Go Explore Nature

My Friday 5: Exploring Nature at the Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 08:00:00 +0000

It’s June and things are warming up around here. Last weekend we saddled up for a bike ride to the beach, where we enjoyed a picnic lunch and some treasure hunting before heading home.

There are seemingly endless ways to spend an afternoon at the beach. Here are a few of our current favorite ways to explore nature while we’re there - no tools required:

Do some wildlife watching.
There are all kinds of sea birds to check out. And much smaller critters along the shore. It’s fun to hunt for animal tracks in the sand, too. Take pictures so you can look up your discoveries in a field guide later.

Go treasure hunting.
The beach is rich with all kinds of natural treasures. We love searching for shells, feathers, sea glass and rocks. Sometimes we arrange our collection in the sand and leave it behind for someone else to stumble upon later.

Play with seaweed.
The Big Explorer loves using strands of seaweed as a broom, “sweeping” the sand along the shore.

Make drip castles.
Sometimes it’s fun to try building something other than the traditional sand castle. I especially love making drip castles because it’s messy.

Explore tide pools.
The kids have requested that we go tide pooling at least once this summer. No two adventures are ever the same and we’re always discovering something new. Just remember to do your exploring at low tide.

Need a few more ideas? Barb from the Handbook of Nature Study has put together a great beach activities board on Pinterest.

What’s your favorite way to explore nature at the beach?

DVD Review: Frozen Planet

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Wed, 30 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Having been to the far north to see polar bears in the wild, I guess you can say I have a special affinity for our planet’s more remote locations. In fact, seeing penguins in Antarctica makes my list of top 10 nature sights I want to see.

No surprise then, that I jumped at the chance to review the seven-part nature series Frozen Planet, which explores life in the Polar Regions.

Frozen Planet is a BBC/Discovery Channel co-production four years in the making. Billed as the ultimate polar expedition, the series follows the seasonal changes in the Arctic and Antarctic – and how these changes affect animal migrations, feeding habits, mating rituals and more.

Ultimately, this is a story of survival. Key players here are polar bears, penguins, orca whales, arctic wolves and others. The footage itself in many instances is never-before-seen stuff. Here’s a little taste of what the show’s all about:

It took an amazing group of highly skilled and dedicated folks to put this series together and it’s well worth the watch. But what will the kids think?

Watching Frozen Planet With Kids
While there is no recommended viewing age, I suggest you use your best judgment here. Frozen Planet – like most nature shows – is considered “family friendly” entertainment. While there are a fair amount of warm and fuzzy moments, there are just as many (if not more) dramatic, to-the-death hunting scenes, as well as footage of animals mating.

The Big Explorer (7.5 years old) seemed just the right age to digest much of what he was seeing. He was moved by footage of polar bear cubs just after birth with mom in their den, but also fascinated watching orca whales spend more than an hour chasing a minke whale to death.

There is obviously more footage here than can be watched in a single setting, giving you the opportunity to use the series as a jumping off point for all kinds of nature adventures. You might want to:

Head to a local aquarium or zoo to see some of the polar animals in real life.
Compare seasonal changes right in your own backyard using a weather station and/or a nature journal.
Discuss ways animals in your neighborhood hunt, care for their young and/or migrate.
Check out some books from a local library to learn more about a polar animal or a geological feature.

I’m glad that the underlying message that what’s happening at the Poles affects us all wasn’t lost on my 7 year old. He’s already dreaming of a visit to the super-cool South Pole science station.

Photo Credit: ©BBC/Discovery Channel

The Nitty Gritty on Frozen Planet
Frozen Planet provides powerful images of what life is like in our Polar Regions. The harsh reality may not be appropriate for younger kids, but older ones will find the series fascinating.

