Green Hour Program

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.

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.

Events to Get Kids Outside:

January 16, 2010 - Winter Nature Walk, Sesquicentennial State Park, 10am

January 18, 2010 - Mesozoic Memories - Dinosaurs, Fossils, and Ancient Plants, Carolina Children's Garden, Columbia, 1pm

January 23, 2010 - Winter Walk, Paris Mountain State Park, 1:00 pm

January 30, 2010 - Seashell Secrets, Edisto Beach State Park

February 2, 2010 - Groundhog Day - Exploring Light & Shadow in the Garden, Carolina Children's Garden, Columbia, 3:30pm

February 12, 2010 - Vermi-Valentines - Love your Soil!! Carolina Children's Garden, Columbia, 3:30pm

February 16, 2010 - Winter Nature Walk, Sesquicentennial State Park, 10am

February 27, 2010 - Clues to the Past Hike, Paris Mountain State Park, 1pm

March 17, 2010 - Green in the Garden - St. Patricks Day Celebration, Carolina Children's Garden, Columbia, 3:30pm

March 18, 2010 - Oconee Bell Nature Walk, Devils Fork State Park, 10am

March 20, 2010 - Vernal Equinox Observance, Carolina Children's Garden, Columbia, 1pm

March 27, 2010 - Children's Day on the Farm, Historic Brattonsville, 10am-4pm

March 27, 2010 - Pollination Parade, Carolina Children's Garden, Columbia, 1pm

March 27, 2010 - Native American Crafts for Kids, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

April 2, 2010 - Egg Hunt, Carolina Children's Garden, Columbia, 3:30pm

April 17-18, 2010 - Sesquicentennial State Park Great American Backyard Campout
CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION

April 24, 2010 - Native American Crafts for Kids, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

April 24, 2010 - Earth Day Birthday, Museum of York County

April 24, 2010 - Spring Wildflower Walk, Jones Gap State Park/Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, 10:30am

April 24, 2010 - Enrichment Day in the Animal Forest, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

April 24-25, 2010 - Living History Campout, Musgrove Mill State Historic Site

Kid-Friendly Hikes & Places to Visit:

Issaqueena Falls & Stumphouse Tunnel, Walhalla

Spoonauger Falls, Tamassee

Twin Falls, Pickens County

Carolina Children's Garden, Columbia

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

Riverfront Park, Columbia (paved trail, stroller friendly)

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!