During the last two weeks of September 2013, Pikes Peak area attractions, natural areas, and parks will be inviting kids and families to get outside and celebrate the 5th Annual No Child Left Inside Celebration in the Pikes Peak Region.
The purpose of No Child Left Inside day is to reconnect children to the natural world. According to award winning author, Richard Louv, in his book The Last Child in the Woods, the current generation of children have become so plugged into the inside world that it is affecting their emotional and physical health. It's time to get kids involved with outdoor activities that are an alternative to the electronic playgrounds of video games, television and hi-tech toys.
This year's participating partners include Cheyenne Mountain, Lory, and Mueller State Parks; Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, the Garden of the Gods, Sanborn Western Camps, Raptor Center in Pueblo; the Starsmore Discovery Center. For a list of detailed activities see below:
Catamount Institute
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013
11 AM - 2 PM: Open house at the Material Recovery Facility (recycling center)
see recycling in action, enjoy pizza, beverages, free giveaways, and kids can climb up in the big trucks
http://www.bestwaydisposal.com/
Material Recovery Facility (MRF)
4005 Interpark Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
For more information:
(719) 471-0910 ext 104
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013
10 AM TO 2 PM:
animal tracking, build a survival kit, learn about plants, bug hunt, build a nest, branding and horseshoeing, hummingbirds
For more information:
(719) 576-2016
El Paso County Parks
Sunday, September 29th,
12 PM - 3 PM
Great Parks Festival at Bear Creek Regional Park
PettingZoo, Soccer Clinic, Hay Rides, Disc Golf, Nature Crafts, Fly Casting, Bartlett Hay Company, Archery, Kite Demo, Slack Line, Yoga
For event information:
(719) 633-6884
www.elpasocountyparks.com
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument:
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013
Fee Free Day
11 AM Ranger guided walk on the Petrified Forest Loop, Junior Ranger Program available all day
for more information:
(719) 748 - 3253
Garden of the Gods
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013
10 AM, 11 AM, & 2 PM: Guided Nature Walks (meet at the Central Garden trail-head).
12:15 PM - Pikes Peak or Bust - The Gold Rush of 1859.
1:30 PM, 2:15 PM, 3:00 PM - Zebulon Pike, Great American Hero & Explorer (presented in period clothing with artifacts).
For more information:
(719) 219-0108
Lory State Park
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013
9 AM - 11 AM: Lory State Park Rocks, geology guided program for ages 10 and up
10 AM - 12 PM: Nature Adventure Hike, Youth Naturalist Core Program for ages 11 - 14.
2PM - 4PM: Nature Exploration Guided hike. All ages. Meet at the South Eltuck parking lot.
For reservations and more information:
(970) 493-1623
Mueller State Park
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013
10AM: Paper making/paper casting
1PM: Children's hike on Wapiti Trail
3PM: Aspen Colors Hike
5:30: Elk Hike
For more information:
(719) 687-2366 ext 110
Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013
9AM - 3PM: guided nature hikes, birds of prey presentations, scavenger hunts, nature games, river play and much more.
For more information:
(719) 549 - 2414
Sanborn Western Camp
Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013
8AM - 12PM: nature guided activities at High Trails camp
For more information:
(719) 748 - 3341
Starsmore Discovery Center
8:30 AM - 12 PM: Volunteer Clean Up Day
9 AM - 12 PM: nature guided hike, children of 5 - 11 whose parents/guardians are volunteering for the clean up
For more information:
(719) 385-6089
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
