Be One with Nature

 There’s the joke about the Buddhist who walks up to a hot dog vendor and says, “Make me one with everything.”

Now, your family can be one with nature with the plethora of options available this summer.

 

Sometimes you don’t have to go very far to experience a real outdoorsy summer here in the area. Try these local options:

Spend a few evening hours under the stars by Star Gazing at Randall Park one Friday each month through October. Thanks to a partnership between the Yakima Astronomical Society and Yakima Parks and Rec, families can observe the moon, planets, stars and other sky objects. Contact Yakima Parks and Rec at 509-575-6020 for more info.

Starting times vary, but here’s the schedule:

May 25: 8:30-midnight

June 29: 9 p.m.-midnight

July 27: 8:30 p.m.-midnight

Aug. 24: 8 p.m.-midnight

Sept. 21: 7 p.m.-midnight

Oct. 19: 7 p.m.-midnight

 

Another great way to be one with the earth is to get your hands dirty and grab hold of some plump earthworms.

 Sure, you can try to hunt down the night crawlers on your own, or you can head to the Yakima Area Arboretum to give your kids an educational and fun outing. The Arboretum’s “Worm Composting for Kids” class is set for 1-3 p.m. June 19.

Kids grades 2 and up will learn all about worms in a real hands-on setting. The cost is $20 for YAA members and $26 for non-members. The fee includes a starter kit. Parents are free if they accompany their child.

The class takes place at the Jewett Interpretive Center at the Arboretum, 1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima. Contact: 509-248-7337, or visit ahtrees.org.

The YAA is also holding “Nature Camp” for six weeks this summer. The week-long camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, and is intended for ages 5-11.

Pick from the following weeks: June 18-22, June 25-29, Jul. 2-6, Jul. 9-13, Jul. 16-20, or Jul. 23-27. The cost is $139 per child, which includes snacks, a T-shirt and a bottle.

Filed under Day Camps, Things To Do, What's New