I grew up in a small Nebraska town and I recall how easy it was to get out and enjoy nature when I was growing up.  Living in cities now for 22 years, I find myself constantly surrounded by buildings and the deafening sound of noise.  There is something to be said about getting away from bricks and mortar and other human-made structures.  Sometimes we forget that many of our children grow up in the city and they don't get many opportunities to get out of this environment.  Yes, there are neighborhood parks and your backyard... they are nice but they are usually small and you can still hear traffic and other noises in the background.  So, I suggest that you find a place to get away to experience nature...even if it means driving 30-45 minutes to find a place where the kids can get away from all the hustle and bustle and noise of the city.  Find a place where there are no buildings and that there are no sounds of traffic, rather, just the sounds of nature can be heard.  Take your children to these places, turn off your cell phones and don't have a schedule or an agenda.  Consider packing a healthy lunch and go to one of the many state parks in the area.  Find a walking trail and let the kids listen and look at the amazing world around them.  It will be amazing to watch your children explore these surroundings and to hear the questions they ask about what they are seeing and hearing.   Expose yourself and your children to nature and the wonderful worlds outside of the city.  It will be relaxing and you will get quite a bit of exercise, too.   When your children grow up and think back to events that occurred during their childhood they will recall how amazing the nature experiences you share with them were.

 

CLICK HERE to view information regarding Nebraska's State Parks.

 

CLICK HERE to veiw information regarding Iowa's State Parks.