Gather up the children and head to your nearest coastline. Young scientists will have a blast visiting tide pools. You are cordially invited by the seashore to explore the environment.
Who:
Explorers of all ages will enjoy a trip to the tide pools. Due to the shifting surface, functional mobility and balance are needed when accessing the tide pools.
Where:
Seaside areas that have low/high tides. Every 24 hours there are two low tides and two high tides (thank you, moon). You will want to time the tides so that you can see the most critters.
When:
The best time to visit the tide pools is during low tide. Go during a minus tide. I really like Protides.com for tidal schedules and information. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is another excellent source.
What:
Properly supervise children. The beach can be a wonderful place to explore when safety considerations are made and with appropriate adult supervision.
Consider footwear. Rubber boots are my favorite to keep feet dry and safe from sharp objects on the beach.
Take home your memories and pictures, but please leave shells and other seaside artifacts behind for at least two reasons. First, the sea objects that many people like to collect may serve a valuable purpose in the wild. For example, a beautiful butter clam shell may become a cozy home for barnacles, crabs, and other sea life. Second, there may be dangerous bacteria and other micro-organisms that could make you and your children sick. Be sure to wash with soap and clean water when you get home from your day at the beach just in case you came into contact with any harmful organisms.
Here are some things to bring on your adventure: bucket, shovel, rake, magnifying glass, flashlight, camera, raincoat/poncho/umbrella, and field guide to learn more about the sea treasures you may encounter.
Make some memories with your kiddos. Enjoy and have fun! Here is a song my daughter and I made up on our day at the tide pools in Des Moines, Washington.
(sung to the tune of “Going to the Zoo”)
"We’re going to the beach! Beach! Beach!
It’s time to reach! Reach! Reach!
…the shore! Shore! Shore!
So we can explore! Explore! Explore!"
I hope you can visit. Buon viaggio…have a good trip.
RSVP: Please feel free to leave a message about your experience with tide pools.