3 disk set includes seven 50-minute episodes plus bonus features
Narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough, known to many as “the father of natural history television”
While there is no recommended viewing age, parents should know that although this is a family-friendly series, there are dramatic, to-the-death hunting scenes, as well as footage of animals mating
Bonus features are worth a look (especially the “Freeze Frame,” making-of shorts that follow each episode & the “Science at the Ends of the Earth”)
DVD retails for $39.98 ($49.98 in Canada); Blu-Ray retails for $54.98 ($62.48 in Canada)

The Giveaway
Thanks to BBC Home Entertainment, I’ve got not one, but two free copies of the Frozen Planet DVD set to give away.

To enter, leave a comment sharing one thing you’d like to learn about the Polar Regions. Good luck!

This giveaway will run through midnight PST on Sun., June 3, 2012.
You must include an email address with your comment. Entries without an email address will not be included.
This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.
Winners will be chosen using the nifty random number generator at random.org.
Winners will have 24 hours to reply to my notification. If I don't hear back after that, I'll pick another winner.

Note: I received a free Frozen Planet DVD set in exchange for providing my honest review with you. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.

Backyard Play Spaces: Nature Play Station

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Mon, 28 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Earlier this month, I shared some of the summer backyard play spaces we’re planning. Today I’m ready to unveil the first of these spaces, our nature play station.

How it’s made:
I took a couple of unused wood planks we had lying around the backyard and placed them across some tree stumps we inherited last fall. The result is a shelving unit that makes for a perfect nature play station. I positioned the unit against a side wall in our yard for added support. Best part? Free.

How it’s used for nature play:
This is a one-stop shop for our nature play tools. I gathered like items together in pails and baskets we already had so the items could easily be grabbed and taken to another area of the yard as needed. Here’s what we have so far:

Top shelf: Sand molds, plastic animals & cars, a basket of sticks
Middle shelf: Pail of rocks, bucket of sand/dirt tools (shovels, sieves & the like)
Bottom (ground) level: Basket with more sand molds & a basket of bubbles

Alongside the unit, there’s also a former planter holding pine cones and our kids-sized wheelbarrow, which houses our larger plastic shovels.

What the kids think:
It’s nice having everything in one place – and all within easy reach for the kids. The Explorers are still getting used to the set up, but like seeing all of their “goodies” in one spot. They’d like to add a few more items, like their bug containers and magnifying glasses, so I consider it a work in progress.

For what it’s worth, I like that I found a cool, shaded place for their things – an invaluable feature as temperatures rise. It’s also conveniently located alongside two more of our backyard play spaces, the sand play area and water zone. More on both soon enough.

My Friday 5: Postcards From the Trail

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Longtime readers of this blog know I’m all about connecting kids and nature. But what about us non-kids? How often do you spend time in nature, without the kids?

At the start of 2012, I made a promise to myself: To spend more “me time” outside. For me, that meant heading to the trail. Since I prefer not to hike alone, I enlisted the help of two friends who were willing to commit to hiking with me one morning a week each (when the kids are happily occupied at school and preschool).

Making that promise was one of the best things I’ve could have done for myself. I had no idea at the time just how much joy these morning walks would bring (especially those in the rain).

Today, I wanted to share just a small piece of what’s waiting out there for you to discover, too.

1. Wildlife galore
I’ve seen so many interesting critters on the trail since I started my weekly hikes – from newts, rabbits and hawks to mating lizards, loping deer, even an owl. There’s never a dull moment.

A great blue heron takes flight among the cherry blossoms

2. New-to-you local plants, rocks & more
Without the kids alongside, it’s me who gets to ooh and ahh at pretty flowers, cool rocks and awesome trees. Sometimes, I’m even lucky enough to identify something I see along the trail by sharing a picture with followers on Facebook or Instagram.

Cacti spotted along the Rivas Canyon Trail in Temescal Gateway Park

3. Local nature gems
I had no idea how many miles of hiking trails exist in Los Angeles alone. There are all kinds of settings to explore too, from forested areas to lakeside trails or mountain peaks. Each one offers its own reward.

Eaton Canyon Waterfall

4. The chance to be a kid again
While it’s true I enjoy playing a lot with my kids, there’s something different about playing without them. There was the time I went zipping through the treetops and another time when I got to have a tree swing all to myself.

