Best times to be a green nature kid!

It’s actually always fun (and smart) to be a green nature kid; but there are some extra cool times that all kids and parents should know about. This time line of best green times can help you keep your kids green and out and about in nature.

Twilight is the best time for… A night picnic. Plan an green evening picnic during the warm months (or bundle up if it’s chilly) then wait around to stargaze. Right after dusk is the best time to stargaze and the best location is as far from city lights as possible. Post-dusk is a cool time too because it’s not too late for super little ones either which means the whole family can stargaze together.

May is the best time for… Planting sunflowers. Actually April works well too. At this time of year sunflowers will pop up quickly which is key when it comes to kids and gardening – they like fast results. This year, don’t just plant your sunflowers in a row though; see how to make a cool sunflower playhouse and other kid-friendly gardening projects!

August is the best time for… A huge green festival! Each August the Solar Living Institute in Hopland, California, rolls out their SolFest event. This fun event is not only green but totally family friendly. There’s always music, 50+ workshops, eco-speakers, organic foods, and so much more. The 2009 festival is set for August 15-16 so if you’re going to be near California pencil it in.

Early morning is the best time for… A hike. Before 10am and after 4pm are the best times to take your little ones out on a summer hike. Unless you’re hiking through a shaded forest the sun is going to be too hot and bright and there’s an increased risk of heat exposure and sunburn. Also, kids are more likely to see cool wildlife in the morning and after 4pm because if it’s too hot and bright for us humans, what do you think the animals are doing? Yup, hiding. Learn more about planning a kid-friendly hike or visit Make Tracks – a great site dedicated to getting kids outside.

Summer is the best time for… Green summer camps. Now, as I usually note, camps are sort of green by nature. However, there are some specific eco-minded camps that promote green as part of the everyday. Learn more about green summer camps.

Early spring is the best time to… Buy a bike. Kids should get started early on healthy green transportation and early spring is the perfect time to put this into action. Bikes tend to go on sale in early spring or you can learn how to buy a used bike anytime of the year.

Do you have any other ideas about when is a great time to be a green nature kid? Let me know what you (and your kids) think in the comments.

[images via stock.xchng]