Spring Break Unplugged
Looking for a fun and exciting way to keep your kids engaged during spring break? Break free from the usual and explore the outdoors with our Adventure Backpacks. These backpacks are designed to spark curiosity, encourage outdoor exploration, and help kids and adults connect with nature.Jacklyn Goodman, Naturalist / Conservation Technician
So, what exactly are Adventure Backpacks? Starr’s Cave Nature Center has four different themed packs, each filled with hands-on tools and resources to help you explore nature at your own pace. Simply stop by the nature center, choose a backpack, and rent it for just $5 a day.
We offer four Adventure Packs: animal tracking, creek stomping, birding, and bug hunting packs. Keep reading for more details on what each one includes and how they can enhance your outdoor adventures.
The animal tracking pack is perfect for a muddy day or even a snowy one, though you don’t need either to enjoy it. Wander along Flint Creek or follow a game trail in search of tracks, scat, or other clues. Once you make a discovery, use the tools in the pack to identify and document your findings. This backpack includes a magnifying glass, an animal tracks ID book to match prints, a ruler for measuring tracks, and a notebook and pencil to record your observations. Plus, with animal tracking rubbing plates, kids can create their own tracking book before returning the pack.
The creek stomping pack is ideal for curious explorers ready to dive into the world of aquatic creatures! While March might be a bit chilly for wading in the water, adventurous souls can brave the cool creek—or stay dry and explore along the banks instead. You can use this pack along Flint Creek, the Leopold Recreation Area pond, the Big Hollow lake and ponds,or a local waterway near you to uncover the hidden life beneath the surface. This pack includes a critter keeper to observe your finds, an aquatic net for scooping up tiny creatures, an aquascope for getting a closer look underwater, and an invertebrates field guide to help with identification.
The birding pack is great year-round, spring is an especially exciting time, as migrating birds make their way through the area. Head to Starr’s Cave, Hickory Bend Recreation Area, Hunt Woods Recreation Area, or even local boat ramps to catch a glimpse of songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl in action. This pack comes equipped with Eagle Optics binoculars, a camera to capture your sightings, and a bird call identifier to help recognize different species by sound. Use the bird-watching logbook to document your findings and the bird field guide to learn more about the birds you encounter.
The bug hunting pack is an excellent choice for young entomologists ready to uncover the tiny creatures that crawl, hop, and fly all around us! While it might be a little early in the season for peak bug activity, there’s still plenty to discover. Whether you’re flipping over logs, searching under leaves, or exploring your own backyard, this pack will turn any outing into a bug-filled adventure. Inside, you’ll find bug glasses to see the world through an insect’s eyes and antennae headbands to really get into character. Use the bug boxes and critter keeper to safely observe your finds, tweezers to handle delicate specimens, and a bug net to catch flying insects. The insect and spider field guide helps with identification, while the notebook is great for sketching and recording your discoveries.
All these packs provide a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and outdoor fun. They can be used anywhere, not just at Starr’s Cave or other county parks. Even your own backyard can become an exciting place to explore with one of these Adventure Packs. Stop by the Nature Center and start your spring break adventure today!
published Friday, March 7, 2025