Playing along the Sullivan Canyon Trail

5. Peace, quiet & tranquility
Yes, I enjoy chatting when I hike; in fact, my friends and I view our time on the trail as talk therapy. But more than anything I treasure the chance to just be in nature. To sit on the edge of a rock at the end of the trail and not worry about a thing in the world other than enjoying the moment. Yeah, it feels that good.

Peace atop Eagle Rock in Topanga State Park

Here's wishing you some "me time" in nature soon.

Our Summer Fun List

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Last week in my post on gearing up for summer nature fun, I mentioned we were putting the finishing touches on our summer fun list. And since I suspect some of you might be interested in what we’ll be up to in the coming months, I figured I might as well share our list here.

Three things I want to point out first. About 95 percent of the items on this list were kid generated. That’s mostly due to the fact that The Big Explorer (now 7.5) has tons of ideas. And The Little Explorer (at 4) is still happy enough to oblige.

The second thing is that we’ve made this list very visible in our home. The Big Explorer wrote each of the items on this list on a poster-sized piece of butcher paper, which we then hung on a wall in a high-traffic area in our home. You can’t miss it.

Which is precisely the idea. After all, we’re not just creating a wish list; this is our go-to guide for making the most of our summer.

And we’re turning these ideas into reality. We’ve already planned to do several of the items on this list – something that I doubt would have happened if we hadn’t put our dreams down on paper.

Backyard Nature Fun

Build a fort
Learn to use a microscope
Decorate a cardboard box fort
Wash outside toys with soap & water
Set up a weather station
Run through the sprinklers
Watch a sunrise
Make ice cream floats
Host a lemonade stand (or at least sell something)
Have a water gun fight
Watch a movie in the backyard
Play on the slip & slide
Do the Mentos & Diet Coke Geyser experiment again (because once was not enough)
Build a Pinewood Derby racer (The Big Explorer is a car fanatic, after all)

L.A.-Area Day Trips

Go fishing (for the first time!)
Go swimming at grandma’s
Play at the Adventure Playground in Huntington Beach
Roll down a really big hill (probably at the La Brea Tar Pits)
Visit the Autry
Visit a tide pool
Visit the Peterson Automotive Museum (refer to kid car fanatic above)
Visit the Skirball Cultural Center
Eat chicken from Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant (it’s good stuff, I promise)

Nature Travels

Take a road trip (oh yes, we are!)
Go camping
Go rock hunting
Hike to the bridge at the base of Vernal Falls (during our annual vacation in Yosemite)
Visit Glacier Point (during the same trip to Yosemite)
Explore a cave at Lava Beds National Monument (on our summer road trip)

Have you created your summer fun list yet?

My Friday 5: Summer Backyard Play Spaces

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

We’ve had summer on the brain all week around here. I blame the 75+ degree temperatures.

But seriously, summer will be here before we know it. As part of my effort to gear up for summer nature fun, we’ve been busy cleaning up the backyard. I’m exhausted but excited to see our outdoor space is starting to look a little more summer-ready.

Last year, I invited you to come take a peek inside our backyard space; this year I hope to have some fun new spaces to share with you.

Before I unveil any of the specifics, I thought I’d give you an idea what sorts of outdoor play spaces we’re planning:

1. Sand play area
We inherited a plastic sandbox from our neighbors. Although perhaps not my first choice, the price was right and it was a serious upgrade from our backyard beach space of years passed. In fact, this one’s big enough for both of The Explorers to sit in. Bonus is that it comes with a cover.

2. Nature play station
A couple of unused wood planks and some tree stumps are now a makeshift shelving unit serving as our nature play station. Here, we keep our sand and dirt toys (buckets, shovels and the like), plus other natural elements like acorns, shells, sticks and rocks.

3. Water play zone
Once the temperatures start to rise, water play takes over the entire backyard. But for now, we have a dedicated area where we keep a large galvanized tub that’s perfect for filling with water. Alongside the tub we’ll keep our water play tools – squirt guns, spray bottles and sponges. And of course, a large dirt pile.

