Getting outside is big stuff these days. I recently came across another site which nurtures the nature lover in us and promotes kids getting out into nature – Nature Rocks. Nature Rock’s main partners are non-profits The Nature Conservancy and the Children and Nature Network and the outdoor gear manufacturer REI. With these great partners I was expecting good things. At first I was disappointed, that is until I unearthed the gem on their site. Here is what I found:
#1 – Find Nature
A search function which allows you to look for nature destinations, activities and services. It uses the Google Maps search engine and is therefore only as good as the information on Google Maps. I found some inconsistencies like outfitters coming up as activities. However, I did find a couple of local places to visit which I’d not been aware of which seem worth checking out. Overall I much prefer the Green Hour Nature Even Finder, which is outstanding.
#2 – Downloadable Guide
They have a Nature Staycation guide to download. It’s nicely laid out and has some basic ideas on things to do outdoors. At first I thought this was great, but the content really isn’t startling, it just looks nice.
#3 – Find Activities
Here is the gem in the Nature Rocks pile – nature activities search. I almost left the site without trying this, but I’m glad I took another look. Their activities search function allows you to enter the Time Available, Location (inside, outside, regional etc) and the age of child. You then receive a list of ideas for projects which range from short indoor games to camping trips and more extensive projects like creating a garden. This is the part I recommend you take a look at.
I applaud the idea behind the Nature Rocks site. I do, however, suggest that the editors do something to highlight the gem of their site. The activities search is right there on the front page, but somehow it is a little lost amongst the photo slide show and the effort to convince the reader that getting out in nature is important and beneficial.
Do take a look and let me know what you think. What do you say?
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