Last week’s 50 Ways to Explore Nature in Your Own Backyard was a big hit – and I’m thrilled. It means you’re as interested as I am in finding simple ways to connect with nature right outside your own back door.In addition to having fun in our own backyard, we also enjoy heading out to explore nature in the city and beyond. Sometimes this comes in the form of a morning at the … [Read more...]
Marina Beach, a.k.a. “Mother’s Beach”
Los Angeles beaches are often dirty and crowded, with the water so far from the parking lot, you’re exhausted by the time you finally claim your spot in the sand. But not Marina Beach. This place has rightfully earned the nickname “Mother’s Beach.” And here’s why. For one thing, there’s a kid’s play area just steps from the water. There’s no surf and no waves and the … [Read more...]
Fun Friday: Tour Neighborhood Gardens
Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard. THE IDEA: Take a tour of our neighbors’ front gardensIt doesn’t get much simpler than this: Take a walk around your neighborhood paying special attention to front gardens.OUR NOTES FROM THE FIELDBefore we headed out on our tour, I asked the big explorer to stop me anytime he saw a garden he … [Read more...]
50 Ways to Explore Nature in Your Own Backyard
Exploring nature doesn’t have to mean hitting the trail, heading to the mountains or going camping - though those are all fine ideas. Connecting with nature can be as simple as heading out the back door. If you're not quite sure how to get started with your kids, try one of these 50 ways to explore nature in your own backyard. Most require only a few minutes of time and a … [Read more...]
Where to Go in Yosemite With Kids: The Pioneer Yosemite History Center
Welcome to the fifth installment in a series called “Where to Go in Yosemite With Kids,” especially young kids like mine (5 ½ and 2 years). When I was a kid, the Pioneer Yosemite History Center was a happening place for kids in Wawona. Summers brought this collection of historic structures from different eras of Yosemite history back to life. This is where I learned how … [Read more...]