I’m a grandma. I have four grandchildren who I assume are the most perfect children in the world. If you’re a grandparent, I know you have perfect grandchildren too. It’s nice to be part of the same club.

If you’re like me, you probably worry about your grandchildren and what our technology-heavy  future holds for them. Admittedly, times have changed and children are changing too. They are not outside playing “until the street lights come on” like we did. Things are more organized and structured. Children are involved in organized sports, organized lessons of all sorts, and homework on tablets take up their afternoons and evenings. Games are happening on screens with gameboxes, people feel less trusting of their neighborhoods, and children are not seen engaging in outdoor play, tag, hide the flag, or simply riding their bikes around the block.

That’s why I’m so proud to be here at Severson Dells Nature Center. Our mission is to create a connection between people and nature. We focus on hands-on, science-based activities designed to inspire a love for the natural world and the stewardship of it.

For children specifically, Severson Dells is home to the only free nature playscape in the area.  Called The Grove, this nature playscape is a playground strategically built without traditional swing sets, slides, jungle gyms, and other apparatuses. Children get to use their imaginations to explore natural materials in a playful way. 

There is a block lab with wooden blocks and tree cookies that children use to build, stack, and create. A covered shack allows children to hang out, play house, school, or store, and display treasures on the shelves inside. Kids can paint with water from the rain barrel just outside the shack or play on the sand table. And there are logs that children can climb on, rearrange, and use to make up whatever adventure stories they want. 

Rules for the playscape are simple: get messy, touch it all, be respectful of others, explore, pretend, and make friends. Have fun and leave electronics at home. For parents and grandparents: bring a book, something to sit on, a waterbottle, sun screen, and maybe some bug spray. If your kids are like my grandchildren, you’re going to be here a LONG time! 

The Grove Nature Playscape is located just inside Severson Dells Forest Preserve. It’s open every day from sunrise to sunset and admission is free. Climbing features are intended for ages 5 - 12, but fun for all ages, from 0 to 99 is guaranteed.