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Totally Terrific Tree Houses!

Yesterday, I was flipping through my new Family Fun magazine, and I had to smile when I got to this page.

This is a human-scale birdhouse that my kids and I know very well! It's part of an exhibit called "Totally Terrific Tree Houses" at one of our favorite local places, Tyler Arboretum. The kids love running up the steps and peeking their heads out the window. Moms have to be fast with their camera because it's a great photo spot, but you have to be quick!

If you've ever been to an arboretum, you know that these are great places for kids to run around, explore nature and play! Continue here to read my post: 5 Reasons Why We Love Our Local Arboretum and learn how to find arboretums across the United States.

Spring Break: A Snowy Morning at Tyler Arboretum

As soon as spring break started, my 5-year-old son excitedly said "I don't have school tomorrow, or the next day, or the next day, or the next day, or the next day..." It was fun to see him so happy, but there was also a part of me wondering how we were all going to stay content spending almost 24/7 together for the next 9 days.

Everyone always say kids "grow up so quickly," and it really is so true. My kids are getting bigger every day, and I am enjoying these moments of their childhood. There will always be other moments when they drive me crazy, and we all get frustrated, but we are very fortunate to have so many giggly, happy moments.

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5 Reasons Why We Love Our Local Arboretum

 

To me, the word "Arboretum" sounds so boring and scientific, but every time we go to our local arboretum, Tyler, we are far from bored. My kids and I love it there! In a nutshell, "Arboretum" means collection of trees, yet, there is so much more for kids to see there. The exhibits are engaging, the flowers are plentiful and the trees are majestic. It's one of our favorite places to meet with friends and explore for hours.

Whenever we go to the arboretum, it's a reminder that kids don't really need much to be entertained. As long as they're with friends, my kids are happy running through the wooded trails, playing with sticks and picking up stones. Isn't it nice when it really is that simple?

Here are 5 reasons why we love our local arboretum:

1. The kids can touch almost everything. My kids are very hands-on and don't mind getting dirty.  It's nice to just let them play and be kids.  Arboretums offer a multi-sensory experience.  Tyler Arboetum website even says "Come and climb, explore and play in our Totally Terrific Tree Houses!"  What more could a kid ask for? 

2. They can be as loud as they want. No indoor voices are needed when you're outside in the woods!

3. We love the kid-friendly exhibits at Tyler Arboretum. The kids run up and down the steps of the tree houses and they were happy to have a rest with the Sit-a-Spell Exhibits.  Everything is so inviting. 

4. Yearly Memberships are very affordable. With your membership, you get unlimited, year round, free general admission and your contribution helps sustain the Arboretum. There are many membership options, and if you don't need a yearly membership, you can choose to buy a day pass instead.

5. It's the perfect place for kids to learn through play. They can learn about the evironment and the world around them.  Also, sixty minutes of daily unstructured free play is essential to children’s physical and mental health. (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2008).

Do you have any arboretums in your area? 

Here's a list of some of the top U.S. Arboretums: