Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard. I love this activity for its simplicity. Plus, it’s a great way to reconnect with the outside world in just a couple of minutes.I first explained the “rules” to the listening game to my 5-year-old son like this: “I’m going to count to 20 in my head while you close your eyes and just … [Read more...]
Fun Friday: Peanut Hunt
Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard. Why wait until Easter to go on an outdoor treasure hunt? Last summer, my friend Brian introduced a peanut hunt to our then 3-1/2 year old kids while on a visit to our cabin in Yosemite.He spent about five minutes hiding the shelled peanuts everywhere you might imagine – in tree bark, … [Read more...]
Kid-Friendly Fall Outdoor Activities
When fall hits Southern California, it’s not always easy to recognize. About the only telltale sign comes thanks to the time change – it gets darker earlier. The weather is often slow to cool, the rain elusive and fall colors tough to spot.But California’s moderate fall weather has a definite upside – it offers an array of outdoor activities worth enjoying clear through winter. … [Read more...]
Go Fly a Kite
We’ve had our fair share of windy days recently in Los Angeles. And although it has kicked up the allergies and summoned cooler days, it also got me thinking about a great way for kids to enjoy the outdoors on a windy day: fly a kite.One of the wonderful things about living in Southern California is that you can enjoy a cool, breezy day on the beach in fall and winter, which is … [Read more...]
Make-Your-Own: Nature ABC Book
When The Big Explorer was first becoming interested in letters, I thought it might be kinda fun to create our own ABC book. And being the nature lover that I am, it seemed fitting that I would opt for a nature-inspired theme.What started out as a fun way to learn the letters and get outdoors turned into much more, as you’ll see below. To make your own nature ABC book, you’ll … [Read more...]