Here are some fun ways to make nature a part of your family's life.

1. Take a nature walk
Go for a walk and learn about the bugs, birds, trees and wildflowers near your home. Bring along one of the child-friendly regional guides from Lone Pine Publishing that have easy-to-identify species. Some of their titles include: Bugs of British Columbia, Animal Tracks of Ontario and Mammals of Alberta. Ask for them at your local library or favourite bookstore.

2. Start planting
Plant something -- a tree, a tomato plant or a sunflower. Or try the sunflower house in Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder (Algonquin of Chapel Hill, $19.95) by Richard Louv.

3. Do volunteer work
Volunteer to help restore natural streams, build a naturalization project or clean up a hedgerow. For ideas, check out Nature Canada or call 1-800-267-4088.

4. Visit nature centres
Check out naturalist groups. Log on to the Nature Canada site for information about naturalists in your area. Or visit a nearby nature centre (contact your local tourism information centre to find one near you). Some nature centres, such as the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre in Midland, Ont., offer year-round family educational programs and activities; for example, at the Wye Marsh Parent and Tot Program, you can hike and bird-watch.

For another great outdoor activity idea, try creating a backyard nature habitat with your kids.

This story was originally titled "Nature's Touch Magic" in the June 2007 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

Page 1 of 1