Using park packs for family entertainment

Park packs are stuffed with things for kids of all ages.

Nature and the outdoors are among the free entertainment options for frugal families. In Des Moines, families can enhance their time spent with nature through Park Packs.

The pack in the photo was themed "Geology Rocks!" It includes a mineral collection, books, activities with supplies, games, and crafts with supplies. The Park Pack can be reserved and checked out from the Polk County Conservation Board (PCCB) at its Jester Park office. Borrowing time is two weeks. Check-out is free; a credit card is necessary for check-out should any component be damaged or missing upon return.

From the PCCB website:

10 Nature-Themed Backpacks Park Packs will get you hiking, investigating and learning about Iowa’s natural resources.

1. Animals of Iowa
Learn to identify animal tracks, feel furs, play a habitat game and sing the habitat song in this activity packed park pack.

2. Birds
Binoculars, field guide, bird identifier and fun birding activities are included in this park pack. Pack has been sponsored by the Des Moines Audubon Society.

3. Creatures of the Night
Bats, frog calls, firefly talk and owl calling are just some of the creature topics included in this park pack of the night.

4. Geology Rocks
Discover the different types of rocks in your local park or backyard. Make a chalk drawing or sand art picture. Find your favorite rock and make a fossil rub.

5. Insect Safari
Use the nets, bug cubes and insect field guide to discover the variety of insects in your backyard or local park. Learn to dance like a bee, create your own bug song, and build your very own bug.

6. Life in a Pond
Use the aquatic animal matching cards to discover the variety of animal life in the pond. Write water messages on stones, make the frog sounds of a wetland. Enjoy Billie B’s Romp in the swamp tape and boogie down to the beat!

7. Outdoor Skills
Practice your orienteering skills, take a hike and make your own map, learn how to tie a variety of knots, and learn important outdoor ethics.

8. Prairies
Listen to the sounds of the prairie, create prairie artistry, play a prairie camouflage game, identify prairie plants and flowers.

9. Treeific Trees
Play the tree board game, measure the height and width of the largest tree in your area. Use the tree leaf stamps to create your own field guide, build a human tree and boogie down with Billie B as he sings about trees.

10. Wildflowers and Plants
Go on your own wildflower hunt with the field guide, make a leaf imprint with leaf pounding, read how to plant a rainbow and a sunflower house.

The City of West Des Moines (WDM) also has a Park Pack program. Themed packs include Birds, Insects, Life in a Pond, Mammals, and Geocaching.  They are filled with similar things -- books, crafts, field guides, music CD's, etc. The cost is free and check out time is two weeks. A credit card is needed as collateral. Check out and reservations are done at the office at Raccoon River Park.