Outdoor Adventures for Kids and Families

Even though school has started, summer is still around and there are lots of local opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors together.

Dr. David Strayer, a psychology professor at the University of Utah, encourages adults and children to unplug their electronic devices and take a break  because nature can refresh the brain. “Our senses change. They kind of recalibrate – you notice sounds, like crickets chirping; you hear the river, the sound, the smells. You become connected to the physical environment, the earth, rather than the artificial environment.”

In the weeks ahead, there are many exciting nature adventures scheduled in Fayette County – everything from fishing and hiking to geocaching. Check out my list below:

Fayette County Kids Fishing Derby: On Saturday, August 21, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Peachtree City will host a free kids fishing derby at Luther Glass Park in Peachtree City. For more information, call 770 631-2525 or email: crhodes@peachtree-city.org.

Kidz Fest and Food Fest: Kids of all ages can enjoy games, rides and food sampling from local restaurants on August 28 at Shakerag Knoll, 191 McIntosh Trail, in Peachtree City from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Most rides are free and food can be purchased for a nominal fee. You’ll enjoy the World Famous Money Machine, Great Rock Wall, Giant Slide, Twist and Spin, Iron Man Obstacle Course, Moon Walk, and the Trackless Train. Pony Rides will also be available for a nominal fee. For more information, 770 631-2542 or email asivertsen@peachtree-city.org

Jr. Master Gardener Introductory Event: Fayette County 4-H is hosting a one day “sneak-peek” at the Jr. Master Gardener Program for students in 3^rd – 5^th grades on Saturday, September 11 from 10:00 – 3:00. The event will be held at the Kiwanis Center, 936 Redwine Rd. in Fayetteville. The cost is $5 per person and everyone is asked to bring a sack lunch. Advance registration is required.

Swamp Stompin’: Southern Conservation Trust is teaming up with Fayette County Parks & Rec for a great event for kids on Saturday, September 18, from 10:00 – Noon at Sams Lake Bird Sanctuary in Fayetteville. Those who attend will be scouting for bugs, frogs, birds and other critters that enjoy this wetland habitat. You’re going to get muddy so wear old clothes and shoes or bring waders. Cost is $4 per person for Fayette County residents and $6 per person for those outside the county. Advance registration is required. Call 770-716-4320 for more information and to reserve a space for this wetlands adventure.

Geocaching Is one of the hottest new family activities for those who love adventure, the outdoors and using GPS devices. When geocaching, you and your team try to locate hidden treasures (containers called geocaches) outside in many different areas. You then go online to share your geocaching experience with others who enjoy the sport. Geocaches are hidden all over the world! There are over 70 hidden caches in Peachtree City alone. You can search for geocaches near your home and hidden within Fayette County Parks (FCPRD) and at the geocaching website.  For more information on geocaching, visit the official global site at www.geocaching.com or the Georgia site at: http://www.ggaonline.org/

If you would like to get started in geocaching, join Fayette County Parks & Rec for a fall foliage and geocaching trip to the highest point in Alabama – Cheaha State Park on Saturday, November 6 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Participants can seek the Mount Cheaha Earthcache (GC25M9T) and other nearby geocaches or you can just go along to view the spectacular fall leaves that put on a colorful show each year. Advanced registration is required, and spaces are limited. Bring your own handheld GPS device. The cost is $12 per county resident. Meet at the Activities House, 980 Redwine Road, Fayetteville. Transportation will be provided for the trip.

Moonlight Hike at Flat Creek Nature Area: Bring your flashlights to view nocturnal creatures that call Flat Creek Nature Area home on this family night hike on Friday, November 19 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. The guided nature walk costs $4 per person and will tour the trail and boardwalk of the Flat Creek Nature Area. Advanced registration is required. Call 770-716-4320.  Meet at the Fredrick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater Parking

Lot.

For more information about things to do in our area, go to www.getoutdoorsgeorgia.org