The 33-acre Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is home to several unique, hillside specialty gardens, a hiking trail and more – all tucked away amid the mall, mountains and freeway in Thousand Oaks. Although there are plenty of specialty gardens to see here, our primary reason for visiting was to explore the Kid’s Adventure Garden. It’s a magical space dedicated to helping kids … [Read more...]
Product Spotlight: naturebag
When the kids were both under the age of 5, I was the one schlepping any “gear” we took with us on our nature adventures – be they in the backyard or beyond. (I even wrote about what we kept in our adventure bag back in the day.) But now that he’s 7, The Big Explorer prefers to have his own things. Sometimes he’s even willing to carry them. And I’m sure The Little Explorer … [Read more...]
Get Up, Get Outside & Get Into Nature With Dr. Scott Sampson (Part II)
Welcome to Part II of my interview with paleontologist and Dinosaur Train host, Dr. Scott Sampson. In Part I, Dr. Scott shared how he became involved with the show and how he’s helping to get kids off the couch and outside making their own discoveries.With his catchy tagline, “Remember, get outside, get into nature, and make your own discoveries,” I knew Dr. Scott was … [Read more...]
Get Up, Get Outside & Get Into Nature With Dr. Scott Sampson (Part I)
If you have a child under the age of 6 who watches TV, chances are you’ve heard of the PBS KIDS show, Dinosaur Train. The show, which combines two things many preschoolers love – dinosaurs and trains – encourages basic scientific thinking skills. Kids learn about life science, natural history and paleontology through the adventures of a set of preschool-age dinosaurs.Each of … [Read more...]
Field Report Friday: Hopkins Wilderness Park
Hopkins Wilderness Park is an 11-acre slice of nature smack dab in the middle of the otherwise urban setting of Redondo Beach. It’s easy enough to pass right by without a second glance. But wow! What you’d be missing! Hopkins Wilderness Park was created in the late 70s as a center for camping, nature study and conservation. The park features four ecological habitats: forest, … [Read more...]