How about we go on a winter walk? 

I know, it’s cold. Spring and fall seem to get all the attention, with their changing leaves, chirping bugs, and plump pumpkins ready to be picked. Even summer has its allure, with strolls by the water and naps under a leafy tree.  

But don’t let winter pass you by. There’s still a lot going on in the natural world, and if you’ve got a curious child (or grown-up!) in your life who loves to look at sticks and bugs, or to create art with anything they find, this is a wonderful time of year to explore.  

Looking for ideas to get out of the house? The library is full of options to help you explore the winter world around you.  

When Winter Comes : Discovering Wildlife in Our Snowy Woods, by Aimée M. Bissonette, is an early introduction to the animals you might find roaming in the colder months. For older kids, you can pair this selection with Jinny Johnson’s Animal Tracks and Signs, so even if you don’t manage to sight a woodland friend, you can still see where they’ve been.

Nature Play Workshop for Families: A Guide to 40+ Outdoor Learning Experiences in All Seasons, by Monica Weidel-Lubinski, offers lots of great hands-on ways to get in touch with nature, no matter the weather.

Wondering where to go with your newfound winter inspiration? Check out Pere Marquette State Park, Jersey County, Illinois : An Unofficial Guide to History, Natural History, Trails, and Drives, by Richard C. Keating. Or if you’re really adventurous and want to expand your horizons (literally!), how about Joseph R. Keating’s 100 parks, 5,000 ideas : Where to go, When to go, What to see, What to do.

Of course, if it gets too cold, there’s always a warm place available for you at the O’Fallon Public Library!