Summer is a great time to get outside and explore! Here are some of our favourite summer activities at NatureKids BC:
10. Fishing
What better way to spend an afternoon than trying to catch some dinner? Even if you enjoy releasing them back into the water afterwards, nothing is more exciting than feeling a bite on the end of your line. Many of our clubs pair with the Freshwater Fishing Society of B.C. to put on Explorer Days where kids can learn to fish. Check your local club today to see what they’re doing!
9. Getting out on the water
Even if you aren’t fishing, summer is the perfect time to be out on the water. We love swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Almost every town in B.C. is built next to a body of water so get out to your lake or river today!
8. Going birdwatching
You don’t have to go far to see wildlife. B.C. has an incredible diversity of bird species, many of which only come here during the summer months. Grab your binoculars and a bird identification guide and see how many different species you can spot!
7. Removing invasive plants
It’s important to take care of the environment around us and one way to help is by pulling up invasive plants. You can look for plants like knapweed, tansy, and thistle in your yard or favourite outdoor space and pull them up before they release seeds. NatureKids clubs have organized invasive plant Explorer Days, so check out what your local club is doing. Be sure to wear gloves as these plants can be bristley.
6. Planting flowers
Planting flowers in your yard is a great way to help pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds need the nectar from flowers for food, and plants need them to help carry pollen. You will be amazed at the activity you can see in your flower beds when they bloom. To identify the creatures you might see, check out our pollinator ID sheet.
5. Pond dipping
During the summertime, ponds are teeming with life. Often you can see insect larvae, tadpoles, minnows, and other creatures living in the shallows. You might even catch sight of a turtle! Ponds also have amazing plant life that helps to protect the ecosystem in it. Bring a net and a magnifying glass and see what you can find living in the mud.
4. Stargazing
Clear summer nights are perfect for observing the skies. For the best viewing, get as far away from cities as you can. Light pollution from towns and cities blocks out many of the stars that we can see. Look for constellations: the Big Dipper and Little Dipper, Hercules, Draco, and Scorpio are some of the most prominent summer constellations.
3. Picnicking
Who doesn’t love a picnic? Pack a lunch and a picnic blanket and head out to your favourite park, beach, or outdoor spot. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon with friends. Be sure to pack water and a sunhat to stay safe in the heat!
2. Hiking
75% of B.C. is covered by mountains. For most of the year, the high places are inaccessible because they’re covered in snow. During the summer is the perfect time to take a hike and find some of the most stunning views in the world. Make sure to pack water and snacks and wear solid hiking shoes.
1. Camping
Warm summer nights are perfect for camping out. There are hundreds of official campsites, big and small, all over the province. If you don’t want to go far, you can also set up a campout in your own backyard. Camp responsibly: make sure you know if there is a campfire ban before you go out and securely pack all food so you don’t attract bears to your campsite. Enjoy the long evenings and bring supplies for making s’mores!
What are your favourite summer activities? Let us know in the comments and tag us on social media doing one of these suggestions!