Often a change in weather — to colder and shorter days, can pose some challenges to getting our family nature grooves on. It's cozier inside, close to comforts and other seasonal family activities. I totally get it, it happens to everyone — even those of us who eagerly anticipate the coming snow!

To support your winter family adventures I wanted to share a list of my favourite parks to visit with my family nature club during the winter. In addition I have also shared some fun nature inspired winter activities you can match-up with your park visits!  

​So here goes...

The first Urban Wild Family Nature Club: "Choose Your Own Adventure"!

Yesterday I strolled along a rocky reservoir shore with my 4 year old. The day had previously been infused with grumpy moments for both of us. There had been a tension between us all day. It was hard to make light of the smallest things and the air was filled with do's, don'ts and wants.

What struck me while we launched driftwood into the water was how we had drifted ourselves, almost unnoticed, from tension to play and cooperation.  We watched our driftwood boats tip and turn in the waves and finally return to the shore only to be launched again — this time with canon balls of rocks to dodge!

We were both taking turns leading the play — both accepting and nourishing  each other's ideas.

As we walked back, my son took me on a "secret path" along the shore which looped us further away from our destination (the car). We did the loop again with him insisting and leading the way! There was not a word about his wet feet and wet pants past his knees... 

We returned home both lighter and connected.

It seems the natural world supports and accepts our moods, how ever we arrive, and gently drifts us to a calmer and more connected place.

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