Discover Summer Family Fun as you Explore Parks Near and Far

Parks Near and Far

My mom was a nature lover, outdoorswoman, and Edventurer extraordinaire. My childhood was chock full of hiking, canoeing, camping, white water rafting, horseback riding and backpacking. If there was a park nearby, we hiked the trails. Holidays were spent tromping through wet, muddy leaves on nature trails; and if weather was involved, all the better. Rain, sleet or snow, we were out in it. 

Local and State Parks were easily accessible, and we covered a multi-state area, but National Parks were definitely on Mom’s radar, and we visited as many as she could cram into summer travels and vacations. Once grandkids were involved, she ramped up the adventurers and took as many as were old enough on summer trips to National Parks. Dad drove, she navigated, and ever the Edventurer, she had them creating National Park notebooks, memorizing quotes and speeches and earning Ranger Badges as they went. Summer vacation was for learning and discovery, after all!  

Edventuring

The love of discovery and adventure runs deep and never gets old! This past fall we spent a gorgeous week in the Black Hills at Custer State Park with family who had not been there before. It was so fun to show them around, share our favorite places and discover new haunts together. And, of course, the backdrop was awe-inspiring; quaking aspen, and breathtaking views, Harney Peak, buffalo, elk and mountain sheep, Needles Highway, and some amazing rock shops! We did, of course, make it to Mt. Rushmore, because when you are that close, it has to be done. Once home, we watched, North by Northwest, just for the fun of it. 

Last spring we headed to the coast again, and were able to make it back to one of our favorite beaches along the National Seashore. Even though we’re landlocked, we’re shell collectors, and love adding to our growing collection and the memories of the beach, sand and roaring surf get us through the long winter where we live. 

Why Parks?

The State and National Park systems were created to preserve the amazing natural beauty and resources of this great country! I am so grateful, as some of my experiences in parks have literally changed my life. (go HERE to hear about my month long backpacking trip in the Wilderness of the High Uintas). 

Why should you add Parks to your Homeschool Itinerary

• Parks show God’s majesty and splendor and allow us as a county to protect species, people and places of significance
• Parks allow us to be humble, understanding ourselves as small in comparison to God’s creation. We can fully take in the fact that He is the Master artist, and what an artist He is, and yet He still sees, knows and loves us! 
• Parks are great places to learn about ecosystems, biomes, plant and animal life of all kinds. Park rangers and docents are knowledgeable and love sharing what they know and Park Bookstores can further equip you for some fun studies! 
• Natural and Environmental Science, Biology and Chemistry are all up close and personal at National Parks. 
• Parks allow us to experience Green Therapy- getting away from our normal days and busyness to get outside and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation
• Parks allow us to interact and rub shoulders with people from all over the world! If you want to find an integrated international community in the U.S., visit a National Park on a busy summer day! 
• Parks allow us to experience the unknown and face new challenges and opportunities. 
• Parks allow us to learn about geography and the amazing diversity within our own local and national community.
• Parks give us a great reason to travel and to learn and discover new people and places.

Local Parks

Discover what parks are closest to you and why they were created. I live near a smallish city, but honestly, it has the best park system of anywhere we’ve lived, except Southern California- home of world class parks. Why? A visionary, decades ago, had the insight to map out parks across the city and our city had the wherewithal to invest in his plan. We now have a bustling city full of parks that provide all season fun and outdoor adventure. 

National Parks

The National Park system, of course, benefited greatly from Teddy Rosevelt, who doubled its holdings across the country and created five additional National Parks, including Devil’s Tower in WY. We were able to visit there a few years ago. It’s oddly breathtaking and worth the trip! What a wonderful and unique world in which we live!

Learning about the National Parks is such a great way to discover the beauty and greatness of our world! It’s all part of the history of this great nation, preserved by visionaries for our enjoyment!