Fun Friday: Make a Wish on a Dandelion

Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard.

Winter feels like the perfect time for making wishes. It’s a time for dreaming of what new adventures lie ahead come spring – or even beyond.

Kids seem to sense this. I’ve caught the big explorer making wishes on dandelions a lot recently.

It helps that we have a small patch of them growing on our front lawn, providing an ample source for wish making.

One afternoon last week as we sat down for a few moments to watch the sun set. While we were waiting for the show to start, we noticed our patch of dandelions and decided we should both grab one and make a wish.

Sometimes connecting kids with nature is as simple as that. Taking a few moments to notice the little things. Like the beauty and magic of a dandelion.

Take-Home Tips

• Make one wish at a time. This will ensure that your little ones won’t go crazy yanking out all the flowers in sight.

• Encourage wishes for nature. I use our dandelion wish making moments as a time to encourage the big explorer to dream big for nature. He’s wished for “less people littering” and “more people taking care of nature.”

More Ideas for Winter Outdoor Fun
We’re heading out of town this weekend on a grand adventure to introduce the explorers to the world of wildlife watching (more details next week, I promise). When was the last time you headed out to the backyard to see what creatures call it home? While you’re out there, why not:

• Enjoy a backyard campfire or a picnic lunch (yes, even if it’s cold out!)?
• Build snowkids?
• Take a winter walk?
• Or try one of these 50 ways to explore nature in your own backyard?

If you live in the Los Angeles area, check out the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Whale Fiesta, which kicks off the beginning of the whale-watching season, this Sunday, Jan. 30. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature fun outdoor activities for the entire family.

Happy exploring!