Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard. The idea Shake up our usual neighborhood walk with a nature scavenger hunt. Thanks to Michele of Fun Orange County Parks for pointing me in the direction of this free, downloadable checklist of items. (You can find it and others like it at Hearts and Trees.) I’m a big fan of this … [Read more...]
Gardening With Kids: Getting Started
I’m excited to start gardening with my kids. And a bit scared too, since the only thing I’ve ever grown in the ground were radishes – and that was back in junior high school horticulture class when my grade depended on it.Since then, I haven’t had much luck keeping anything green alive. But my interest in eating healthy, whole foods and getting my kids outside in the dirt has … [Read more...]
My Kids Tour the West L.A. Farmer’s Market
I admit it: I can’t really remember the last time I went to a farmer’s market. We’re talking decades here folks. Even if I don’t know how long it’s been, I’m sure of one thing – I didn’t go of my own accord. That’s because shopping for food is my number one most hated chore. Honest. But these days I’m responsible for coordinating the CSA program at my 5 year old’s school. In … [Read more...]
Fun Friday: Let’s Get Magnifying!
Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard. The idea: Take an up-close look at nearby nature using a magnifying glass.Our notes from the field: During our recent adventures in the school garden, I brought along a few of our magnifying glasses hoping I could inspire the 5 year old to take a close-up look around the garden.Kids … [Read more...]
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
If you're looking for an outdoor spot with something to interest everyone in your family, I highly suggest checking out Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. The park has a number of different areas – a duck pond, a stream with waterfalls, a forest, hiking trails, toddler play structures, picnic sites and more. Our biggest challenge was deciding where to explore first! For our … [Read more...]