Official Kids Mag

G e t o u t s i d e & h a v e f u n by steve peterson special to official kids magazine Summer is right around the corner, and your parents will probably tell you to spend more time outside. If you're like most kids, you might think all the fun stuff is indoors. After all, that's where our tablets, TVs and game consoles are. But think about all the cool stuff outside – there's so much room to run around and play, trees to climb, interesting critters to look at (maybe even interact with!) and lots of really cool places to discover. Going to a nature center is a safe, fun option to enjoy some physical activity outdoors. Arkansas is known as the Natural State for a good reason. Visit a nearby nature center to see why! Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley are home to two of the nine natures centers in Arkansas, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website www.agfc.com – the J.B. and Jonelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale and the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith. Both offer a variety of programs and classes for all ages to better understand nature, its resources and ecosystems. Many of their programs are free of charge and they will usually loan any equipment or supplies you may need. Some programs do require registration, so make sure to check your local center's website for more information. Then, plan a visit with your whole family … and get closer to nature! J.b. and Jonelle hunt family ozark highlands nature center In Northwest Arkansas, the J.B. and Jonelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center is located along Spring Creek Trail at 3400 N. 40th St. in Springdale. The 32,000-square-foot facility sits on 61 acres of land and was opened in 2021, making it one of the newest nature centers in the state. "We are responsible for managing the wildlife population for the public and regulating hunting and fishing in the state," said Steven Dunlap, programs coordinator for Ozark Highlands Nature Center. "What the nature centers do is teach the public about wildlife in the state." During the month of May, the Ozark Highlands Nature Center will host various fishing events. A fly fishing event is scheduled for May 13, and a basic fishing class will be held on May 20. The center is also sponsoring a fishing derby that will be held June 3 at Murphy Park in Springdale. The event will include an archery range, canoes, and more. For those interested in boating-related classes, the Ozark Highlands Nature Center will hold a two-night boater education class the evenings of May 24-25, with a second class scheduled for June 27-28. A certificate of completion of a boater class is required for anyone over the age of 16 to operate a boat or jet ski in Arkansas and children ages 10 to 16 can only be on a jet ski with a certified adult present on the craft. The class is open to children under 16, and kids as young as 10 years old have taken part in the past, Steven said. The Ozark Highlands Nature Center includes a marksmanship center on its campus that is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. A firearm safety class for children and their parents will be held at the center on June 1. The class is designed to teach children the dos-and-don'ts at these nature centers! 26 • may 2023 • www.officialkidsmag.com

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