Families enjoy outdoor play and fresh, local foods through playgroups and field trips
‘Play & Learn in the Parks’ is a perennial summer favorite for many families who participate in Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley playgroups. Each year, parents and children enjoy outdoor art, sensory activities and active play at three St. Croix Valley parks. In addition to promoting outdoor play, the summer program encourages parents to incorporate more fresh, local produce into their families’ diets. A highlight for many is the June planting activities led by St. Croix Valley Master Gardener and Family Resource Center board member Barbara Nelson. This year, children planted containers with marigolds, peas and beans.
Parent Kim Tan participates in Play & Learn year-round, and says her family especially enjoys the messier crafts and sensory activities that she is less likely to take on at home, like moon sand or frozen paint. They also enjoy the stories and circle time; she notes that while her toddler Nakula may not always sing along with the group, she observes him singing and doing the fingerplays at home.
Family Resource Center also offered ‘Plant & Pick’ farm tour field trips during July at Threshing Table Farm in Star Prairie. Participants in both home visiting and playgroups were able to sign up for the outings, and a total of 44 children and their parents or caregivers attended. This project received funding from the St. Croix Valley Foundation. Families learned about a variety of crops and had the chance to pick their own produce as part of the tour. “This is a great way to show my kids how our veggies get here!” said one mom. “Such an awesome way to live!”
With the fall season upon us, staff is preparing to resume Play & Learn in nine locations throughout Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties. These parent-child groups are open to any family at no cost, and include guided playtime, snack and story, parent discussion and circle time/activity. Space is limited; registration begins Monday, August 27 by calling 715-684-4440, and the 10-week fall session starts the week of September 10.
There are also two fall field trips planned, open to any family with children from prenatal to school entry; we’ll visit an apple orchard and a pumpkin patch in early October. Follow us on Facebook or visit our website for details – we hope to see you this fall!