It’s not even December yet, but the excitement over the upcoming holiday is already in full swing at our house. I’m guessing we’re not alone.
Things can get crazy during December, so this year I’ve come up with a list of holiday-inspired nature activities for kids to encourage us to continue getting outside and connected to nature every day.
Some of these nature activities are things we enjoyed last year; others will be completely new for us. Stay tuned for more details as the month unfolds.
1. Head to a Christmas tree farm.
I’m hoping to take the kids on a train ride to a Christmas tree farm in a couple of weeks. Many Christmas tree farms offer all kinds of winter fun – including sleigh rides, Santa visits, hot cocoa and more.
2. Decorate outside and in with natural elements.
We’ll be decorating pine cones to display inside the house; we’ll hang others up outside. We’ll feature some poinsettias on our porch for added color. I’d love to make a snow globe using natural elements, too, but no promises.
3. Adorn your tree with ornaments from nature.
We’ll soon be unveiling some adorable ornaments we recently made using items from nature. Think pine cones, sticks, shells, berries, leaves and the like. The only limit is your imagination.
4. Decorate your backyard, too.
Why should your backyard go neglected this season? Create some holiday ice art, make a festive feeder for the birds or hang decorations from trees.
5. Make gifts using items from nature.
The Big Explorer and I are making The Little Explorer a set of alphabet rocks.
6. Head to the snow.
For some of you, this may be as simple as going out your back door; for us, it’ll take a little more effort. ’Tis the season to build a snowman and snow animals, make snow angels, paint in the snow and more.
7. Ice skate outside.
Would you believe you can go ice skating outside in Los Angeles? I’m guessing many of you have more serene settings to skate this holiday season.
8. Head to an outdoor holiday event in nature.
Choose one fun holiday-themed outdoor event to enjoy as a family. In Southern California, there are holiday lights’ displays, guided holiday walks at local parks, special events at zoos and more.
9. Go on a neighborhood holiday lights walk.
We’re upgrading last year’s neighborhood holiday lights walk to include a scavenger hunt, courtesy of The Big Explorer.
10. Feed the reindeer.
Last year’s magic reindeer food was a huge hit with Santa’s reindeer and neighborhood animals alike.
Now it’s your turn! What kinds of outdoor fun are you and your kids up to this holiday season?
