Today’s schools are designed to teach children the knowledge they will need to be successful in a high-tech and global world and workplace. However, the skills that will help them do well in school and that employers say they value most— curiosity, the ability to work well with others, dedication to challenging tasks, the ability to learn new  or complex ideas and concepts quickly—are not easily learned from books or while working at a computer. The seeds of this important learning are planted during playtime in the early years.

Every community offers a number of real-world learning opportunities for children and their families. Tap into what interests you and your children most. A visit to the local fire station to meet the firefighters and see the shiny red trucks can be a thrill for some. Others might rather feed the ducks or smell the flowers at the park.

Following are some ideas for simple, fun family outings that pack lots of learning. For more inspiration, check with the local chamber of commerce or tourism office or check the weekly listing of family and other events in the newspaper. [top]

• Field trips (very) close to home. With a healthy dose of imagination, something as simple as taking out the trash can teach children meaningful lessons about such topics as family responsibility, recycling and community helpers. Raking the leaves together in the backyard can become a lesson about the seasons, can inspire you and your children to learn why leaves change color (Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert is a beautiful picture book on this topic) and is great exercise, too!
   
• Nature preserves/botanical gardens. Hiking trails (some are wide enough to accommodate strollers) offer families the ability to explore nature with young children in an easy and safe way. Generally, plants and natural habitats are marked, making it easier for mom and dad to answer children's many questions. At some locations, interpretive centers allow children to touch and feel natural objects, inspect small animals and insects, listen to stories and even create nature-based crafts.
   

• Local eateries. Lunch-on-the-go can become a learning experience about new tastes, cultures and the jobs people do, especially if you chose a restaurant that serves ethnic foods. Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean and Chinese restaurants serve kid-friendly foods such as tacos, pasta, soups and simple fruit and vegetable dishes. Children can also see how food is made. Watching the pizza maker toss dough toward the ceiling, sauce it and slide it into the hot oven is a great show and just might inspire your children to make their own pizzas with you at home. 
   

• Family concerts. Most communities offer opportunities to listen and move to musical performances, in many styles and from places around the world.
   
• Local library events. Most of today’s libraries are fun, family-oriented places to spend time. Introduce your children to the librarian and browse the stacks for picture books that excite and inspire you and your children. Learn more about scheduled events in the children’s section, such as regular story hours and special events with storytellers, magicians or others.
   
• Farms/produce stands. Visits to area farm or farmers’ markets will put children in touch with local surroundings, introduce them to some friendly farm animals and teach them how food is grown and sold in places other than a supermarket. Many orchards offer apple and pumpkin picking in the fall—yummy, fun activities that put you all in touch with nature, offer lessons in the seasons, teach a little history and provide the raw materials for cooking and baking activities to try at home. To support these real-life learning adventures, find books on related topics to share with your children. Johnny Appleseed by Stephen and Rosemary Benet tells the tale of the man credited with planting apples across the country. How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman and Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper are two lovely picture books that also include recipes.
   
• Children’s museums. Museums provide a perfect opportunity for children and their families to make new connections between the things they see each day and a world they’ve yet to discover. Most children’s museums cover all bases, with exhibits and learning about lots of topics such as art, science, history and technology. They also allow children to get “hands-on” with what interests them most, but isn’t commonly available. Where else can you wrap your arms around a tyrannosaurus leg bone? [top]

If your children a still take naps, you’ll want to plan your outings around rest time. You’ll also want to bring along snacks or pack a picnic to keep hunger pangs from spoiling your time away from home. Depending on the venue, hats, raingear, sunscreen, child-safe bug repellent, a change of clothing and a simple first aid kit are some other important supplies for family explorers to take along on their journeys.