions: Pinecone Bird Feeder
Science meets snow in this epic experiment. Build a mini volcano out of snow, place a cup inside and fill it with baking soda. Then, pour in vinegar and watch your snow volcano erupt.
Blow bubbles outside on a freezing day and watch them crystallize into beautiful ice spheres before they pop.
Make a list of wintry things to find: a pinecone, an icicle, a bird’s nest, an animal track, or something red. Hand the list to your kids and see how many they can spot.
Fill a balloon with water, place it outside overnight to freeze, then pop the balloon and carve a hole in the top. Add a tea light candle inside for a beautiful outdoor lantern.
Fill spray bottles with water and food coloring, then let kids “paint” on the snow, creating colorful landscapes and designs.
Bundle up and challenge your kids be still outside for one whole minute. What winter sounds do they hear? The wind in the trees? A bird calling? Snow crunching? Winter has its own peaceful soundtrack.
Categories
Nature
