Welcome to Day 24 of 31 Days of Backyard Nature Fun, a month-long series offering simple ways to get outside exploring the natural world. To see activities from earlier this month, head here.
One of the most common ways we get in our green time on busy weekdays is by taking walks around the neighborhood. Even though our walks don’t take us through lush forests or alongside rivers, we still manage to find ways to connect with nature.
This month, I’ve shared several ways you can turn a routine walk around the neighborhood into a nature adventure – including walking to school, going on a micro safari, taking a color walk and going on a nature photo hunt.
Today’s activity remains among the top five reader favorites year in and year out. No time like the present to give it a go with your young explorer.
Day 24: Take a winter nature walk.
Why go on a walk when you can go on a treasure hunt instead? Now is the perfect time for a winter nature walk. Grab a list of items to search for (or make up your own) and head outside!
The best winter nature walks allow you to get a sense of what the season looks and feels like in your neighborhood. Pay attention to the details and use your five senses in searching for nature’s treasures.
Instead of using a pre-made winter scavenger hunt list, you can also make up your own in just a few minutes. Keep it simple with things like “something red,” “something round,” “something old,” “something wet” and so on.
Just joining us? Catch up on what we’re up to at 31 Days of Backyard Nature Fun.
Couldn't agree more, Audrey!
Everyday is a good day for a walk, even in cold winter. “The best winter nature walks allow you to get a sense of what the season looks and feels like in your neighborhood.” That’s true!
So true!
I've discovered most of our winter neighborhood walks occur right after school. It makes for a nice transition between "work" and "fun."
What a wonderful post! Thank you so much for sharing. Here's hoping it warms up soon so you can head back outside with the kiddos – without freezing noses!
It's amazing how much wildlife you get to see in the winter.xxxxx
Nothing better than a walk around the neighborhood. We used to go all the time after dinner because the kids were so wound up. I don't know why we stopped; they're still pretty hyper. I guess it's dark, and always windy, but maybe I'll try to mandate a family walk around the block. How hard can that be?
Debi, I love that you're writing a daily post–lots of great ideas in here this month. But as much as I love nature and am all about getting the kids outdoors, I have to admit that we've not been outdoors (other than dog walks) this past week. It's been between 4 and 8 degrees here–Fahrenheit, not Celsius–with a bitter wind So, what I've tried to do for nature appreciation with