Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard.
This nature play idea was inspired in part by one of our Nature Circles cards, which says “place your hand on a tree that you like.” I figured it might be fun to take it one step further: Why not hug a tree?
How it works: All you need is a tree or two. Then get hugging!
You might be surprised to discover that your child will naturally hang out exploring around the tree for a bit. My son walked all the way around the tree, keeping his hand on the trunk at all times. Then he looked up to check out the view and down to see what was around the base of the tree.
If your little one needs some encouragement, there’s plenty to talk about – how the tree feels, how the branches and leaves look (if there are any), how tall the tree is, what lives on and around the tree and so on.
Or forget the talk altogether and just let your little one explore.
Why it’s so fun: Hugging a tree feels silly, at least at first. Kids are used to wrapping their arms around people, pets — even favorite lovies. But trees? Not so much. The novelty makes it fun, especially if you show how it’s done first.
Variations on a theme: If there are different types of trees around when you try this activity, take a comparison test. My son got a kick out of hugging trees of different sizes until he found just the right “fit” for him.
If you’ve got some time, sit down under a favorite tree and enjoy a snack. Or bring out the paper and crayons and color.
Happy hugging!
My kids and I hug trees all the time! sometimes it gets difficult to get anywhere when we are out walking because they want to hug every tree. Awesome.
Love it! I have been hugging trees since I was a wee one. Something about the feeling of bark on my cheek. As they get older, you can do it blindfolded – see if they can pick their tree out without seeing it, but just feeling it. Cheers- Bethe @balmeras
Marghanita, thanks for sharing your link. Your dolls definitely provide great inspiration!<br /><br />Catherine, I made sure to hug a tree first to show my son how it works & it still feels funny — which is half the fun, right?!<br /><br />Mel, love your idea of getting a group of kids involved. I'll have to try that next time I go to Yosemite!<br /><br />Carolina, my son hugged three
I love the hug and compare approach. Very cute.
I love hugging trees, too. When I used to work in the Redwoods we'd have the kids see how many people it took to hug one of those big trees. More than you think!
I remember we used to love doing this as teenagers – we thought it was hilarious.
I'm a Tree Hugger Fan. Love this post. <br />Check out some treehuggers I <br />spotted:http://bit.ly/7cdZJ6