Take a Child Outside Week starts today and runs through Sept. 30. It aims to encourage adults to take kids outdoors. It was started by the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences a few years ago and now is celebrated across North America.

I wrote earlier this month about the week to highlight some of the local programs, which mostly require registration.  

But you don't have to sign up for all the events. You can still get involved. Here are a few of the programs you can just drop in on.

Wee Walkers at Durant Nature Park, 10 a.m. Thursday. Best for toddlers and preschoolers, this is a weekly program at the North Raleigh park. 

The Take A Child Outside Kickoff at Prairie Ridge Ecostation in Raleigh runs from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday. We went last year and my daughter still talks about all the bugs we caught when we dipped a net into the pond.

Sample Durant at Durant Nature Park, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday. All ages can try out what Durant has to offer from paddling a canoe to bird watching.  

Storytelling Festival at Historic Oak View County Park in Raleigh. The event runs 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Wake County park.

River Creatures Catch at Eno River State Park in Durham, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Sunday.

Here's a link to all the local Take a Child Outside Week events. 

And of course, check out the Mom2Mom's parks, playgrounds and trails resource page for more outdoor ideas. 

Looking for other things to do with your kids? Go to www.trianglemom2mom.com/play and check back here every Thursday.