Heading out to explore one of New York’s 215 state parks with your children? You can turn your next outing into a nature adventure and encourage your child to examine their surroundings, and thoroughly explore the outdoors and the natural world. How you might ask? By creating an explorer pack. Putting together an explorer bag for your children provides them with the equipment to enjoy hands-on interaction with nature and science, and it is as easy as making a trip to your local retail store. Here is a list of what you’ll need to turn your child into a nature adventurer.
Lightweight Backpack
You will want to select a bag/backpack that meets several criteria.
- It is sturdy – It can hold the equipment without ripping or falling apart.
- Is comfortable to carry – the drawstrings or shoulder straps don’t cut into their shoulders. (I recommend one with padded shoulder straps.)
- It is light and easy for them to carry – or trust me on this… if it’s not light, you will be the one carrying it.
Magnifying glass
This is great for looking at tiny details on bugs, plants, rocks, and flowers. You will want to purchase a small plastic magnifying glass. Avoid purchasing a magnifying glass with real glass, as this can (and will) shatter if dropped or banged around.
Binoculars
Children love wildlife and binoculars will give them a chance to see distant wildlife up close. Binoculars are also a great birdwatching tool, as well. The key with binoculars is finding a pair that is plastic, lightweight, and made for children. Good “adult” binoculars are actually quite heavy, not to mention, expensive.
Bug/Specimen Container(s)
Every budding scientist needs their specimen containers to observe their finds, whether they be bugs, caterpillars, rocks, leaves or flowers. You can make your own with some Tupperware from the dollar store or purchase containers already designed for this purpose. If you make your own, don’t forget to poke holes in the lids. This is also a good opportunity to teach children to treat nature with respect not just in the way they touch and handle it, but also making sure to release any bug or caterpillar they find.
Butterfly Net
This is another inexpensive item to add to your kit. Many of us have fond memories of catching butterflies and moths when we were children. This is an excellent tool to use in teaching young children, about the life cycle, why pollinators like butterflies are important to the environment, and the careful handling of these delicate creatures.
Water bottle
Keeping hydrated on your hike is important. Everyone should have their own water bottle that carries at least 12 oz.
Compass
Every great explorer has a compass and children can learn so much from having the opportunity to handle one. Again, it is not necessary to buy the top of the line compass. There are plenty available that are made specifically for children and will meet your needs nicely.
Trowel
A hand shovel is a great tool that allows you to not only dig but move debris without having to touch it. Make sure to purchase a plastic one as they are very lightweight.
Flashlight
This is an important piece of safety equipment every child should have. Not to mention, it will probably their most favorite. I don’t know why but kids love having their own flashlights. It is especially handy for camping. You can find small lightweight LED flashlights almost anywhere.
Whistle
This is something you should include for your child’s safety. If they should somehow become separated from you while hiking and exploring. This will help you locate them.
Field Guide
This is something that older children might appreciate more than small children. There are a lot of great field guides available that specialize in mammals, insects, plants or flowers. Most field guides are not written for children, but kids love the pictures, nevertheless. We have a great insect field guide that my kids have used forever, with a little help from us. If you are feeling ambitious, you can even create your own by doing a little research on the internet and making your own booklet.
Creating your own explorer pack is easy and encourages your child to examine nature more closely, making your next New York State Park visit a true adventure.