Longtime readers know I’m a huge fan of wildlife. (I’ve traveled to see both polar bears and Alaskan brown bears in their native lands to prove it.) This week, there’s an opportunity to learn a little more about a group of one of our family’s favorite wild critters: Big Cats. Nat Geo WILD’s 3rd annual Big Cat Week features five nights of premieres putting the spotlight on … [Read more...]
Decorate a Tree for Wildlife
Nature fun idea No. 5 on our Countdown to Christmas list was to decorate a tree for wildlife. This was a task a few days in the making. In preparation for our wildlife tree, we made birdseed ornaments and strung fresh garland – both activities that helped us slow down and focus on nature at an otherwise frenetic time of year. We decided to add some sparkly ornaments to make … [Read more...]
Birdseed Ornaments
Nature fun idea No. 4 on our Countdown to Christmas list was to design birdseed ornaments.This is a great activity for cold winter days when you’re looking for an indoor activity that connects kids to nature. Kids will enjoy mixing up the ingredients, but know that molding the birdseed ornaments is a slow process – it’ll take several hours to an entire evening before these … [Read more...]
Nature-Inspired Painted Ornaments
Nature fun idea No. 3 on our Countdown to Christmas list was to make an ornament from nature. Last year’s hand-made ornaments using clear, acrylic glass ornaments and bits from nature were a big hit. But this year we wanted to try something new.Although I have since seen painted ornaments on Pinterest, it was a fellow parent at The Big Explorer’s school that introduced this … [Read more...]
String Fresh Garland for the Birds
Nature fun idea No. 1 on our Countdown to Christmas list was to string popcorn and cranberry garland for the birds. This is one of those activities best done slowly. There’s no reason to rush. The fun is in sitting together, connecting and trying to see what kind of creations you can come up with. Allow anywhere from 15 minutes to much longer, depending on your child’s … [Read more...]