We certainly did our own "nature school" while on the coast. Took a couple of hikes into the woods to searching for elk tracks. Chased some waves and collected rocks and shells on the beach.
My best trick for keeping my kids happy while hiking is to tell them stories and engage them in pretend play. I told them stories about elves and fairies caught in a rainstorm, we pretended to be knights and a fair maiden while we galloped through the forest on our horses (sticks), and my husband pretended to be a grumpy gnome and chased us out of his territory. It always keeps the kids moving, happy, and having fun.
I'm currently reading two books about children and nature:
The first is called Sharing Nature with Children:
http://www.amazon.com/Sharing-Nature-Children-20th-Anniversary/dp/1883220734
and the second is called The Green Hour:
http://www.amazon.com/Green-Hour-Happier-Healthier-Smarter/dp/1590307569
What fun ideas Sara! this blog is really turning out so cool!
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