As urban parents, can we safely say that our kids will grow up having a genuine connection to the outdoors, to nature and its diverse inhabitants? A recent 2008 study revealed that Americans are using public parks and forests 25 percent less than they were in 1987. Simultaneously, more and more children are playing videos instead of playing outside.

If you’d like to take your kids outside more often, you really don’t have to travel too far or even have a huge backyard. Visit your local park or take part in some of our recommended outdoor activities and programs below, which sample just a tiny bit of the many outdoor activities in Los Angeles. You’ll be fostering a love of nature and the outdoors that needs to begin when kids are young. You’ll also be raising healthier, happier kids.

As the environmentalist Baba Diou said:

In the end, they will conserve what they love;
They will love what they know;
They will know what they are taught.

Let’s do out part to teach our kids about everything, including nature and the outdoors.

Los Angeles River Ride
Along the L.A. River and Downtown L.A. Neighborhoods
Sunday, June 7
Ages: All
Cost: $15 Kids registration fee; $49 Adult registration fee (register ahead of time)
Website

Make the most of biking in an urban environment at the 9th Annual L.A. River Ride that will take you and your family along the L.A. River and throughout downtown L.A. Six different rides include a short Kids Ride and a 10-mile Family Ride. Also scheduled is a Fun Fair for the kids. More thank 1,500 people are expected to head outdoors and participate in this event. And don’t forget your helmet!

Tykes on Trails
The Children’s Nature Institute
[Locations below] (310) 860-9484 x110
Four Day Series (June 8,15,22,29 at Malibu Lagoon; June 8, 15, 22, 29 at Griffith Park; June 9, 16, 23, 30 at Franklin Canyon; June 10, 17, 24, and July 1 at Temescal Canyon) May also attend single days
Ages: 2-4
Cost: $60 for a 4-day series, $30 each additional child; $20 for a single day, $10 each additional child
Website

It’s never too early at the Children’s Nature Institute for preschoolers to learn about local flora and fauna. The workshops are designed to nurture children’s innate curiosity about nature and all the creatures who live in it. The June series will focus on life below ground and in the water, the animals that burrow or make their homes underneath logs, rocks or in streams. As the month heats up and you teach your kids how to stay cool, they will also learn how their amphibian and insect friends stay cool as well.

Moonlight Kayak Classes
Castaic Lake
32132 Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic 91384; (661) 257-4050
Two week sessions: Thursdays, May 21 & 28; June 18 & 25; Four week sessions: Wednesdays, June 3-24; July 1-22; July 29-August 19
6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Ages: 8 and up (Children between 8 and 18 must register with a parent)
Cost: $45 for two-week sessions; $89 for 4 week sessions

No experience is necessary and all skill levels are welcome at this unique kayaking class taking place by moonlight. Learn about basic paddling techniques and kayak safety while familiarizing yourself with the local wildlife, birds and lake history of Castaic Lake. This is a great new perspective and a unique water activity suitable for anyone wanting to explore. The first class will meet at the Paradise Cove area on the Lagoon. For more information, call the number above.

Youth Naturalist Program
Mountains Restoration Trust
23075 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas 91302;  (818) 591-1701 x181
Saturday, June 13 (and every second Saturday of each month)
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 8-12
Cost: $15 per child (reservations required)
Website

Expose your child to the outdoors through guided discovery! They’ll learn about ecological concepts, natural history and environmental concerns. Most sessions will include a hike, discovery lab and a related craft. Some will host guest speakers. This positive and enriching learning experience will contribute to your fostering a love of the outdoors, particularly though the hands-on and in the field techniques.

Kids Fishing Derby
Cerritos Park Lake
19700 Bloomfield Ave, Cerritos, CA 90703
Saturday, May 30
7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Ages: 5-15
Cost: FREE

Head outside early for a morning of fishing, where a stocked lake will ensure a good catch and a great day for everyone. The event is geared to kids ages 5-15, so if your children have not had an opportunity to fish, this is a great introduction. Even seasoned fisher-kids will have a great time. The entire event is free, with poles, reels and bait provided for use for the morning. Plus, a bonus pancake breakfast is also free for the early birds who get to the lake at 7 a.m. The fishing derby begins at 8 a.m. Prizes will be awarded in various categories, including largest fish caught and most fish caught.

Weekly Animal Presentations
Placerita Canyon Nature Center
19152 Placerita Canyon Rd
Newhall, CA 91321
(661) 259-7721
&
San Dimas Nature Center (at the museum)
1628 N. Sycamore Canyon Road
San Dimas, California 91773
Saturdays
1 p.m. – 2p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE

Two nature centers across Los Angeles County serve to educate and care for animals that have been rescued and are no longer able to fend for themselves. They now contribute to the education of the general public and are ambassadors of their species. Visit one of these nature centers for a weekly animal presentation. You’ll meet the resident owls, hawks, tortoises and various other animals that call the Nature Center home. Presented by staff, docents and licensed falconers at Placerita Canyon. Afterwards, take a hike and play in the surrounding natural areas.

[Do you have suggestions for other parents on easy, affordable activities to help connect kids to the outdoors? Leave a comment here or email us at info@lakidstuff.com so we can share it with everyone.]