4. Creative expressions wall
A previously blocked wall space will serve as a creative expressions area this summer. A large expanse of butcher paper set up at a kid-friendly height will be the backdrop for all sorts of masterpieces. I’ve got at least one Explorer begging to get painting out there already.

5. A kids-only space
Be it a fancy clubhouse, an unused tent or even a cardboard box, this summer we will have a space in the backyard that’s reserved just for The Explorers.

Of course, our backyard remains a work in progress, evolving as the kids’ interests change. And there are some serene grown-up spots, too. Which means everyone can be outside together enjoying long summer days and nights. Really, I can’t wait.

Need more ideas? Check out my outdoor nature play spaces board on Pinterest, where I collect inspiring ideas from around the web.

Gearing Up for Summer Nature Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

The Big Explorer is out of school in just 6 short weeks. And unlike last year, I’m not waiting until the first day of summer vacation to get ready. There’s plenty I can do now to prepare – which appeals quite nicely to my inner planning freak.

Here’s what’s on my summer to-do list:

Start inside – in the closets, to be precise.
Does everyone have shorts, shirts and shoes that fit? How about bathing suits, water sandals and hats? Gather coupons and seek out sales to purchase what you need to be ready for summer before it gets here.

Update your adventuring supplies.
In the past, I carried all our goodies around in an adventure bag. These days, The Explorers carry a lot of their own tools. Check to see if you need to update the kids’ water bottles, sunglasses, backpacks, cameras, flashlights and magnifying glasses.

We’re also planning a weeklong road trip this summer, so I’m evaluating our camping supplies and gathering road trip goodies for the kids (like car games, glow sticks, books and such) as I come across them.

Prep the backyard for outdoor play.
Is your backyard summer ready? Give the backyard toys a once over, dust off outdoor tables and chairs, get ready for water play and stockpile on summer basics (think bubbles, sidewalk chalk, sand toys and the like).

Create a summer fun list.
We had a ton of fun putting together our summer fun list, which serves as our go-to guide for making the most of the summer. If you need some ideas for your own list, you might find some inspiration on a post I put together last summer, your a-to-z guide to summer backyard nature fun.

Map out your summer schedule.
I know, I know, this sounds horribly unfun. But I promise it helps. Get the big picture of your summer by writing down any summer camps, vacations, family reunions or other special events on your calendar. Compare this to your summer fun list so you can gauge how much down time you actually have.

You can even “schedule in” some of the items on your list – like a backyard campout or an outdoor movie night. This is one of the best ways to ensure you actually follow through on all of those creative ideas you put on your summer fun list.

How are you getting ready for outdoor summer fun?

My Friday 5: Snapshots of Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Tomorrow The Little Explorer turns 4.

I’m not gonna lie to you. This past year has been a bit … challenging. The little guy is one of the most spirited people I know. He’s a wild child – full of boundless energy that is constantly pushing me to the edge of my comfort zone. And right on past.

Thing is, that’s where life really begins, right – at the end of your comfort zone? I think this kid has a lot to teach me.

When I was trying to figure out just how to capture this past year in pictures, I was struck by one constant: The Little Explorer is one joyful human being.

When he does something, he does it full throttle. Good or bad, he’s all in. He’s living every moment as fully as possible.

Yeah, I’m jealous, too.

In case you need a reminder of what joy – pure joy – looks like, here are a few moments from a year in the life of The Little Explorer.

1. Joy on the trail
There is rarely complaining, often running and usually a fair amount of questions when The Little Explorer is along. He knows how to keep it interesting.

2. Joy at play
All this kid needs is a cardboard box. Or a pile of dirt. He finds wonder and fun in just about anything. What's wrong with the rest of us?

3. Joy in all kinds of weather
When it rains, The Little Explorer begs to head outside. When the sun goes down, he wants out (“I can use my flashlight, mommy”). It's hard to argue with that attitude.

4. Joy in life’s simple pleasures
Like blowing bubbles, searching for the “perfect stick” or burying and discovering treasures in the dirt. Can I bottle that passion?

