A Walk in the Park ..

So, I'm sure you thinking. Really? A trip to the park? Your first blog is about a trip to the park? I wanted excitement, adventure,  beautiful scenery, to feel like I have been somewhere special. Well, keep reading, because if you do will find out that the parks in our State, County and City can offer wonderful opportunities for play and learning.

The parks in our State are largly divided into four  types; National Parks, State Parks, County Parks, and City Parks. And no two parks are exactly the same. Some of tiny little places with just a playground and a water fountain. Others are huge with walking trails, lakes, playgrounds, paddle boats and fields. And all sizes in between, including those that are near historic places. Some even have campgrounds for the more adventurous and brave. ;-)

In the old days, like 15 years ago, you would have had to pick up a list from your local library, or make lots of phone calls to find out about different parks and what they offer,  but today you can easily access information about all these parks via the internet. Each site gives detailed information about what they provide, if there is a cost, and sometimes even if there are special events going on.

One thing that can be fun to do it create a list of parks you want to be sure to visit, maybe make a map to put on your wall and mark each park you want to visit with a push pin, then as you visit them come home and put a big check mark on the spot! You could spend an entire summer just exploring the various parks in your city and county, not to mention State and national ones.

During the school year, parks with visitors centers can make wonderful places to go and learn about specific animals and plant life, and we have found that most of the time park rangers are very happy to engage students in conversation and answer questions.  Or create your own little passport book or nature journal and write/draw entries about something you liked or leaned that day. Combine a trip to the library, a Magic School Bus DVD, or other nature video and you have a mini unit study without even trying. :-)

So, there you go. The links are listed below and now its up to you. Pick a park and start your adventure!


http://www.nps.gov/index.htm

http://ncparks.gov/Visit/main.php

http://www.raleighnc.gov/parks/content/Departments/Articles/ParksandRecreation.html

http://www.wakegov.com/PARKS/Pages/default.aspx