The National Wildlife Federation developed the Green Hour Program to get kids outside, and away from electronics, for at least 1 hour every day. Children who spend more time outside will play more creatively, have lower stress levels, have more active imaginations, become fitter and leaner, develop stronger immune systems, experience fewer symptoms of ADD and ADHD, and have greater respect for themselves, for others, and for the environment. The SCWF has developed some tools to help parents, caregivers and educators encourage children to play outdoors.

Click HERE for a word search puzzle about things you can do or find outdoors.

Midlands Nature Passports:

Click HERE for a Nature Passport with ideas to get kids outside in the Midlands of SC.

You can also log your green hours and return the Passport to the SCWF for special prizes and recognition by clicking HERE.

Click HERE for a list of 25 WAYS TO GET YOUR GREEN HOUR IN THE MIDLANDS.

2012 Summer Family Nature Walk Series

dates and locations TBA!

Kid-Friendly Hikes & Places to Visit:

Issaqueena Falls & Stumphouse Tunnel, Walhalla

Spoonauger Falls, Tamassee

Twin Falls, Pickens County

Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve, Lexington

Carolina Children's Garden, Columbia

Three Rivers Greenway, Columbia (paved trail, stroller friendly)

Riverfront Park, Columbia (paved trail, stroller friendly)

Harbison State Forest, Columbia (great nature center & trail with interpretive signs)

Send us your suggestions for Kid-Friendly Events, Hikes & Places to Visit!

Buy Favorite Family Hikes now to plan your next family adventure! $9.95 from Palmetto Conservation Foundation.

**Green Hour is a program of the National Wildlife Federation and is used here with permission. Visit www.greenhour.org for more information!