Get Those Kids Outside!
Cincinnati Parks is a partner in a local movement we feel passionately about: Leave No Child Inside, Greater Cincinnati. We know – research actually shows it – that unstructured outdoor play leads to happier, healthier and smarter children. Leave No Child Inside wants to encourage a return to the joyful, creative outdoor play activities that should be the birthright of all children.

Here are just a few suggestions to get started:

For more information on and nature-exploring ideas from the Leave No Child Indoors movement, as well as the upcoming For the Love of Kids conference in November, 2008, visit www.lncigc.org.

• Climb the treehouse – it’s even handicapped accessible – in Mt. Airy Forest, which also has 14 miles of hiking trails throughout its 1459 acres, as well as 23 picnic areas, many with playgrounds and open fields (for kite-flying? Or a game of kickball?);

• Built a toy boat, then launch it at Rapid Run Park’s shallow lake;

• Take some art supplies to Alms Park, and see what masterpieces you’ll bring home of the beautiful scenery on hand;

• Hike in LaBoiteaux Woods, populated with white-tailed deer, red and gray fox, raccoon, opossum, mink, sharp-shinned hawk, barred owl and box turtles

• For a more organized approach to getting close-up with nature, you can check Calender & Events for programs offered for children and families and school or other youth groups

• When visiting a park, let your child choose which trail to take, or which part of the park to safely explore.