Eco-adventures are a rising trend among parents, and it’s not hard to see why. The idea behind them is to promote environmental awareness, bond with your child, foster a connection with nature, and encourage exploration. Portland is an excellent area for this, as there are so many ways you can create a fantastic quest that will delight the whole family. So let’s get started and dive in!
Create A Nature Journal
This is a two-part adventure, as you’ll need to go on a nature walk to obtain the supplies. Thankfully, Portland is home to dozens of parks and trails that are a great choice. Look at different areas of water and draw them. Discover the diverse plants, animal signs, and natural colors. Take safe home leaves, and other items, and make a day of gluing them into a journal and coloring the pages with your children.
This can be a wonderful experience for your children, as they receive both a sensory and a learning experience. Not only can they see dozens of different things, but they can also hear the birds, the water flowing, and more. They can also touch stones or trees and smell the fresh flowers or the scent of the forest. Be sure to pack food, water, sunscreen, and bug repellent, as mosquito bites can be exceptionally bothersome.
Learn About Recycling
Another wonderful thing about living in Portland is that there are plenty of classroom education opportunities for children, which would also make a great eco-adventure. By teaching your children about recycling, they will understand the importance of food waste reduction, the proper way to recycle, and avoid placing items in the wrong areas (which is common among families). Additionally, they will receive interactive lessons. This is a great way to get your children interested in the planet and start fostering habits that will last them into the future.
Check Out Your Local Farmer’s Market
This is an enjoyable activity to do as a family and can be a fun time to embark on a ‘quest.’ Have your child find someone who has a specific fruit or item, ask questions about sustainability, and show them how these stalls are helping the planet by going zero waste or by making their own items instead of supporting fast fashion or practices that contribute to landfills. In my experience, the farmer’s market is a great place to learn and have fun at the same time.
Attend Local Events
Eco-friendly events are always a good idea when you want to teach your child the benefits of helping the environment and your community. For instance, a cleanup can be turned into a game, and participants learn about the importance of keeping plastic out of our water supply, the dangers of leaving trash everywhere, and other related topics. Not to mention that local events often provide information such as books or coloring pages for your children, ensuring that learning is fun for them and keeps them engaged.
Visit Your Local Little Libraries
If you have books you’re no longer using, consider donating them to your local little libraries. The idea behind them is that you take a book and then leave a book. It’s a great way to get rid of things you’re not using and show your children the benefits of utilizing local resources, such as your library. Many places throw out books when they’re deemed no longer popular or valuable, but little libraries can be a great place for books to have a second chance to find a best friend.
Go Bird Watching
This one will take a pair of binoculars, but thankfully, with the rise of social media and apps, you can find adult and children’s options pretty cheaply. Create a list of native birds and try to identify them. It’s a fun activity for nature journals; it just takes a little patience.
Jenifer Dale is a writer that has a passion for reading and helping others. When she is not writing, she loves cooking, crocheting, and spending time with her family.