5. Joy in new adventures
Going snow tubing? Yay! Gonna sleep outside in a tent? Cool! The Little Explorer is always up for – and excited about – trying new things. (Wish I could say the same for myself.)

Here's wishing you much joy wherever your adventures might take you.

Book Review: Project Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Y’all know I’m no green thumb. But I like to try, even if things don’t always turn out the way I’d hoped. And I especially like to spend time in the garden with The Explorers.

Although the title doesn’t suggest it, Project Garden: A Month-by-Month Guide to Planting and Enjoying ALL Your Backyard Has to Offer is a guide to exploring your garden with kids.

Master gardener, nature lover and author Stacy Tornio believes that no matter where you live and what time of year it is, there are always new ways to introduce your kids to gardening. This book includes more than 175 such activities for the entire family. Looks like I’ve got some work to do.

Project Garden comes complete with a month-by-month guide to exploring your garden in a variety of ways:

Grow It offers planting recommendations and general gardening advice,
Plant It provides creative ideas for planting,
Eat It gives you recipes for enjoying the very things you grow in your garden,
Recycle It includes earth-friendly nature crafts and activities, and
Make It has step-by-step instructions for nature-inspired projects.

Worried you might not be up for a certain task? Tornio’s got you covered. Each section and activity comes complete with a “spade” rating so you can put your skills to their best use.

If you’re interested in making more out of your garden space, Project Garden can help. Jump right in to May for ideas on what to plant, creating garden art and cooking up your green beans; or you can skip ahead to see what Tornio has in store for the summer.

The Nitty Gritty on Project Garden
I like that Project Garden provides a month-by-month guide to exploring the garden with kids. It’s a great way to help you know what to plant when. And all the creative ideas for make a nature connection are a nice bonus. Even though I’m not much of a foodie, including recipes in a gardening book just makes sense.

My only real gripe is that in many cases, the suggested plants in the Grow It section aren’t recommended in my zone (Southern California). Bummer.

Here's the low-down:

Tons of color photographs throughout the book – I especially appreciate that there is a photo for each of the suggested plants, since I’m not on a first name basis with most just yet
Activities include a “spade” rating (aka difficulty level) so you know what you’re getting yourself into
Plenty of interesting how-tos, fun facts, top secret tips and other interesting information sprinkled throughout
Retails for less than $13 (Kindle version also available)

Recycle It: Tennis racket garden art

The Giveaway
Author Stacy Tornio has kindly agreed to provide a free, signed copy of Project Garden to one lucky reader!

To enter, leave a comment sharing your favorite thing to grow or do with kids in your garden. Good luck!

This giveaway will run through midnight PST on Sat., May 12, 2012.
You must include an email address with your comment. Entries without an email address will not be included.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
The winner will be chosen using the nifty random number generator at random.org.
Winner will have 24 hours to reply to my notification. If I don't hear back after that, I'll pick another winner.

Note: I received a free copy of Project Garden in exchange for providing my honest review with you. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.

A Mother's Day Wish List for Nature Moms

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

What are you wishing for this Mother’s Day? If you’re not a mom (or stepmom or grandmother) yourself, how will you be celebrating the moms in your life?

I’m not usually one for big hoopla and fanfare – especially when it comes to celebrating on my behalf. But this Mother’s Day, I do have a few ideas.

Wondering what’s on my wish list? This Mother’s Day:

Instead of breakfast in bed, I’d love to go on a morning picnic.
The backyard is the perfect setting – conveniently located and available anytime we need it. I’m thinking fresh strawberries and watermelon would be yummy. Cake would be nice, too (yes, even before noon).

Instead of an afternoon at the spa, I’d love to head out on a local nature outing.
Almost anywhere will do. As long as I don’t have to plan the details or pack the kids’ stuff, I’m all over it.

Instead of a store-bought bouquet, I’d love some just-picked-by-my-kids flowers.
Actually, I’d even like to join the kids for the picking.

