Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard.
THE IDEA: Ask your child to find 10 “cool” things in your backyard, front yard or around the neighborhood. What makes something “cool?” It’s up to your child, of course!
OUR NOTES FROM THE FIELD
This idea comes straight from the mind of the 5 year old. I wanted to search for spider webs, which I find “cool.” The big explorer didn’t agree (I have some work to do in this area, I see!).
The compromise: I asked him to find me 10 things he thought were “cool.” Here’s a sampling of some of the items that made his list:
The No. 1 “cool” item? This baby squirrel, which even tried to follow us home!
I’m happy to report that he/she appears to have taken refuge in a nearby tree.
Other items that made his list:
- A red rose
- A branch with what the big explorer called “mini-corn” on it
- A bunch of small, red berries
- A “Y” stick
- A couple of rocks
- A purple flower
It should be noted that never once did I mention to the big explorer that the 10 “cool” things he find be treasures from nature.
TAKE-HOME TIPS
The most important part of this activity is letting your little one explore freely. To enhance the experience:
- Ask questions. When the big explorer deemed an item “cool,” I asked him to tell me why. I learned that he connects with items based on color, texture, usefulness and cuteness (who can resist a baby squirrel?).
- Adapt as needed for little ones. Encourage toddlers by choosing some “cool” items and exploring them together. Count sticks or berries, smell a few flowers or watch a bird.
MORE IDEAS FOR OUTDOOR FUN
This holiday weekend is a great opportunity to spend some time outdoors in nature with friends and family. Need a few more ideas for fun?
- Go on a trail mix hunt in nature
- Make a hummingbird feeder
- Use natural objects to create land art
- Or try one of 50 ways to explore nature in your own backyard
This weekend we’re trying something new: We’ll be camping out in our backyard! Why not venture outdoors and see what’s waiting for you?
@Crystal: A nature table sounds wonderful! We've already got plenty of goodies to get our collection started!
What a great idea! I'm always fascinated by the things that capture my son's interest (and it's often not what I'd expect!) <br /><br />I recently came across the suggestion to create a "Nature Table" indoors — just a small table or shelf in a bookcase devoted to nature. You change it out along with the seasons, and an adult starts it by gathering some seasonal items
@Cat: Hope you have fun with it! 🙂
such a neat and simple idea! I can't wait to find out what my son's think is 'cool'!