Nature

This easy science project shows kids how dendrochronology & tree rings give us a look into the past! We like to do a lot of tree activities for a few reasons — trees are easy to find ;), the activiites you can do are super easy & inexpensive and trees can teach us so much …

Rocks! You find them in jacket pockets, lined up on window sills and creating havoc in your dryer. And yet, when you had one over to the kids and ask them to return it to the yard, their faces gasp in horror … “MOM!  This is — — the newest in my collection!  — a …

I’ve learned a few things over the years when it comes to getting kids to talk & share — First, a good snack goes a long way 😉  And second, kids are more likely to open up when they are preoccupied in an activity WITH an adult. If you’re doing something (like prepping dinner or …

Seasonal art projects for kids that highlight the life cycle of a tree. Fall is starting this week (yea!) so we wanted to celebrate with a fun seasonal activity! When the seasons change, it’s a wonderful time to introduce kids to the science behind nature.  For example, leaf rubbings are a great way to explore …

We love outdoor explorations! 

Getting to know nature and being a backyard detective are activities my kids have enjoyed for years. 

And having great science tools takes outdoor exploration to a whole new level!

Today we are traveling the country with Charlie, who is the star of a great Search & Find book series titled Travels with Charlie. 

This virtual road trip was organized by my friend Jodie who writes all about great kids books at Growing Book by Book (you’ll definately want to stop by and visit!) and inspired by the books.  We are representing the state of Missouri.  

There are quite a few amazing things that happened in the state of Missouri —

I’ve found some really amazing nature printables this year for our nature study activities!  Really super awesome stuff! 

But you know how it is — you take a piece of paper outside for a scavenger hunt or garden activity and before you know it, it’s blowing around the yard with the kids chasing after it. 

Or the pencil you have goes missing. 

Or you don’t have enough time to finish the activity and then can’t find the darn sheet the next day.

Or you DO finish the activity but aren’t sure where to store them all so the kids can see what they’ve accomplished.

I’m a toss-the-kids-out-the-door kind of parent.  Children (along with teens and adults for that matter) just don’t get enough time outside these days. I can remember enjoying some wonderfully long days climbing trees, skating, creating, digging & exploring.

But I grew up with siblings and neighbors that were all close in age.  My daughter doesn’t have the luxury of playmates knocking at her door. 

So lately I’ve been looking for ways to entice her to spend more time outside.  Since she really enjoys crafts and also likes to be surprised, we decided to create an Outdoor Activity Jar.

Learn about the Junior Ranger Program for kids — the best kept secret at the National Parks! If you visit our blog frequently, you’ll know that we are BIG fans of getting kids outside 🙂 Our first post featuring Kids to Parks Day focused on 30 Games & Activities to Play at the Park. Today, …

Enjoy these fun activities & games to play at a local park! It’s May again and that means we’re celebrating Kids to Parks Day with a whole slew of AWESOME ideas for games to play & fun activities to do at the parks! Be sure to visit last year’s idea list of 30 Fun Games …