Instead of a handmade trinket, I’d treasure a photo book of our outdoor adventures.
Yes, handmade items are adorable. But I’d be hard pressed to keep a dry eye if given a photo book featuring some of our adventures in nature. Personal notes written by the kids alongside a couple of the photos would be a wonderful touch.

Instead of giving me some “me time,” I’d love for you to join me. How about a walk?
I’ve been hitting the trail with friends twice a week since the beginning of 2012. This is my “me time” – a chance for me to recharge and connect with nature without the kids. This Mother’s Day, I don’t care whether we head to a local park or take a stroll around the neighborhood. Come share my world. Oh, and try to bring your best behavior. Just this once.

What would you add to this list? What do you really want for Mother’s Day?

My Friday 5: Nature Fun in the Bleachers

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Every Thursday at 5 p.m., the boys and I head to the baseball field for The Big Explorer’s 5-pitch practice.

How, you ask, does The Little Explorer pass the time?

Anyone who has tried to spend an hour sitting quietly with a 3.5-year-old knows that it can be a bit … challenging. Add to that the fact that there isn’t too much space to explore without venturing away from the practice area and you begin to understand my dilemma.

I’ve found that bringing a few essential items along with us can turn practice hour into an opportunity for connecting with nature.

What used to be an agonizingly long hour of whining is now a mix of laughing, learning and exploring – for both of us! These days, we never head to the field without:

1. A magnifying glass
Yesterday, The Little Explorer spent almost the entire hour examining anything he could get his hands on – trees, leaves, sticks, rocks, dirt.

2. A notebook & pen
The Little Explorer is currently obsessed with letters, especially writing them. He goes and finds something; we spell it out. Repeat.

3. A camera
Sometimes it’s his; sometimes it’s mine. But either way, taking pictures is a way for us to capture cool things we discover (like tree bark, a blooming flower or a bug). We also like taking goofy pictures of each other.

4. Silly putty
This Easter gift from grandma turned out to be just right for making impressions of everything from leaves to sticks and even rocks.

5. A snack
A hungry explorer is a grumpy explorer. We find that snacking is more fun if we’re also cloud watching.

If you want a few more ideas for things to do at your neighborhood park, check out 15 ways to connect with nature at the park.

L.A. Nature Adventure #66: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Thu, 03 May 2012 05:23:00 +0000

You may remember I’ve been on a bit of a kick about planting natives this spring. It’s one small way we’re trying to support our local ecosystem.

One of the most challenging things about going native is finding the right plants. Only a few nurseries in our area even sell native plants.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (RSABG) has one such nursery – along with 86 acres featuring some 2,000 groups of California plants. In fact, RSABG is the largest botanic garden dedicated exclusively to California’s native plants.

We were especially excited to visit because the Garden currently has a larger-than-life art exhibition on display: David Rogers’ Big Bugs. Eight common insects created with natural materials are featured in their native surroundings – except they’ve got a definite size advantage!

Using the Big Bugs scavenger hunt as our guide, we spent almost 3 hours roaming the garden. And that was without even seeing the northernmost 55 acres!

There’s obviously a lot to see here including wild lilacs, California poppies, manzanitas, a desert garden, a Tongya Village, plus Joshua Trees, Torrey Pines, oaks and more. Take your time and wander through at your own pace.

Although there was a lot to explore, I think the real highlight for us was seeing the benefit of having all these natives – the very active local wildlife they support. We could hear the hum of busy bees, saw a ton of butterflies and lizards, plus a wide variety of birds.

One word of advice if you plan to visit with kids: RSABG is large and spread out, so don't try to see it all. Both of The Explorers were exhausted by the time we left and said they’d wished it was a little smaller. Not a complaint either has ever made.

