Fun Friday: Photo Safari

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

My friend Brian is uber creative. He came up with my first ever Fun Friday idea, a peanut hunt. Whenever we spend time with him, his wife and their twin girls (who were coincidentally born just a day before the big explorer), adventures are sure to be had.

During our recent stay in Oxnard, Brian didn’t disappoint. One particularly windy morning (the kind that prohibits too much time near the sand), he dreamed up the idea of taking the kids on a photo safari.

Brian created these sheets for the kids to use on their hunt and the kids were told to snap pictures of each of the items they found.

In spite of our proximity to the beach, this turned out to be a very urban safari. Here’s what the big explorer spotted for his seashell,

cat,

And fish.

But there were a couple of more natural discoveries, including a flower, a cool cloud and some tracks in the sand.

The best part, of course, is that the kids considered themselves quite the adventurers. Even if they didn’t make it out to the beach.

Take-Home Tips 

• Create a theme. We were obviously hunting for beach-related items, but you can tailor this activity to whatever you might find in your own backyard or neighborhood.

• Adjust for little ones. Have younger kids focus on finding items of just one color, shape or size – or just trees, flowers or the like.

More Ideas for Winter Outdoor Fun
I’m happy to report that our weekend plans are currently wide open, leaving plenty of time for some spontaneous outdoor fun. The backyard is calling our name! Here are some timely ideas for nature play, just to get you inspired:

• Create your own wishing stones.
• Go on a winter nature scavenger hunt.
• Explore ice, then make a masterpiece of your own! (This one almost makes me wish for snow!)
• Or try one of these 50 ways to explore nature in your own backyard.

And if you live in the Los Angeles area, enjoy a crescent moon stroll at Malibu Lagoon State Beach with the folks from The Children’s Nature Institute. You’ll look for migratory birds and spider webs as the sun goes down over the shore. The walk is Sat., Jan. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Happy exploring!