So by now, I think it’s evident one of our favorite winter nature activities is bird-watching. Maybe it’s because you don’t see as many wild animals out and about in the winter. Maybe it’s because, even when we’re stuck inside on a below-zero day, we can still see them out there, flying about, living their little […]
Fun Pinecone Angel Christmas Crafts For Kids
When I was in college, my aunt sent me a Christmas care package with two tiny pinecone angels she and her kids made for me. Those little angels followed me all through college, and on to my first apartment. They were so stinking cute. That’s why I like these. They’re Christmas crafts for kids, but […]
Play Outside.
I love hanging with my kids outside. On a very practical note, no one is messing up my stuff. Noise is not as noisy, because it’s not echoing off the four walls of my house. Everyone spends a lot of energy and is nice and sleepy when we get home.
Play Cards.
Playing cards is just a simple, fun way to enjoy a few minutes with the family. Cards don’t take up much room, so we always bring them along on road trips and campouts. They don’t have lots of pieces to keep track of. Just easy fun.
Go Bird Watching.
Now that it’s getting colder out, I find us doing more bird watching. The birds get hungry, and if you’re one of the houses generously feeding them you become very popular with the birds. Here in Colorado, where most available water freezes, even putting out a birdbath with fresh water attracts lots of birds.
Take a Hike.
Hiking trips begin at our house with me all, “Hey, kids! We’re going hiking! Come on! Get your stuff and load up!” and them all, “Unhhhhhh. Blahhhhh. Blurt. Bah. Do we have to? And also when will we be home?” I see it as my job — as a caring, sensitive, loving mother — to […]
Weekend Odds & Ends: Kids Activities
I’m getting ready to run this on Monday. People have called it the best 10k in the country, and I agree it’s pretty fun. But I’m totally not ready for it. I say this every time and somehow I always manage to finish but this time I mean it. The guy who always runs in a gorilla […]
37 Free Summer Activities for Kids
My kids tell me they have 18 days of school left until they’re out for summer. I can’t wait, actually. I’m ready to sleep in…and to hit the road for some day trips…and to play in the dirt and stuff.
Nature Journal Writing Prompts (Free Printable)
Last week, I shared our Nature Journals with you. Today, I wanted to give a few writing prompts, in case your children have trouble deciding what to write about in their new journals. There are so many things they can write about outside — the weather, their surroundings, the animals they see, how they’re feeling. They can really […]
It’s About the Journey…
It’s the last day of Nature Week here! By now, you should be able to pack up your nature journal and other hiking supplies, read a few books about what you might find while exploring…and you should be ready to get outside with your kids! Here’s the thing, though — you’re not going far. While I do […]