Date of most recent visit: Sun., April 29, 2012

Who: Mom & The Explorers

Weather: Sunny & warm, high 70s

Highlights

Going on a scavenger hunt to find all the Big Bugs on display throughout the Garden
Seeing & learning about so many different kinds of California natives
Enjoying a little quiet time at Benjamin Pond (where the turtles like to sun)
The wildlife – tons of butterflies, lizards, squirrels, turtles, ducks, bees & birds

Practical Matters

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; closed New Years’ Day, July 4, Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day
Admission to Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is $8 for adults, $4 for kids 3 through 12; kids 2 & under are free
Three sets of restrooms available
No designated picnic area or food services on site
Free parking
The Grow Native Nursery adjacent to the Garden is open Nov. through May
David Rogers’ Big Bugs art exhibition will be at the Garden until July 15, 2012
The Garden’s Butterfly Pavilion is open May 12-July 29, 2012 ($2 per person)
Claremont can get quite warm (especially in the summer months), so plan to arrive early & bring water, hats & sunscreen
There’s a lot to see here, so enjoy it at your own pace; we spent almost 3 hours at the Garden and didn’t see the northernmost 55 acres!

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is located at:
1500 N. College Ave.
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 625-8767

Looking for more fun L.A. nature adventures? Check out the Big List of Outdoor Adventures for Los Angeles Kids.

Note: This review is based on my family's personal experience. We did not receive any incentive to visit, nor any compensation for sharing my opinions. If you have any questions, read my disclosure policy.

Our May Day Basket Tradition

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Tomorrow is May 1 and around here that means we’ll be making May Day baskets.

Yes, May 1 – also know as May Day – is historically a time to celebrate the Earth’s fertile season. But our tradition has less lofty origins.

It began two years ago when The Big Explorer first started school. One of his classmates surprised us with a May Day basket full of goodies – complete with an anonymous drop off at our front door.

Last year we returned the favor with a May Day basket of our own. But we decided that instead of filling it with candy and other small chotchkies, we’d use flowers we collected in our neighborhood.

We think our May Day basket turned out quite well (though we need to improve our stealthiness at drop off).

Wanna make your own? The National Wildlife Federation has easy-to-follow instructions on how to make a May Day basket, which are so simple even I could do it.

A few pointers:

Have fun decorating the basket. The Big Explorer drew flowers and wrote “Happy May Day” on his. You could also use paints.
When you go flower picking, stick to flowers that are already plentiful or from your own garden. Some weeds are pretty, too.
Look before you pick! Beware of bees and other critters that might be inside flowers.
Wrap your flower stems in a wet paper towel on top of a piece of aluminum foil. This will keep the flowers looking fresh much longer than if you don’t.
Be playful when you hang your May Day basket on the doorknob of a friend or neighbor. Trying to surprise your recipient without being discovered is the best part!

My Friday 5: A Celebration of Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Psst. I’m a little giddy on nature today. Know why? It’s National Arbor Day. What’s that, you ask? The Arbor Day Foundation suggests it is a time to celebrate the wonders of nature, and to plan for an even greener future by planting and caring for trees.

I love trees. When I head to the forest and am surrounded by them, I feel at home. I am in awe of their strength and beauty. They stand tall and unshakable in even the most trying circumstances. They can be content to share their space with others or go it alone.

They provide so many resources for so many different critters, yet seem to ask for little in return. I think we humans could learn a lot from trees.

And so on this very special day – a day dedicated to celebrating all things tree – I give you five of our favorite ways to spend time among the trees.

1. Stare up at the sky.
I can think of no better view of the daytime sky than through the tops of trees.

2. Spot wildlife.
Trees are full of life – some small, some big. This is just one of the critters that enjoys the trees in our neighborhood.

3. Watch the seasons change.
My favorite spot to sit among the trees is in Yosemite. I love the trees dressed in their winter white.

4. Check out trees on the trail.
We’ve seen some amazing trees on our hikes. Old ones, new ones and ones that appear to have roots growing out of nowhere. It’s fun to stop and admire.

