5 Reasons to Get Kids Into Gardening
Getting the kids involved in gardening has many benefits. Darn crazy weather has us all behind but I’m pretty sure the snow is gone and we can safely think about planting vegetables or trying to grow sunflowers taller than the kids. Here’s a few great reasons to get the kids involved this summer:
Gardening Enhances Creativity
There are lots of ideas for connecting kids with gardens – have them choose their own plant to raise, create some fun garden crafts or teach them a little science by growing unique items such as sunflowers or moonflowers. Explore some more great ways to encourage creativity with 30 Gardening Ideas & Activities for Kids.
They Will Try More Foods (and won’t be picky eaters)
Research shows that kids who grow food are more likely to try a wider variety of items at meals. Gardening is also an opportunity to teach them more about where their food comes from and how it grows. Plus, kids are more likely to want to be involved in cooking & preparing meals if they can use items they have grown.
Gardening Will Get Kids Reading
If you don’t know me already, I can connect almost any experience to a good book for kids! And gardening is no exception – great picture books about kids who love to plant, fun garden crafts, and unique kids cook books for new recipes!
Bugs & Dirt!
Really, what kids doesn’t love bugs and dirt! Gardening gets kids outside, digging in the dirt, watching butterflies and catching roly polies. They may even learn a little about pollination and how insects are involved in making the plants grow. It’s the stuff that makes for great summer memories.
Explore New Places
We have some great gardens to explore in Kansas City! The Children’s Beanstalk Garden, located in Swope Park, is a fun place to visit and learn about plant science, nutrition and insects. The Overland Park Arboretum has some wonderful gardens that kids will enjoy including the children’s garden (with vine tunnel & story tree), the train garden and a herb garden with amazing smells. Powell Gardens is another beautiful arboretum that is hosting a fun Lego exhibit this summer. And of course, the beautiful rose garden at Loose Park — the kids may not appreciate the roses but they will enjoy the fountain and walking under the garden arches.
This post is by my friend Jacquie Fisher who is the author and curator of KCEdventures. KC Edventures is an online resource that provides parents & grandparents with ideas to keep kids creative, curious and connected to the world around them. (In my speak, they give you ideas that combine hands-on, with books, and places to go in Kansas City.)