Anya Hawkins's blog : The World Favourite Nature Parks for Children
If you're a family that loves the outdoors, you will always find ways to enjoy nature regardless of the age of your children. Looking at holidays that consist of sitting by a pool might not be the kind of activity you're looking for if you're more about the adventurous side of life. You might not be adventurous at all but want to instil the importance of nature into your children; we know how important it is for our mental and physical health to get plenty of time outdoors after all.
There will always be options for exploring nature wherever you go in the world. Here are some of the top picks with different ages and adventurous abilities.
The Eden Project, UK
The Eden Project is a beautiful expanse of domes that each provide the natural habitat for different types of biomes, which essentially means that it creates the living conditions of specific ecosystems. These range from plants native to the area to the indoor rainforest. This fantastic place is a perfect learning opportunity for people of all ages and puts the focus on nature and giving back to the planet.
Inokashira Park, Japan
Many people include cherry blossom season in Japan as part of their bucket list, and it's not hard to see why. Places like Inokashira Park are the perfect place for gazing at the beautiful blossom with other attractions throughout the park too. There are so many offerings for children of all ages, such as a petting zoo and aquarium, and the Ghibli Museum is located nearby. You could plan a full day out around this location, with plenty of well-reviewed traditional Japanese restaurants nearby. Due to the cherry blossoms, this can be a tourist hot spot, so you know that the local businesses will cater to your needs.
Everglades National Park, USA
When thinking of the Everglades, you may think of dangerous swamps and alligators; maybe not the perfect place for a family trip? You would be mistaken as there is so much to see and learn from this wilderness and wetland. This national park is huge at around 1.5 million acres, so you need to plan what areas you want to visit. There are more minor hiking routes that are perfect for families, alongside exciting boat trips so that you can witness the breathtaking marine life, including turtles, dolphins, and manatees. There is also the Museum of the Everglades which is well-reviewed online and run by friendly volunteers who are passionate about the history of this national park.
Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore
If your family includes younger children, why not consider taking your buggy to Singapore for an adventure. The Jurong Lake Gardens offer something for everyone and some beautiful views that mix nature and modern life. The boardwalk provides a perfect opportunity to get as close to the lake as possible. You will be amazed by the scenery and how family-friendly this area is—featuring all kinds of things to discover, from Japanese and Chinese gardens to sites dedicated to watersports. There are even initiatives for free kayaking or stand up paddle boarding when you collect trash from the water, which is an excellent idea for keeping the area clean and safe while people can have fun.
The Black Forest Nationa Park, Germany
This German forest's wild, natural beauty is ideal for rejuvenation of the body and mind. Home to all kinds of birds, from falcons to owls, it's the perfect place to let the surrounding sights and noises seep into you. This area may not be the ideal location for younger children unless they are already used to the outdoors and longer hiking trails; however, there are many elements to get excited about. If you want to visit the Black Forest with younger children, you can always opt for the various driving routes to take in the breathtaking scenery and visit the Black Forest Open Air Museum, which shows what farming life was like in the 16th-17th century.
The world is full of adventure, with these just being a range of examples from a handful of locations. Trying something new and keeping the planet in mind is the best way to travel and an excellent lesson for your children.
Resources:
- Baby Stroller - ArtStation
- Baby Stroller Singapore - CoffeeCup
- Jogger Stroller - Flourish
- Stroller With Car Seat - Glitch
- Car Seat Stroller - IBM
- Bassinet - Mataroa
- Booster Seat - The University of Texas at Austin