By Lynette Cox
Spring is here! It’s a great time to get outside and play! With 16,000 acres, there are a million things to do at Bernheim! Below are five fun things for kids and families can do at Bernheim:
1. Let the adventure begin on the playground! – Located near the Visitor Center, our 17-acre natural playground, Playcosystem, is the perfect place for kids to play and explore. Kids will enjoy the sandpit, water table, tire swing, and so much more. The new slide in the Exploration Play area will be opening this spring—be one of the first to try it out!
2. Take a Hike and Explore Trails – With more than 40 miles of trails, Bernheim offers a variety of hiking options perfect for kids and adults of all ages. Search for wildflowers and walk in the creek bed on Rock Run Loop, a short half-mile hike. Take a quick walk in the woods on Bent Twig Trail, an easy half-mile trail with benches to enjoy the views. Check out the Lake Nevin Loop for a longer, scenic 1.3-mile trek around the 32-acre lake. Explore Trails and Maps
3. Go on a Quest to Find Giants – The Forest Giants in a Giant Forest are a must-see for all ages at Bernheim. Danish artist Thomas Dambo constructed three giant sculptures in 2019, and they are still sparking the imaginations of all ages. Our Forest Giants Trail is a 2-mile out-and-back trail that starts at the visitor center. Lil Nis is staring at his reflection in Olmsted Pond. Mama LouMari is resting under a tree, and Little Elina is near Lake Nevin playing.
4. Look and Listen for Wildlife – Bernheim’s woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands provide habitat for hundreds of species of wildlife. On a sunny day, you can spot turtles at Olmsted Ponds. Hear the croaking of frogs in the pond at the Edible Garden and look closely at the lily pads. Listen for birds and see if you can spot them. The Merlin Bird ID app can help you identify birds by their calls.
5. Learn at ECO Kids Discovery Days – On every first and third Saturday of the month – and throughout Spring Break (March 31- April 4), kids of all ages can learn with hands-on discovery stations in and around the Visitor Center. Led by volunteer naturalists, these stations are a great place to learn interesting facts about the plants and animals found all around us.