Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard.
During our December stay in Oxnard, the beach was our backyard. Add to that some brief periods with the perfect wind conditions – not too gusty, not too calm – and we had just the right ingredients for kite flying.
The big explorer has been kite flying every winter for three years’ running, making him somewhat of an “expert.” He loves watching the wind work its wonders to make the kite dance.
This year it was time to teach the little explorer how it works.
It took the patience of my wonderful hubby to help our youngest untangle his line from the big explorers’ countless times, only to have him drop his line once it was finally free.
But eventually, he got it. And with the wind working its magic and his kite in hand, he ran. And for once, I had no intention of telling him to stop.
Take-Home Tips
- Pick the right spot. Choose an open area without any trees, poles, power lines or other potential hazards for your child or deterrents for the kite.
- Let little explorers play, too. It’ll take some major patience, but it’s worth it. Once the 2 ½ year old stopped dropping the line or crossing his with big brothers’, he was in total bliss.
More Ideas for Winter Outdoor Fun
This weekend we’re heading to the beach to explore tidepools for this month’s family nature club adventure. I hope you’ve got some outdoor fun on the agenda, too. Some things to try:
- Take a winter nature scavenger hunt.
- Create a splat painting in the garden.
- Make wishes on a pine tree.
- Or check these 50 ways to explore nature in your own backyard.
And if you live in the Los Angeles area, head to the Los Angeles Zoo to check out the new Elephants of Asia exhibit. (I’ll be posting about it soon, but for now, trust me – it’s worth the visit!)
Happy exploring!
@Brianna: It sounds like a lot of families have good memories of kite flying. That's great!
Kite is such a simple thing and yet it inspires a lot of people and give so much memories and all… My husband used to make kits for my kids and I must say it is one great bonding for the whole family.
@Alicia: Thanks for sharing such a special memory.<br /><br />@Jen: Provided you can find yourself a somewhat clear area (no crowds, obviously), a beach is a great spot to fly a kite.<br /><br />@Juliet: Great tip! The goal is for kids to succeed & have fun, so an easier-to-work-with kite is key.<br /><br />@Abbie: Glad to hear you've got your little ones out there flying kites, too. Yay!
So every time we try to fly a kite we get a bit frustrated. Inspiring to give it a go again, especially now in winter when the beach is less crowded. We nearly injured a few people with our kite swooping down last time we tried it. 😉
We just did kites on the beach! It was great, Sam and Avery both loved it. Great idea.
It's worth getting a really easy kite to fly too. Some of the kites that look very attractive can be very hard to fly. I have a parrot one like this. It just swoops around me low down.
The kids love to go fly kites! We never bring our kites to the beach though…we need to do that next time!
Flying a kite is my favorite bonding with my father during winter… I still remember him making my own kite and surprising me after school. Yah he even really organize trips before along the beach so that we can have a good fly for our kite. I miss those times.