Nature is Best

 

Kids and families in Brantford are invited to participate in the free Healthy Kids Nature is Best Summer Passport program. The program runs in July and August 2023 and encourages children and their families and friends to get outside, be active and explore the outdoor experiences in Brantford for the chance to win cool prizes.

Activities include exploring the beautiful trails, playing in a splash pad, visiting local playgrounds, and much more. Kids can participate in as many activities as they want towards completing the passport. The full list of activities can be found by downloading the printable passport. There are also a number of outdoor programs available through the Healthy Kids calendar.

Participants are invited to share photos while completing the activities on social media using Hashtag #natureisbest for the chance to win prizes! Each shared submission will be entered into a draw for the chance to win fun prizes as well as some cool Healthy Kids swag.

Download a copy of the Nature is Best Passport

Nature is Best Passport of Activities
Passport ActivityDescriptionCompleted
Bike/Hike the amazing trails along the Grand River Plan a special route and walk or peddle your way to health along the scenic Grand River. For a complete listing of trails visit www.brantford.ca/Trails  
Hike the Franklin Grobb Memorial Forest Explore this beautiful nature area that you can access along Hunter Way in West Brant  
Do The Oxbow Float Take a 14 km float ride but end up less than 1 km from where you started - Cockshutt Bridge to Newport Road This activity will take approximately 3 to 5 hours  
Take a splash pad Tour - Pick a hot day, pack a towel and some snacks and GO!!

Visit all area Splash Pads:                        

  • Anderson Road Park, 70 Anderson Road
  • Bridle Path Park, 55 Palomino Drive             
  • Tutela Park, 160 Erie Avenue
  • Harmony Square, Downtown Brantford          
  • Mohawk Park, 51 Lynnwood Drive
  
Family picnic party in the park Pack a picnic, frisbee, swim suit and towel and enjoy Mohawk Park and Sprinklemania Splash Pad  
Play an outdoor game of ping pong Walter Gretzky Park, 379 Blackburn Drive  
Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks 301 Mohawk Street. Try downloading the App “Driftscape” and take a tour of the grounds  
Explore a new playground Anderson Road Park, 70 Anderson Drive  
Explore a new playground Cameron Heights Park, 394 North Park Street  
Explore a new playground Central Park, 143 George Street  
Explore a new playground Devon Down Park, 70 Abigail Avenue  
Explore a new playground Grandwoodlands Park, 20 Baxter Street  
Explore a new playground Hillcrest Park, 11 Sandy Row  
Explore a new playground Lynden Hills Park, 363 Brantwood Park Road  
Explore a new playground Mohawk Park, 51 Lynnwood Drive  
Explore a new playground Orchard Park, 29 Brisbane Boulevard  
Explore a new playground Pleasant Ridge Park, 20 Elderwood Avenue  
Explore a new playground Parsons Park, 160 Ontario Street  
Explore a new playground Recreation Park, 258 Nelson Street  
Explore a new playground Spring Buck Park, 59 Spring St.  
Explore a new playground Warner-Merritt Park, 39 Warner Lane  
Explore a new playground Woodburn Park, 7 Bolster Road  
Experience the excitement at the Rotary Bike Park Rotary Centennial Waterworks Park, 400 Grand River Avenue. You can even try getting there on bicycle from the trail system.  
Read a book among the flowers under the gazebo Lorne Park, 15 Colborne Street West  
Glenhyrst Gardens, 20 Ava Road Sketch/Paint a picture, learn about three (3) new tree species then visit the patio at the Tea House. Don’t forget to look for the labels on the trees.  

Printable Nature is Best Passport

Download your free printable Nature is Best Passport

Benefits of being in nature

There are many benefits of being in nature including the following.

  • Improve quality of sleep
  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Encourages creativity
  • Increases cognitive, coping and problem solving skills
  • Increases social skills
  • If keeps you youthful
  • You feel happier
  • Improved concentration
  • You absorb Vitamin D better
  • Strengthens your immune system
  • It brightens your mood

View the Healthy Kids Calendar