Hands-On Learning: Forest-Based Activities for Kids
For generations, Oregon’s 30 million acres of forest have been the site of many childhood adventures. The benefits of experiencing nature as a child are significant. When our forests thrive, our children thrive as well. With our smallest nature lovers in mind, we encourage hands-on learning activities for kids. Our goal is to inspire future generations to stay connected to our forests.
Whether you live in Oregon full-time or are a visitor to Oregon forests, we’d love to share more about how you can help create lifelong memories for your children so they too can “see the forest for the trees.”
Hit the Hiking Trails
Hiking with your children is a wonderful way to introduce them to Oregon’s forests, and many of our forests are available to the public for exploration. The earlier children are able to connect with nature, the better. With a few essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen and a first aid kit, your family can experience nature firsthand.
During the warmer months, we encourage parents to start their family hikes early in the day to take advantage of cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. Aim for shorter trails you can work through in a couple of hours, especially if your family is new to Oregon trails and hiking. Hiking gives us an opportunity to share important information about our forests with our kids, so use this time together for learning and education.
For example, did you know that older forests and younger forests can have different jobs? Younger forests with open canopies provide habitats for migratory songbirds. They provide forage for deer and elk, as well as hunting grounds for birds of prey. Older forests, on the other hand, are an ideal cover for wildlife to rest. Nesting opportunities for birds who need closed canopy environments are abundant in older forests.
Ask your children to identify the canopy above them. Does it look open or closed? Help them identify signs of a younger forest versus an older forest. You will treasure these quiet moments spent with them for years to come and rest easy knowing you planted seeds in your children’s minds that will grow them into good stewards of nature as well.
Do Some Cycling
If your family is ready to experience nature in the fast lane, many Oregon forests are available for use by motorized and non-motorized vehicles. Cycling is a popular family activity in Oregon and taking bikes out to Oregon forests is an exciting option for those seeking the thrill of nature. If your kids are new to cycling in forests, look for paved or all-terrain trails that are graded as “easy.” Pack extra water and a first aid kit so your little ones can take breaks when needed. In Oregon, helmets are required for everyone under the age of 16, so make sure they are packed for you and the whole family. And, just in case you need it, it’s a great idea to bring a puncture repair kit and spare inner tube.
Prepare for your adventure by helping your kids identify trees they’ll likely see in our forests, like red alder, Pacific dogwood, Willamette Valley ponderosa pine and Oregon’s most famous tree, the Douglas-fir. As you make your way down the trails, ask them to point out trees they recognize from your conversations. When you take breaks, talk about the importance of stewardship and what they can do for the trees, even as children.
Go Fishing
Oregon’s forests are home to many streams, some of which you’re likely to come across on your forest adventures. Through good stewardship and forestry practices, Oregon’s streams and the wildlife they support are protected and thriving. A great way to introduce your children to the local aquatic wildlife is to take them fishing. Fishing is a great family-friendly activity.
Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before. There are several programs available to the public to help you and your family learn the basics. After you and your children over the age of 12 have acquired your fishing license and invested in the right gear, you’re ready to dip your toes into the cold, clean waters of Oregon’s streams.
On your fishing adventures, your family is likely to encounter fish like trout, salmon, steelhead, Pacific halibut and sturgeon, among others. Did you know professional foresters leave large no-harvest zones next to streams to ensure ample shade coverage, keeping the streams cool and ensuring proper water filtration? These rules are in place to protect our fish and the other wildlife that rely on abundant access to clean water. Speak to your family about the importance of making sure Oregon’s fish populations are protected by good stewardship practices.
Have Fun Learning
Oregon forests aren’t just a playground; they’re also an outdoor classroom. Getting out into nature is the first step in instilling a lifelong love of learning about our forests and the vital role they play for Oregonians and Americans alike. Whether you’re taking your family on a more physically demanding adventure like cycling, or taking it easy by a stream and fishing, time spent amongst the trees is time well spent because when we pair education with adventure, the results are life-changing.
If your family is just visiting or new to Oregon’s millions of acres of forest, consider packing a small picnic for your first adventure. Bring along a couple simple guides and read them aloud to your family while you’re taking in the scenery. Download and print out coloring pages about Oregon and pass them out for your littles to color while you read to them. A more structured outdoor education can be found at one of Oregon’s many outdoor schools, with offerings of overnight trips and classes to learn about camping and hiking.
However if you choose to spend your time with your family in the forest, know that your passion for Oregon’s forests is shared by campaigns atOregon Forests Forever. Together we have a responsibility to ensure our forests are healthy, thriving, protected and stewarded for generations to come. When we work together, good things happen. We’re here for the trees and for the families who love them. We can’t wait to see you out here with us!