After recently communing with nature at Camp Kern’s Family Camp, I have a new found appreciation of how nature can bring out the best in you and your kids. Getting away from video games, televisions, and computers was a welcome change. Instead, bikes, campfires, and imaginations took over and the weekend was filled with laughter, new experiences (zipline anyone?), and memories that will endure . Walking through the tree lined gravel paths, really made me stop, take a deep breath and enjoy the peaceful serenity that surrounded me (okay, this may have only lasted a nanosecond as my third grader whizzed by me on her bike). But, having a chance to “get away” and enjoy the outdoors even with record high heat temperatures was well worth it. Nothing beats roasting marshmallows for a delicious smore when it’s 90+ degrees outside. Lucky for Greater Cincinnati, the Great Outdoor Weekend is almost here (Sept. 24 & 25) and hopefully with slightly cooler temperatures. There will be plenty of chances to enjoy nature and lots of family friendly activities to do. Best of all, it’s all FREE!
Their press release sums it up best:
GREAT OUTDOOR WEEKEND – Discover a fun filled weekend full of the best nature activities and programs the tri-state has to offer…for FREE! Kids, teens and adults will have several exciting programs to choose from during Great Outdoor Weekend on September 24 and 25! It’s a unique way to experience the natural world with over 70 interactive programs by more than 40 environmental and recreational organizations.
Some of the organizations and programs involved include Cincinnati Nature Center’s “Paw Paw Tasting,” Hamilton County Park District’s “Luminary Tree Hike,” Cincinnati Astronomical Society “Stars in the West,” Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) “Kayak the Little Miami”, Kenton County Parks & Recreation’s “Critters in the Crick at Pioneer Park” and many more. From Union, Kentucky to Clarksville, Ohio, Lawrenceburg to Milford, and everywhere in between, there is something for everyone during the Great Outdoor Weekend!
You are welcome to attend one or a handful of the great programs being offered in different parts of the tri-state throughout this special weekend. All program descriptions, dates, times and locations can be found at www.CincyGreatOutdoorWeekend.org.
The Great Outdoor Weekend is an initiative of Green Umbrella. Green Umbrella advocates and facilitates the preservation and restoration of natural corridors and greenspaces to protect the unique beauty and biodiversity in the urban and rural environments. To find out more about Green Umbrella and their mission go to www.greenumbrella.org.
So break out the hiking shoes, lather on the sunscreen, and get out the bug spray and enjoy some quality outdoor time with your family.
Photos below and on slideshow image are courtesy of Great Outdoor Weekend and photographer, Kevin Pease/Serendipity Design.
