Nature journals are a fun way to pass the time. To many Great Parks nature interpreters, they are a tool that fosters meaningful connections with the natural world.

Want to create a nature journal with your child? Grab some paper and a pencil, step out the front door and use the prompt below. We’ll publish a new prompt daily, so be sure to check back here for more!

Today’s Prompt: Senses in Nature | Taste

We’ve focused on vision, smell, hearing and touch. Now we finish with the final sense: taste.

Work with an adult if you don’t have permission to do things in the kitchen on your own. Today, try something that is considered a taste of fall – apples, pumpkins, walnuts or acorn squash are all fall harvest foods. For example, eat an apple, skin and all. Describe the flavor and texture.

Next, cut an apple up into smaller chunks, add butter to a hot pan and add the apples, some cinnamon and a little sugar. Once the apple chunks are soft, remove from the heat and allow your dish to cool for a bit. Taste the mixture and write how it tastes different from the apple you ate earlier.

A Few Tips for Success:

• Work with your child’s attention span. If they aren’t enjoying an activity, allow them to choose a new one. If they are highly focused, give them plenty of time to continue the observations.
• Allow creativity. Children often have interests that go beyond the questions we pose. Create a safe environment so they can create and explore on their terms.
• Journal along with your child. You never know what you may discover and it’s a great way to spend some quality time together.
• Try activities at different times of day. Observations may change with time and temperature.

Want to try your hand at different nature journaling topics? Click here for more prompts.