Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard.
The big explorer has been fascinated with the moon since he could first talk. He would describe it back then by its size – “part moon” and “ball” were his big two distinctions.
We make a point of trying to be outside on the nights when there’s a full moon, and this last month’s was superb. (There’s another coming this weekend, hence my timing here.)
The light of the full moon is so bright, you don’t even need a flashlight. The rainy weather we’d had in the days just prior left an array of fun looking cloud formations, so we quickly found ourselves playing a game of I Spy in the clouds.
It was clear enough to see a few stars, too – plus a great sighting of Venus. The big explorer told me he could even see the gray spots on the moon. Cool!
If you miss this month’s full moon, no worries – you can catch one next month. Check out the Farmer’s Almanac for the dates of upcoming full moons near you.
Take-Home Tips
- Combine your moon watching with a campfire. What’s better than a backyard campfire by the light of the full moon? S’mores for dessert, of course!
- Play the listening game, too. What sounds can you hear? (We heard crickets!) Are they the same as those you hear during the day? Can you see what’s making the sounds in the dark?
More Ideas for Outdoor Fun
We’re off to my favorite place to explore nature this weekend – Yosemite National Park (provided the first serious snowfall of the season doesn’t derail our plans). I’m looking forward to a few days away from the city and a chance to slow down and take a break from our usual routines.
But you don’t need to head to a national park to help your kids get their daily dose of nature this weekend. Here are a few ideas you can try right outside your door:
- Search for natural items to decorate your Thanksgiving table.
- Play “squirrelly seek” – outside, of course!
- Build a snowman or snow animals.
- Or try one of these 50 ways to explore nature in your own backyard.
@Crystal: I've been taken aback by moon sightings while driving myself! 🙂 We'll have to give the moon calendar a try & report back.
The blue moon this month was absolutely spectacular! I was bringing a meal over to a friend that had just had a new baby, and nearly drove off the road when I went around a bend and the moon rose up over the marsh. As soon as I got home I brought Shane outside to see it. Absolutely mesmerizing! <br /><br />Now I want to get my hands on a moon calendar — what a great resource to have! When I
@Kristine: I totally agree! My kids rarely get outside at night, too, so seeing a full moon is pretty special in our house.
I love your boys names for the phrases – perfect. It's funny living in a city. it didn't occur to us until we were camping with my littlest when she was 18months that she had never seen stars. She's always loved Twinkle Twinkle but had never seen a star. Sad really!
@Juliet: I love the idea of a moon calendar!<br /><br />@Cat: Glad to hear my son isn't the only one obsessed with the moon! 🙂
My son's love to go out and find the moon. It is something we often do when they can't sleep.
Lovely! I have a moon calendar that tells me the phase of the moon each night during the year. Even my son consults it to check the full moon.