Welcome to Day 26 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.
I promised those of you with snow on the ground outside a couple more posts this month just for you. Today, I’m making good on that promise.
Or perhaps I should say Amelia is. She’s another outdoor blogger I’ve had the pleasure of “meeting” through our shared love of getting kids outside. Amelia knows a thing or two about snow. She’s living life in the mountains and inspiring others to get outside with their young families over at Tales of a Mountain Mama.
Day 26: Try backyard snowshoeing.
Using the backyard as a place space all winter long is a great way to foster a love for the outdoors (even in colder temperatures) and experience a familiar place in a completely different way. Strapping on snowshoes and exploring makes being in the backyard seem like an entirely new experience. (Snowshoes can be found relatively cheap. Check thrift stores and consignment shops, especially for kids.)
We love to mix it up even more by using our snowshoes in the dark, which makes tromping around in our tiny fenced-in area seem much more adventurous. The best part? You don’t have to have a big yard, or really any yard at all – just a place to move around in the snow.
Don’t have snowshoes? No problem! You can have just as much fun by adding some other accessory, because that added “thing” is what turns the ordinary into extraordinary. Tie different materials around your feet (scarves, bandanas, bubble wrap, etc.) and see how that changes your traction on the snow. Or just tie an old strip of material around everyone’s ankles and keep it away from being stepped on.
Feeling creative? Make your own snowshoes (to make cool tracks, of course) with a little wood and help from an adult. We think “Big Foot” ones are awesome!
You can find many more ideas for fun backyard winter activities (including some great recommended books) over at Tales of a Mountain Mama.
Just joining us? Catch up on what we’re up to at 31 Days of Backyard Nature Fun.
