Fun Friday: Rock Hunt

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

Rocks seem to be one of those items that manage to find their way into little pockets on nearly every nature walk we take. The big explorer is so enthralled by them that we even started a rock collection last fall.

But it wasn’t until last week that we actually took a walk in nature specifically to give special attention to rocks.

Of course, Yosemite is a great spot to explore rocks with so many varied specimens waiting to be discovered. But we would have just as much fun with this one right in our (very urban) neighborhood.

During our hunt, we challenged the explorers and their friends to find rocks of different sizes, textures, shapes and colors. The kids loved naming the specimens they found (they thought most were crystals) and where they might have come from.

Our biggest challenge wasn’t getting them to notice all the cool aspects of rocks – it was convincing them to leave them where they found them! (Of course, we collected a few for some cool rock necklaces.)

Take-Home Tips 

• Gather a few samples for a rock project. Paint rocks, create rock people, build a rock sculpture or make a rock necklace.

• Take pictures as keepsakes. Have your kids take photos of each type, size or color rock you see on your hunt. Create a book featuring your “collection.” (And share them with our Give a Kid a Camera flickr group.)

More Ideas for Summer Outdoor Fun

• Catch lightening bugs, GTG Outside 
• Make a fairy bed, The Magic Onions 
• Go on a texture walk, The Magnifying Glass 
• Download the Nature Rocks Summer Activity Guide (which even includes a couple of ideas from yours truly!)
• Or check out Your A-to-Z Guide to Summer Backyard Nature Fun for even more inspiration

And if you live in the Los Angeles area, check out the grand opening of The Natural History Museum’s Dinosaur Hall. Kids will be wowed by a trio of T-Rex fossils, interactive games and excavations, and walls of murals and real fossils. Exhibit fee is included in the museum entrance price. All guests need a reservation. July 16-23, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Happy exploring!