Fun Friday: Making Outdoor Lemonade

When I spotted The Big Explorer trying to grab a just-out-of-reach lemon off a low-hanging branch on our lemon tree earlier this week, I had no idea why he wanted it. Instead of getting the lemon for him (which he asked me to do), I watched him try, fail, and try again until he finally figured out a way to procure the lemon on his own.

What happened next was completely unexpected.

He took the lemon, climbed up in his favorite tree, sat down and promptly inserted the lemon into a very short branch. Voila – fresh squeezed lemon juice!

I could explain the rest, but it’s better if you hear it straight from him (pardon his gum smacking and The Little Explorer’s squeals of delight):

The water he mentions came from a spray bottle, which he squirted on the lemon at one point to see if it would make the juice drips any less sour. Apparently, it did.

He informed me that this technique would work well for people who get thirsty in the wild. He also mentioned that it’s best to use fresh lemons, which give the best flavor. Good to know.

I’d like to add one foot note to this story: This completely self-directed nature activity came after more than 30 minutes of outdoor play, during which there was much yelling and screaming and general disagreement between the explorers. Sometimes patience pays off. Big time.

Take-Home Tips

• Pick your own fruit. We just happen to have lemons super handy, but an orange would work just as well.

• Relax concerns about cleanliness. Zero points for cleanliness here; this one’s all about enjoying fruit straight off the tree.

More Ideas for Spring Outdoor Fun

• Design a terrarium in a jar with treasures from nature, Our Big Earth
• Make a leaf crown, Greening Sam & Avery
• Create wildflower art, Fakin’ It
• Or check out one of these 32 ideas for spring backyard nature fun