When I think of summer, I think of all the time I get to spend outdoors. I think of the warm (or cool) breezes, enjoying the shade of a tree or umbrella, listening to the cicadas, and not having to wear shoes with laces. I also reflect on all the time I spent outside with my family growing up. Whether we were biking, playing in the backyard, canoeing, swimming, or just having a campfire, I spent many hours of my childhood outside.  

Spending time in nature is very beneficial for individuals but can also be incredibly beneficial for families. Having the time to take in what is around you and purposefully engage with what you are seeing is a great bonding experience. A nature-based experience gives your family a focus on what to do if you aren’t sure how to start! Going on a family nature scavenger hunt, bingo, or having a checklist of birds to see or hear is a great starting place. It is a way for the whole family to work together towards the same goal. You can either make your own activities or simply search online for some options. My family liked to go look for bald eagles or river otters by the Wisconsin River. There is always a way to individually tailor the experience to your family’s unique interests.  

Being outside in nature as a family pulls everyone out from inside where all the screens are. It allows for fresh air, stretching your legs, and the chance to imagine the fun things you may see. It also allows for skills to be cultivated. Fishing as a family is a great outdoor activity and a wonderful way to bond.  I thought fishing was super fun when I was a kid because I got to cast a line AND have a cool tacklebox filled with fun, squishy lures. I even liked to have the worms race on top of my tacklebox! Sometimes I caught a fish too, but that was certainly not my priority. Now as an adult, I remember getting to spend time with my dad and playing outside and that is so special. I’m sure many of you reading this can remember the time spent with your loved ones outside in nature.  

We all have different lives, but I am sure we can all look back on the fond memories of summer and time spent with our families and loved ones. I know for myself, many of those memories center around being outside. At The Ridges, I get to see many other families creating core memories of spending time with family in nature. I hope you’ll take the time to step outside with your family and create your own special moments in the natural world. 

Join Us: Free Fridays at The Ridges Sanctuary

The Ridges Sanctuary offers Free Fridays through August, providing admission to the trails and educational outdoor activities for all visitors at no cost—an ideal opportunity for families and adults to explore nature together. For more information, go to https//ridgessanctuary.org/free-fridays/