Who hasn't enjoyed watching a child running through a field and flying a kite on a bright breezy day? Many of us have been that child embracing a sense of freedom that is hard to recapture.

It is never too late to return to the art of kite flying whether on your own or with your family or friends. You may be flying a sled, winged box, delta, diamond or box kite, but you'll revel in your manipulations as you tussle with the wind to coax your kite higher and higher.

As you fly your kite, remember the rules of safety. NASA has several safety tips for kite flyers. Among them are:

* Fly it in an open field or along the beach where there are no obstacles.

* Stay away from trees and power lines. If your kite hits a power line, do not try to retrieve it. Let the power company handle the problem.

* Don't fly a kite near a highway. It can hit a car or distract drivers.

Kites are thought to have first flown in China thousands of years ago utilizing bamboo for the frame and silk for the sail and bridle. From there, the practice traveled throughout Asia, Europe and then to the Americas.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, kites carried military observers so they could check enemy forces.

Making a kite can be part of the adventure. Visit www.blueskylark.org/zoo and pick your pleasure.