Unlock the Outdoors: Low-Cost Nature Programs Return to Kent County Parks This Summer
Between grocery bills, gas prices, and pretty much everything else costing more than it used to, recreational activities are often one of the first things families cut from the budget.
Affordable Nature Programs at Kent County Parks
The good news? Spending time outside is still one of the cheapest ways to get out of the house. It's good for the body, good for the mind, and thanks to a returning partnership between Kent County Parks and Blandford Nature Center, good for the wallet too!
Nature Neighbors is back for a second year and already underway, offering low-cost outdoor programs at parks across Kent County through Sept. 3.
Classes take place Tuesday through Saturday at six area parks:
- Millennium Park
- Long Lake Park
- Wabasis Lake Park
- Fallasburg Park
- Townsend Park
- Caledonia Lakeside Park
Classes for Kids, Families, and Adults
Nature Neighbors features a mix of nature, science, art, and recreation-based activities designed for a variety of ages. Classes typically cost between $5 and $10.
For younger kids, there are guided sensory walks that encourage them to touch, smell, listen, and explore the natural world around them. Another program, Build a Boat, Will It Float?, challenges participants to create miniature boats from simple materials and test whether their designs can stay above water.
Kids who are fascinated by wildlife can sign up for Discovering Owls, which includes hands-on activities and the chance to dissect owl pellets to learn more about what the birds eat and how they survive in the wild.
The popular Bumblebee Nature Walks are also returning. During those programs, children are given exploration backpacks and guided through outdoor adventures by Blandford educators.
Adults can get involved as well. Beginner Birding offers a relaxed introduction to birdwatching and local bird species. Beginner Kayaking teaches basic paddling techniques and water safety while giving participants a chance to enjoy time on the water.
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For creative types, Art in Nature encourages participants of all ages to use the outdoors as inspiration while experimenting with different artistic techniques and materials.
How to Join Nature Neighbors Activities
Whether you're looking for a family activity, a new hobby, or just an excuse to spend less time staring at a screen, Nature Neighbors offers an affordable way to enjoy some of Kent County's parks this summer.
A full schedule of programs, along with registration details and costs, can be found through the Nature Neighbors program website.
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Gallery Credit: Janna
