Families explore nature during Round Lake scavenger hunt

While some families spent the day poolside or around the backyard barbecue, the nature-loving Hernandez family spent a least a portion of it ambling along the trails at the Prairie Grass Nature Museum in Round Lake, which held its annual scavenger hunt Saturday.

"Every year we do this," said Rafael Hernandez Jr., of Round Lake, who took part in the combination hunt and hike with his wife Edna, their seven-year-old son Nathan, and his father, recent Florida transplant Rafael Hernandez Sr.

"We love it. We can't wait," said Edna Hernandez who visits the museum regularly with their son who on Saturday's excursion got up close and personal with nature.

"I found a frog," he said. "My dad showed me and I held it."

Christy Lauer, of Lake Villa, said she and her husband Jason Fisher, do a lot of outdoor activities with their kids: nine-year-old Julie and five-year-old Gavin.

Not only is it inexpensive, it's a welcome alternative to TV and video games, she said.

"That's what I like to hear," said Scott Manning, an attendant at the museum operated by the Round Lake Park District.

The purpose of the free event, he said, is to expose residents to nature and to the museum, which offers both indoor and outdoor exhibits.

A fun, educational experience is exactly what Popi Lara wanted for her outdoor-loving sons.

"I try to find things where they can learn something different and new," said Lara, of Round Lake Beach, who brought sons Alex, 6, and Angelo, 4, to the museum.

The boys were especially interested in the animal exhibitions and worked as a team to complete the hunt.

"One likes to read and one likes to look, so they help each other," Lara said.