Last year we made a special Halloween treat for our backyard birds: A snack-o’-lantern. It was the simplest nature craft we’ve ever done. I swear. How to Make a Snack-O’-Lantern I promised an easy craft, so here goes. Take one carved pumpkin – you know, that one you created just in time for Halloween? Add birdseed. Place outside in a spot you can observe easily from a … [Read more...]
Pumpkin Planter
Got pumpkins? Maybe even a few extra? Us, too. This year we thought it might be fun to try turning one of our pumpkins into a planter. Making a Pumpkin Planter This project can be completed in less than 30 minutes and is perfect for kids who like to get their hands dirty and/or goopy. Your supply list includes: A pumpkin Knife (for removing the top of the … [Read more...]
Backyard Nature Fun: Halloween Edition
I think it’s safe to say that Halloween fever has officially begun around here. Houses are getting decorated, pumpkins are popping up on porches and our first batch of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix has been baked. Half the fun of Halloween in our house is everything we do leading up to the big event. Wanna know what we’ve got planned for this year? Go on a … [Read more...]
Your Fall Guide to Exploring Nature
Around these parts, fall is all about The Big Explorer’s birthday (he turns 8 next week – gasp!), Halloween, Thanksgiving and getting ready for the biggest holiday of them all in December. It’s a time full of crisp evenings, yummy foods and general mass excitement. The catch for us during all this fun is finding time to slow down, head outside, connect with each other and … [Read more...]
Apple Polishing
In a week that has been packed with homework, mini meltdowns (undoubtedly caused by the aforementioned homework) and other parental stresses, we needed something to help us all slow down and focus on fun. Turns out some time spent cleaning apples in the backyard was just what the doctor ordered. Apple polishing is a simple activity that can take as much (or as little) … [Read more...]