Keep Liberty Beautiful: Turn your winter break green with a family adventure

Dr. Karen Bell

Keep Liberty Beautiful

Winter break with the children can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it’s also a perfect time for simple, stress-free family adventures. I’ve discovered a list of easy, fun outdoor activities from Project Learning Tree that any family can enjoy. They’ve made it easy to let nature inspire you to appreciate the beauty of winter and spend time outside.

Each day of winter break, a new adventure awaits your family. I hope you find these activities as enjoyable as I will with my grandson Bryce: 

Day One. Play I Spy

Get outside and use your nature-spotting eyes! Play a game of I Spy with your kiddos, encourage them to look for the big and little parts of nature, and then ask questions about what they’ve spied. “I spy something green” could become a conversation about the type of tree your child sees.

Day Two. Take a Walk

Yep, it’s that easy! If everyone’s getting a little antsy being cooped up inside, grab jackets and sweaters, put on comfy shoes, and head out for a family walk. Whether you go for a loop around the neighborhood or a twomile nature hike, getting outside has both mental and physical benefits. It lets you release whatever energy is built up, and you enjoy nature’s beauty and get some fresh air and vitamin D.

Day Three. Birdwatching 

Just look up! Birds are everywhere. This is an easy activity introducing kids to the natural environment and the incredible way birds make homes wherever they land. 

Day Four. Make Nature Based Gifts 

The best gifts are those that come from the heart. Encourage your kids to make gifts for family and friends by using materials they can find in nature or by reusing materials from something else. Create a fantastic art piece using recycled cardboard and glue on leaves or rocks you find on your walk. Draw or take a picture of whatever you see around you and frame it for a family member. Be creative and get inspired by nature.

Day Five. Visit a Park

Make a plan to get outside and play in nature! Maybe you’ll spend the afternoon at a neighborhood park, or if you live close to a regional, state, or national park, these are beautiful locations that can truly take your breath away. Check out the visitor center, where you can chat with park rangers and learn more about trees, plants, animals, geology, and access maps for hiking trails.

Day Six. Enjoy Nature’s Symphony

Have you ever noticed how the stillness of winter amplifies the sounds around you? Step out into your backyard, have everyone close their eyes, and listen. What do you hear? Are there birds chirping? Can you hear the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze?

Day Seven. Park/River/ Beach Clean-Up 

Don’t be a litterbug… be a clean-up bug! Picking up litter is a great way to teach your kids the importance of caring for our planet. There are many benefits, including that it helps improve water quality and that critters don’t mistake trash for food. You only need gloves and a trash bag to keep your hands clean. Keep Liberty Beautiful can provide supplies; contact us at (912) 880-4888.

Day Eight. Have a Picnic

Who says picnics are only for spring and summer? If there’s some good weather in your winter break forecast, pack a snack or meal (and weather- appropriate clothing!) and head outdoors with your family. Use this opportunity to enjoy some bird watching or talk with children about what they see and hear around them, whether you’re in your backyard or at a park.

Day Nine. Star Gaze

Bundle up and head outside on a clear night to gaze at the skies. It’s a great way to introduce children to astronomy, and looking at stars sparkling in the night sky helps us realize just how small we are compared to our planet.

I hope you can do all or some of these outdoor adventures with your family.

Remember you can recycle your Live Christmas Tree on January 4, 2025, at the Liberty County Recycle Transfer Station, near the DFCs Office, across from Jet Gas Station, off Highway 84 (West Oglethorpe Highway and Fraser Drive). There will also be a Recycle It! Fair and Shred Truck for your recycling needs. If you have questions or need to contact us about KLB programs, please call us at (912) 880-4888 or email klcb@libertycountyga.gov.

Happy Holidays!!