Best of Backyard Nature Fun in 2012

It’s just about time to close the books on 2012. But before we get started on our 31 days of backyard nature fun, I thought I’d squeeze in one final top 10 list of the year.

Although I’ve written about everything from how to plan a nature date with kids to exploring caves this year, it’s been my posts about backyard nature fun that remain the most popular. (That’s one reason you’ll be seeing even more of them in 2013.)

1. Spring nature scavenger hunt
I’m surprised just how popular nature scavenger hunts are around here. This one and its winter counterpart at No. 2 remain among the top five reader favorites year in and year out.

2. Winter nature scavenger hunt
No time like the present to head over to this one and check out all there is to see, smell and touch outside during what many consider the coldest and dreariest season.

3. 50 ways to explore nature in your own backyard
This one remains the most popular post to date. Good thing – I plan on continuing to share simple, quick ideas for exploring nature right outside your door in the year ahead.

4. Create a fairy garden
This is a great example of what happens when kids, nature and imagination mix. The then 6.5-year-old Big Explorer’s “Magical Fairy Village” featured a pond, pool and of course, cars.

5. Explore a flower
Read about flowers in a book, watch them grow, smell them, touch them, even taste them (provided they’re edible). The more senses involved in the exploring, the more vivid the learning experience.

6. April #getoutside photo scavenger hunt
This year I decided to host my first nature photo scavenger hunt (with much success). Turns out it’s fun to head outside with a kid and a camera. This one and the one that followed – the Fall nature photo scavenger hunt – both share a spot in the top 10.

7. Build a fairy house
More fun involving kids, nature and the imagination. The Explorers had fun creating an updated version of the original fairy house this summer when they built a dragon cave.

8. Nature play station
I had no idea when I wrote this one that it would become so popular. Turns out more than a few of you are looking for ideas for backyard play spaces that encourage nature exploration.

9. Build a roly-poly terrarium
My kids love bugs – bringing said bugs inside even more. The fact that this post made the top 10 tells me they aren’t the only ones.

10. Make magic reindeer food
The time for this one has come and gone, but make sure to bookmark it for next Christmas.

I’m honored to have your continued support and look forward to sharing more backyard nature adventures (and a few beyond, to be sure) in the year ahead.