We nixed cable for one solid reason: To have the perfect excuse to get outside more. I can’t even tell you how much I have loved not having it to distract us!

I’m a huge proponent of getting lots of outdoor time with kids. While I’m no scientist, I will tell you that my mom experience has taught me that kids just sleep better, behave better and eat better after getting in outdoor time.

One of our favorite places near us is the Howell Nature Center. You guys – this place is pure magic and definitely Livingston County’s best secret for kids. How about some visuals to get you excited?!

To give you the full mental picture, let’s start at the beginning. The Howell Nature Center is off a dirt road – Triangle Lake road for those of you in the area. When traveling into Howell from I-96, you’ll want to take the D-19 exit and head south.

Plug this into your GPS: 1005 Triangle Lake Road, Howell, MI 48843.

When you arrive, you’ll want to check-in. It’s $6/adult, $4/child, 2 and under are free. Alternatively, you can buy an annual family pass for $50 and get a tax deduction. The nature center is a non-profit, but not funded by any government agency, so collecting payment is crucial to keep it going.

Tip: If you have a library card, rent a Michigan Activity Pass and go for free!

After we check-in, we always have to pause for a photo-op with the tree man statue {what my kids call him}.
From there, head into the Wildlife Wonders Park to see the animals. But not before taking a pause to admire the beauty that makes up the entrance. How serene is this?! I could admire the flowers and the ducks usually playing in the water for hours.

Follow the path to peer in at some adorable animals, all native to Michigan. Honestly, I almost prefer this to the zoo for little ones. The entire trail is a 1/2 mile, so just enough for kids to walk without complaining. With that said, it’s VERY hilly. My trusty Graco stroller makes it through the wood chips, but I’m guessing an umbrella stroller may not. Babywearing is a great option for infants. Little ones will want to explore!

I adore reading the animal stories of how they came there. Some were former pets and some were injured in the wild and would have never survived without a little extra help. The nature center has staff and a vet there to help make sure they are well taken care of. The bobcats, turkey, snowy owl, red foxes and opossum are a few of my favorites. They all have such personalities!

The area is heavily wooded, so be sure to apply bug spray if needed and don’t get off the trail because you will find poison ivy.

After checking out the animals, we usually head up the road to my kid’s favorite spot: Alexandria’s Naturescape, which is an interactive nature-filled oasis meant for kids to explore. Make sure to read the rules encouraging play.

The naturescape has TONS to explore – a HUGE treehouse, two giant sandboxes, musical instruments, a fairy area, a spider web climber and more.

For this area, I would pack a few extras. If your child loves to get wet, pack a swim suit, a towel, change of clothes, an extra pair of shoes and some water toys. My girls like to bring buckets to collect random objects.

In the river inside Alexandria’s Naturescape, kids are encouraged to climb the rocks and get inside the water. Forget Disney folks, this is where it’s at if you’re under the age of 10.

In the naturescape area, there is a port potty, however, if you’re kids prefer the real deal, there also is a full restroom just a short hike up the hill.

After we play, we typically find a picnic table and sit down to eat. We love to eat near the butterfly garden at the end of the Wild Wonders trail.

{Note: There are not many restaurants near by, so plan to pack a picnic. If you do need food, check out B-Line Bar up the road. It’s a dive bar, but has amazing pizza! Visit on a Tuesday and get the family meal deal, which includes a large pizza, breadsticks and a beverage for $12.}

Not only does the nature center have this amazingly beautiful property to explore, but they also offer summer camps, retreat facilities, high adventures, including eco zip tours, plenty of special events and programming. So much potential for nature lovers!

After a day of exploring, it’s usually a miracle if my kids can stay awake on the ride home. The nature center is definitely our happy place, and a spot where we spend a ton of time during summer.

The Howell Nature Center is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Follow on Facebook and Twitter for more great information.

Where is your favorite nature-filled place to squeeze in some outdoor time?