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Take A Child Outside Week Begins Sep 21

September 5, 2017 09:11 AM

Take a Child Outside Week is September 21- 30

Take a Child Outside week encourages children and adults to spend time together outdoors. This week is a great opportunity to help children better understand and appreciate the environment. Adults can help reconnect children with nature during the first week of fall.

Children are able to disconnect from technology and the indoors during this week with lots of free events to choose from. Events are for adults and children to enjoy together as they get in touch with nature.

There are many health benefits that are associated with immersion in nature. Some of these benefits include:

  • Improved creativity, problem solving and self-control
  • Enhanced ability to focus and reduced  symptoms of ADD
  • Better academic performance and social relations
  • Increased physical activity and lower rates of obesity

Activities

There is a large variety of activities to choose from during this week: 18 total. One highlight of this special week is that most events are free of charge.

Star Gazing will kick off this nature-filled week on September 21. Astronomers from the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society and William M. Staerkel Planetarium will conduct a presentation about amateur star watching. Then  explore the night sky with high-powered telescopes and chat with local experts. This relaxing night will take place at the Meadowbrook Interpretive Center starting at 7:30pm.

Bring blankets and lawn chairs to the free Outdoor Movie Night on September 22 and watch “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” at the Friendship Grove Nature Playscape. The movie will begin at 7pm and there will be complimentary popcorn and lemonade to enjoy during the show.

Bring your family outside to experience the joy of open-air yoga at sunset. Free Kids’ Yoga is offered on September 29 at the Friendship Grove Nature Playscape starting at 6pm. This yoga session is geared toward ages 5-9, but all are welcome to enjoy. Yoga mats will be provided, but you may bring your own as well.

Your family can enjoy a Family Nature Walk through Busey Woods on September 22 and 29. Explore the boardwalk and unpaved trails with other families for a relaxing evening.

For more information about all the Take a Child Outside Week activities, see the Fall Program Guide, website calendar at urbanaparks.org, or call the Anita Purves Nature Center at 217-384-4062.

Check out the Take a Child Outside Week Activity Grid! Explore our parks and participate in activities. Show your card to get it stamped at each event you attend. Turn in your card with six or more stamps by Friday, October 6 to the Anita Purves Nature Center front desk. All cards with six or more stamps will be entered into a random drawing for our Take a Child Outside prize basket! Cards will be given out at each event.

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