Explore the Great Outdoors!

Step away from the screen, go beyond your stairs, and explore the great outdoors! Studies show there are several benefits to being outside. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Proximity to greenspace has been associated with lower levels of stress and reduced symptomology for depression and anxiety, while interacting with nature can improve cognition for children with attention deficits and individuals with depression.” Other advantages include reduced fatigue, greater self-awareness, increased creativity and more. Warmer weather is here, so whether you enjoy biking, camping, or just feeling the grass between your toes, be sure to celebrate National Great Outdoors Month! Read on for book recommendations, ideas, and library resources. 

FROM THE COLLECTION

Kickstart your next adventure by browsing some of the children’s titles below.

• The Nature Adventure Book by Katie Taylor - Get creative! Explore craft and activity ideas for your next outdoor adventure. What will you make with all of your findings? 

• Look What I Found in the Woods by Moira Butterfield - Learn about peculiar plants, rocks, and more with this handy identification guide.

• Backyard Adventure: Get Messy, Get Wet, Build Cool Things, and Have Tons of Wild Fun! 51 Free-Play Activities by Amanda Thomsen - Never underestimate the possibilities within your own backyard. Discover a world of fun beyond your back door!

• Get Outside Guide: All Things Adventure, Exploration, and Fun! by Nancy Honovich - Embrace your curiosity and get outside. Whether it’s down the street or across the globe, there is plenty to explore outdoors!

• The Kids' Guide to Nature Adventures: 80 Great Activities for Exploring the Outdoors by Joe Rhatigan - Peak your young explorer’s curiosity with a wide range of nature activities.  

• National Parks of America by Amy C. Balfour - Visit parks and start checking them off your list with this old favorite, now updated with new additions.

• The Outdoor Scientist: The Wonder of Observing the Natural World by Temple Grandin - Learn about nature all year round with the Outdoor Scientist.

• Outside, You Notice by Erin Alladin - Stop and appreciate the world around you! This book encourages little ones to observe and enjoy the wonders of nature.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Library Trail at North Park

June – July at North Park Library

Take a walk on library grounds, stretch and enjoy the fresh air, read the colorful signs together, and follow their directions - if you can! Pop inside the Library afterward and drop your child's name into our monthly raffle. Each month, one person will win a surprise gift courtesy of the North Park Friends of the Library. 

Get to Know the Capital Trail

Sat., July 23rd, 10 – 11AM at Varina Library 
Sat., July 30th, 11AM – 12PM at Glen Allen Library

Summer is the perfect time to explore one of the region's best assets! Join the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation to learn about the 51.7 mile-long Capital Trail. This paved, accessible, multi-use path runs from Williamsburg to Richmond and has dozens of attractions along the way. Come ready with any trail questions, and hear about all the Trail has to offer to walkers, runners, cyclists, and skaters.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Check out a nature or birding backpack from your library! Nature backpacks include activities, identification guides, a magnifying glass and a pass for free entrance to any Virginia State Park, while birding backpacks include activities, birding guides and a set of binoculars. They’re perfect for any adventure, whether it’s far from home or right in Henrico at one of our many local parks.