Fun Friday: Dinosaur Hide-and-Seek

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

I know what you’re thinking – what could a game of hide-and-seek possibly have to do with exploring nature?

A lot, actually, when you take the game outside, play it with a favorite animal and hide said animal in natural settings.

The rules were simple: Hide one of our toy dinosaurs somewhere in the front yard. When you’re done hiding, let the others know they can come seek out the dino. (Sounds simple, but try getting a 2.5-year-old to wait for the hiding to take place!)

We took turns doing the hiding, of course. There was much giggling when the dino was discovered in some inappropriate location, like up in a tree.

And the kids were pretty impressed when the creature was placed in such a way that it actually looked somewhat realistic.

I loved that this game came about organically from the kids, involved all of us and made us laugh. A ton.

Take-Home Tips

• Partner up with little ones. The little explorer is too young to play solo, so the big explorer and I took turns hiding and seeking with him.

• Hide simply but creatively. Successful seeking is important for young kids, so try to hide your object in plain sight. Then have fun placing your toy critter in naturalistic settings: in a tree, on a rock, among tall flowers and so on.

More Ideas for Winter Outdoor Fun
Do you garden with your kids? This weekend, we’ll be doing just that during a school beautification day at the big explorer’s school garden. Too cold out? Start some seeds indoors. Here are a few more ways to explore nature with your kids this weekend:

• Make a conversation rocks – just in time for Valentine’s Day.
• Practice your kids’ math skills while counting backyard birds.
• Go on a winter nature scavenger hunt.
• Or try one of these 30 Ideas for Winter Backyard Nature Fun.