The Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden is taking young people on an expedition to distant places and oceans this summer with the Naturalis summer expedition. The young adventurers briefly put themselves in the shoes of the researchers, their work and discoveries. And all senses are stimulated to discover nature.
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And so it happened that my 3 little adventurers went on a Naturalis summer expedition on a school-free Friday. Although the new building of the Naturalis museum looks spectacular, I am also very charmed by the entrance to the museum. Trix the T-rex is unfortunately on a journey, but we started our own journey.
After a fruity drink on the sun-drenched terrace, the Naturalis summer expedition press tour started. A specially developed Activity book takes the children on an adventure. The oldest of 8 was able to follow the assignments during the route perfectly well, her sister of almost 6 liked to be guided by her sister. The biggest adventure for me was their brother, who is three. But the summer expedition was also a success for him. They all experienced everything in their own way. Everywhere on the route there was something to do and experience.
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Before the expedition starts, it is important to check whether you have everything you need to be a good researcher. Are you strong enough? Can you smell and feel good? Can you distinguish things, search and work well together? Those muscles are fine and with each other's help we crossed the Amazon. An impossible task on your own.
We also spotted the most beautiful butterfly and smelled the giant arum (yak!). With a magnifying glass in hand and a jungle hat on our head, we are ready to explore.
On the way to the first destination, we walk past the most beautiful photos of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. In the dark space, the colors of the illuminated photos splash from the screens. We arrive in Borneo where catching butterflies is a favorite and we also learn a lot about beetles and plants, such as a carnivorous plant. Then we dive into the ocean with a submarine, learn to talk underwater and discover a new species of sponge. There are many animals to discover in the Amazon. No less than 50% of all animal and plant species can be found in the rainforest!
But there is also more than enough to discover in our own little country. We gathered for our last expedition:the ditch safari. For a moment I thought, given the space with a large canvas with a ditch as an image, that this would become a virtual activity. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Expedition leader Piet handed us a bucket and fishing net and guided us to the ditch at the entrance of Naturalis. And that is of course the most ultimate way of discovering nature in your own country. Nothing virtual or imaginative, just research -on the spot- with your own hands. So go, with some help from Naturalis staff and the parents, the ditch was happily shoveled away. The captured treasures, from animals to brood, were carefully collected in the bucket and taken inside for further examination. The loot could be researched and determined with a research pot, magnifying glass and species map.
Naturalis' summer expedition concluded with a delicious BBQ for the hungry stomachs of our expedition members. What a great and adventurous afternoon we had! The children of 3, 6 and 8 years old were never bored. The assignments or activities are very fun and educational. And also not too extensive, so very accessible. There is plenty to do, see and experience for every age level. In short:a very fun, educational, active and adventurous family outing!
The Naturalis summer expedition in the Biodiversity Center can be experienced until September 10, 2017. Naturalis is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets cost only €11 per person from 4 years old. You will find Naturalis within walking distance of Leiden central station, but there is also a special parking lot for visitors. For more information, visit the Naturalis website.
Does your adventurer love photography? Then you can participate in the special nature photography workshop for children from 6 years on 2 or 16 July. Under the supervision of an adult. Together with nature photographer from KidzKlix you will set out to capture nature as well and beautifully as possible. A camera will be provided! Look for more information on the Kidzklix page of Naturalis.
Going out even more with the family? Check the Spacexperience of André Kuipers or one of the zoos from our well-arranged zoos Netherlands blog.
