Fun Friday: Chase Butterflies

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

When there’s a butterfly in sight, it’s hard to get the little explorer to focus on much else. He is captivated by the game that butterflies present; a chance to run around in the hopes of being lucky enough to capture one in his very own hands.

Earlier this week, the little explorer and I chased butterflies through a small garden during our visit to Greenfield Village in Detroit. He ran up and down the garden rows chasing one butterfly after another.

He squealed with delight as each seemed to just barely elude his grasp.

It doesn’t seem to matter to him that he never catches one (or at least, he hasn’t yet). The thrill is in the chase.

I love that being outside in the garden chasing butterflies brings him such joy.

See the little white butterfly just out of reach?

I’ve thought about letting him play this little game with a butterfly net, thinking the odds of him actually catching one would improve significantly. But then I saw what happens when one lands close by.

Instead of trying to grab the butterfly, he stopped and watched. He told me that the butterfly was drinking because it was thirsty. And then he was off to find another.

I think the butterfly net can wait.

Take-Home Tips

• Practice being quiet. This is a fun challenge for a 3-year-old, who almost can’t contain the excitement of being so close to a butterfly.

• Use a butterfly net. Older kids may find a butterfly net improves the chances of catching butterflies for an up-close look. Just be sure to release them where you find them.

More Ideas for Summer Outdoor Fun

• Make your own seashell chimes, Nature Kids
• Construct a teepee, Squiggle Mum
• Go on a color walk
• Get your FREE copy of the Nature Rocks Summer Activity Guide
• Or check out Your A-to-Z Guide to Summer Backyard Nature Fun

And if you live in the Los Angeles area, catch a kid-friendly performance of The Velveteen Rabbit under the oaks at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. This interactive production invites kids ages 5 and up to join in the fun. Tickets are $8. Sat., August 6, 11 a.m. to noon.

Happy exploring!