Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard.
I realize that discovering pinecones might not be that big of a deal for some of you. But for us urban dwellers, it’s pure excitement.
And for the little explorer – at the tender age of 2 ½ – hunting down these treasures is great entertainment.
For the past two consecutive weeks, the little explorer has amused himself during the big explorer’s T-ball practice at our local park by hunting for pinecones. The first week, he even rallied the other younger siblings to join him.
Part of the fun (for toddlers, especially) is the finding and making-it-your-own. The little explorer doesn’t just gather each and every pinecone he can find; he hoards them in a pile at my feet.
Treasure hunting in nature is fun at any age and with whatever treasure you might have access to – be it pinecones, rocks, shells, dandelions or sticks.
Our one rule is that the treasures we gather must remain wherever we found them. This one’s tough for the little explorer, but a good lesson in respecting nature. I like to remind him that leaving his treasures behind means they will be there when he returns.
Take-Home Tips
- Turn the hunt into a game. This is especially fun for groups. Who can find the biggest pinecone? The oddest shape?
- Allow room for creativity. We made designs on the ground with our cones, tried to see how high we could stack them and even added pine needles to the mix.
More Ideas for Spring Outdoor Fun
- Go on a spring nature scavenger hunt.
- Grow your own eggheads.
- Create an outdoor sculpture with items from nature.
- Take off your shoes and go on a sole walk.
- Or check out one of these 32 ideas for spring backyard nature fun.
And if you live in the Los Angeles area, head out to the Santa Monica Mountains Science Festival at Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills. Watch an owl fly at night, learn to identify wildflowers, discover how to track mountain lions and more! Event is FREE. Friday, April 15 (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) & Saturday, April 16 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Happy exploring!
@Abbie: Bummer about the pinecones – good thing nature always has something new to intrigue the kiddos!
It was so sad when Sam hit a point when pinecones were not that exciting anymore! She use to love looking for different kinds out on hikes and counting them, now, not so much!<br />Great tips as always!