Need Some “Outdoor” Activities at Home?
During the early part of the pandemic, we assembled a variety of online activities, virtual tours and hikes, and educational links for kids activities for everyone to enjoy on their own schedule. These are posted below if you need a little dose of the outdoors while you’re indoors.
Napa Open Space Youtube Channel
Check out our Youtube channel and subscribe to see all of the new videos that we’re posting as virtual outdoor activities. From short flower walks and the virtual 3rd Saturday Hikes to educational videos about the Bale Grist Mill and other historical sites. We’re adding videos with children’s activities, some outdoor contests, and more.
Check out our virtual flower walks, leaf rubbing activity, virtual tours, and more!
3rd Saturday (Virtual) Hikes
To keep our community safe during the COVID-19 health crisis, we had to temporarily suspend all in person and group activities like the 3rd Saturday Hikes. We got creative and went virtual with these events for several months and built up a nice library of video virtual hikes and educational talks. Check out the 3rd Saturday Hike page and scroll down to enjoy these whenever the mood strikes!
Educational Video Series:
We’ve added new virtual educational content to our Youtube channel for everyone to enjoy at home! Take a look at the videos below, and explore some of our naturalist-led talks from your computer screen.
Bale Grist Mill Virtual Tours
Click here to join our Lead Miller for a virtual tour series at the historic Bale Grist Mill!
Native Plant Gardens at Home
Click here to see some of our staff discuss their own native plant gardens and learn what you can plant at home.
Virtual Flower Walks
Click here and join NOSD staff on virtual flower walks to learn more about native wildflowers and explore our open spaces.
Wildflower Scavenger Hunt
Go on a wildflower scavenger hunt in your back yard, neighborhood or local park! This guide was developed as an activity for Earth Day in 2020, but we’ve kept this posted to help everyone learn more about local flora when out in the parks.
CLICK HERE for the Wildflower Scavenger Hunt Guide.
~~ More Nature Near Home Ideas from Our Partners & Friends ~~
Below are even more ideas to get outside near your home & virtual activities and programs from the many great organizations we work with. Please check their websites for details about these activities and any new additions.
Arts and Culture With Google – Hidden World of National Parks
These interactive web pages and videos let you explore several of our stunning national parks. See glaciers, explore volcanoes, and more!
Hidden World of National Parks
Nature Deficit Disorder – Resources for Parents
The helpful resource guide below was put together by StopNDD.org and has great ideas about at-home activities for student ages, things you can do to foster outdoor play and learning, and resources about the benefits of nature for growing minds.