Experiencing the beauty of nature in each season while enjoying the outdoors with your children is a wonderful experience for their growth. This time, I will introduce recommended outdoor activities for each season that even moms with no outdoor experience can easily start. Let's fully enjoy the charm of each season and spend special time together as a family.
Spring Outdoor Activities
1. Cherry blossom hiking
When it comes to spring, it's all about cherry blossoms. How about visiting a famous cherry blossom spot and enjoying a hike while having a hanami? If you bring a bento and spend the day in a picnic mood, the day will fly by.
point
- Bring your own lunch and drinks, and enjoy while taking a leisurely break.
- Having children carry observation notebooks and draw flowers or plants that interest them deepens their learning.
2. Bird watching
Spring is the season when many migratory birds visit. Let's go out with binoculars to observe wild birds. By researching the names and characteristics of birds together as a family, interest in nature deepens.
point
- Let's use field guides and birdwatching apps to look up the names of the birds we find.
- By observing quietly, you can enjoy the natural appearance of wild birds.
3. Digging for bamboo shoots
Spring is the season for bamboo shoots. Let's visit facilities and satoyama where you can experience digging for bamboo shoots and harvest fresh bamboo shoots. It's also fun to cook and eat them on the spot.
point
- Cook the dug-up bamboo shoots on the spot and enjoy the fresh taste.
- It would be good to enjoy together as a family while teaching each other how to dig and cook.
Summer outdoor activities
4. Playing in the river
Playing in the river to blow away the summer heat is a very popular activity for children. It's great to play in the shallow areas, and wearing a life jacket to swim in slightly deeper water is also a good option.
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- Always wear life jackets and safety equipment, and pay attention to safety.
- Let's have a fun time using water guns and floaties.
5. Camping
Summer is the best season for camping. Spending time in nature allows you to enjoy experiences different from everyday life. Setting up a tent and sleeping in it, as well as having meals around a campfire, create special memories.
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- Choose a campsite that is safe for beginners.
- Plan activities that the whole family can enjoy, such as campfires and barbecues.
6. Stargazing
Summer nights are a beautiful season for stargazing. It's a fun time for parents and children to search for constellations and spot shooting stars in places with little light, such as the suburbs or mountainous areas.
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- Use a star chart or stargazing app to learn the names and positions of constellations.
- Spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy the starry sky while lying down.
Autumn outdoor activities
7. Autumn leaf viewing hike
Autumn is a beautiful season for fall foliage. Let's visit famous spots for autumn leaves and enjoy hiking. Walking surrounded by colorful leaves is a pleasant experience.
point
- Take a camera and photograph the beautiful autumn leaves.
- Collecting leaves expands the fun for later crafting.
8. Chestnut Gathering
Autumn is the season for chestnuts. Let's visit a farm where you can experience chestnut picking and harvest chestnuts together as a family. One of the joys is also to eat roasted chestnuts right there on the spot.
point
- Using the chestnuts I picked up, I will make chestnut rice and chestnut desserts.
- Enjoy learning the points and tips for chestnut picking.
9. Autumn fruit picking
Autumn is a delicious season for fruits like apples, pears, and grapes. Let's enjoy fruit picking and taste fresh fruits on the spot.
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- Choose an all-you-can-eat farm and enjoy a variety of fruits.
- Learning about the methods of harvesting and growing fruits deepens your interest in food.
Winter outdoor activities
10. Skiing and Snowboarding
When it comes to winter, it's all about skiing and snowboarding. Let's visit a ski resort with the whole family and enjoy the exhilarating feeling of gliding down the snowy mountains. By utilizing beginner courses and lessons, you can ski safely and enjoyably.
point
- Enroll them in a ski school for children to learn the basics.
- Take proper cold weather measures and prepare appropriate gear.
11. Snowshoeing
The activity of walking on snow with snowshoes provides a fresh and fun experience for children. They can explore snowfields and forests that they usually cannot walk through.
point
- Teach a stable way of walking to prevent falls.
- Take a break in a place with a good view and enjoy a warm drink.
12. Playing in the snow
Winter snow play is an exciting activity for children. Let's enjoy winter-specific activities like making snowmen, sledding, and having snowball fights.
point
- Take proper cold weather precautions and prepare for the cold.
- Observe snowflakes with children and feel the beauty of nature.
13. Winter hiking
Hiking in the crisp winter air has a charm different from that of summer or autumn. Walking through the snowy landscape is a special experience, allowing you to feel nature in the silence.
point
- Prepare equipment for walking on snowy paths (snow boots and spikes).
- Bring warm drinks and light snacks to enjoy during the break.
14. Bird watching
In winter, the leaves fall and visibility opens up, making it suitable for bird watching. Use binoculars to observe winter birds and learn about their names and characteristics with the children.
point
- Use field guides or apps for birdwatching to look up the names of birds.
- I keep a record of the birds I observe and feel a sense of growth.
summary
Experiencing the charm of nature throughout the four seasons while enjoying outdoor activities as a parent and child is a valuable experience for children. From spring cherry blossom hikes and bird watching, summer river play and camping, autumn leaf peeping and fruit picking, to winter skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and playing in the snow, let's deepen family bonds and support children's growth through activities suitable for each season.
Enjoy a wonderful outdoor experience. May the time spent in nature become a special memory for both parents and children.
