By Katie Schubert
It’s March, and the end of winter is finally in sight. Soon, buds will be blooming, trees will start turning green and families will be getting back outdoors. So, what is the best way to emerge into the sunshine after a long winter’s hibernation?
“I think the very first key is making sure everyone is comfortable,” says Amy Bushatz, outdoor enthusiast and founder of Humans Outside, a podcast based on Bushatz spending more time outdoors with her husband and two sons after a move to Alaska. “It’s all about wearing layers and being able to take that stuff off and on. When I’m uncomfortable, and in my experience when my children are uncomfortable, no one wants to be outside.”
Once everyone is appropriately layered up and ready to go, Bushatz recommends exploring spaces you may not have since the late fall or early winter.
“I love going out in the spring on paved nature trails and paved bike paths,” she says. “In the spring, a regular trail can be really muddy. It’s a good idea to stay off the dirt trails to let [them] be dry and nice the rest of the year.”
After being inside so much for the last several months, “It’s a great time to break out that equipment that you might have forgotten about in the back of the garage,” Bushatz adds.
“It’s a great time to break out the sidewalk chalk for the first time of the year. It’s these things you own that maybe everyone gets tired of by the end of June, and they have whole new life in your home because [you] haven’t used them in a while. I love that for spring. It’s like, ‘Remember, we own this scooter? You should play with that.’”
It can be easy to overlook all the small wonders out in nature. With the arrival of spring, go out and see what you maybe hadn’t noticed before.
“One fun thing to do with kids of all ages is to really take the time to observe, and ask yourself, ‘What am I noticing out there that’s new?’ because spring is about new life,” she says. “The spring is the time we can see the flowers coming out, and the daffodils and green things growing, and leaves coming out.”
One way to get everyone excited to go outside is to be deliberate when you step outside your door. Bushatz recommends asking your children to look for specific things. “You can say, ‘Hey, today while we’re out, find five new things’ or ‘Find signs of spring,’ so that you’re being more intentional about noticing things outside.”
She particularly encourages this when hitting the great outdoors with younger kids. “It’s really special and fun because you’re taking the time to see things that you wouldn’t otherwise even notice while you were out there.”
When considering where to go, see what local parks have good walking trails available. Check your local county or city website for what public lands you can use. Consider buying an annual national or state park pass to get access to additional areas. There may be discounts available for children, senior citizens, first responders, military veterans and more. Check the hours a park or trail is open before you head out in case there is inclement weather, which might result in closures.
When you’ve figured out where you and your family want to explore in the fresh air, Bushatz has one final piece of advice.
“I like to remind people [not to] be afraid to get a little dirty. Dirt washes off. Don’t be afraid to get dirty. To let your kids get dirty, to just enjoy that. Don’t be afraid to really get in there.”
Learn more about Bushatz and her outdoor experience at humansoutside.com.
Exploring Local Parks and Recreation
With spring finally arriving in March, Anne Arundel County has plenty of great opportunities for families to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
“As we slowly thaw from the winter months, Anne Arundel Recreation and Parks is thrilled to offer a variety of family-friendly outdoor activities and programs this spring … to help you recharge, soak up some sun and enjoy nature,” says Deputy Director of Recreation and Parks Erica Matthews.
Springtime means new furry baby friends at Kinder Farm Park. Open at 7 a.m. daily, families can come see (and maybe pet) the new goats, pigs, sheep and more. With 2.4 miles of paved trail, a newly renovated playground area and picnic tables, you can get out and spend your whole day at the park.
Quiet Waters Park is situated on 340 acres of beautiful park land. Parents can saddle up with their little ones and hit the trails for a 30-minute infant/toddler hike every Tuesday at 11 a.m. Email “Ranger Liz” at [email protected] to find out where in the park the hike meets each week!
There is something for everyone, Matthews says. “Our parks and amenities come alive during the spring and summer months, offering families countless opportunities to enjoy life, explore nature and restore health and well-being.
“We encourage you to visit our website, aacounty.org/recreation-parks for a full list of activities and programs as we embrace the beauty of the outdoors together,” she adds.
Katie Schubert is an outdoor enthusiast and delights in getting out and getting muddy with her kid.
