We’ve had summer on the brain all week around here. I blame the 75+ degree temperatures. But seriously, summer will be here before we know it. As part of my effort to gear up for summer nature fun, we’ve been busy cleaning up the backyard. I’m exhausted but excited to see our outdoor space is starting to look a little more summer-ready. Last year, I invited you to come … [Read more...]
Backyard Nature Fun: Litter Cleanup Walk
Backyard Nature Fun activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard. Sadly, I can’t think of many adventures in nature we’ve had that haven’t involved picking up someone else’s trash. But going on a nature walk with kids with the explicit purpose of cleaning up litter had never entered my mind until I watched The Explorers do so all on their own.We … [Read more...]
Top 10 Summer Firsts
Welcome back to “Top Ten Tuesdays,” where I share one of my many nature-themed idea lists. Enjoy! Top 10 Summer Firsts This week’s list was inspired by a post called 8 Summer Firsts, from fellow nature girl Michele at Fun Orange County Parks. It got me thinking about our own summer “firsts.” Here goes: 1. First trip to the family farm 2. First ride on a tractor 3. … [Read more...]
Backyard Nature Fun: Mud Painting
This post is part of “Your Green Hour Survival Guide,” a series which I hope will inspire you to make getting outside every day a habit.I realize that the thought of your kids getting knee-deep in thick, gooey, squelchy mud might make some of you cringe. But there’s no denying a child’s natural affinity for the stuff.The Explorers are no different. In the past, they’ve made … [Read more...]
Dig and Discover
After spending last week at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s Junior Dinosaur Institute day camp, what do you think The Big Explorer has on his mind? Why digging for dinosaurs, of course!During camp, The Big Explorer learned all about fossils – where they’re found, what tools are used to dig them up, even how they’re transported from one place to another. This … [Read more...]