5. Climb on them!
Some trees are made for climbing. Some need a hug, too.

Looking for a few simple ways to connect kids with trees? You can:

Explore a tree, touching & smelling bark, making leaf rubbings & more
Read a favorite book outside under a tree
Become tree detectives & try identifying a tree in your neighborhood

Book Review - Hikes with Tykes: A Practical Guide to Day Hiking with Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood has put together a yearly event encouraging children, families, schools and communities to go Screen Free and make changes toward a more active and outdoor lifestyle. This year the event will happen April 30 – May 6.

Tales of a Mountain Mama has pulled together a group of bloggers (including me) to help celebrate with posts aimed at encouraging families to go ‘screen free’ next week. Even though we won’t be going entirely screen free in our house, I’m more than happy to support an effort to get kids and families outside!

Sometimes I forget that not everyone is as eager to take their kids hiking as I am. That some parents might be hesitant for any number of reasons to take their kids out on the trail.

Hikes with Tykes: A Practical Guide to Day Hiking with Kids was written to help address these concerns and more. Author Rob Bignell is an avid hiker who’s been taking his young son on day hikes for nearly five years. In that time, he’s acquired a ton of wisdom on the topic.

The focus here is not on creating kids who can scale mountains; it’s on learning to enjoy the journey. Hikes with Tykes covers everything from how to find kid-friendly trails to what to bring on the hike and how to deal with tantrums on the trail.

The 240-page book is divided into four sections:

Attitude Adjustment addresses the rewards of hiking with kids and offers tips for finding kid-friendly trails.
Gear goes beyond the things you think you might already know about clothing and gear, including advice on food and water, maps and more.
The Hike includes a packing list, basic trail smarts and etiquette, coping with nuisances on the trail like tantrums, sibling rivalry, boredom and more, PLUS a ton of ideas for activities on the trail.
Disasters prepares day hikers for common medical problems, dangerous plants and animals, and unexpected bad weather.

Hikes with Tykes is a field manual for day hiking with kids. You can flip to whichever section meets your needs or read the entire book from start to finish.

The Nitty Gritty on Hikes with Tykes
Hikes with Tikes is easy to read and packed with lots of helpful tips and checklists (which you know I love). You don’t necessarily need to read it from start to finish; you can also use it as a reference guide by flipping to whichever section addresses your questions.

Geared toward casual hikers & parents who might be new to spending time outside with their kids; some info here might seem like overkill for more seasoned hikers
Research for the book was based on hikes with a child under the age of 5 on simple trips taking no more than a morning or afternoon to complete
The 240-page book is organized into four sections covering everything from why to go hiking with kids to what to bring when you do and how to survive a snake bite
Retails for $13.99

Bignell & son on a day hike

The Giveaway
Guess what? I’ve got a free copy of Hikes with Tykes to share with one lucky reader!

To enter, leave a comment sharing one reason you like to hike – or would like to hike more – with your kids. Good luck!

This giveaway will run through midnight PST on Sun., April 29, 2012.
You must include an email address with your comment. Entries without an email address will not be included.
The winner will be chosen using the nifty random number generator at random.org.
Winner will have 24 hours to reply to my notification. If I don't hear back after that, I'll pick another winner.

Note: I received a free copy of Hykes with Tykes in exchange for providing my honest review with you. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.

Don’t forget! Tales of a Mountain Mama is hosting a different giveaway every day this week, so head on over!

And if you’re looking for a fun trail activity for kids, check out OutsideMom.com’s latest idea, creating a kid friendly map.

Planting a Native Garden With Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Before I began writing here, I had little interest in gardening. And in the 2+ years since, we’ve tried to grow quite a few things with mixed results.

Truth is, our favorite thing to do in our backyard is to watch the wildlife – especially the birds, butterflies and yes, even the bees.

As a long time reader of Ecosystem Gardening (a wonderful blog with the tagline “Create wildlife habitat. Protect the environment.”), I’d heard the term “native plants” before.

It just took me a while to realize that planting our own natives might give us exactly what we’re looking for.

Why go native? Native plants support local food webs. The idea is that by planting native plants in your yard, you’re providing habitat for the insects, birds and wildlife that are part of your local ecosystem. (If you need a more eloquent explanation, I suggest you head over and read Ecosystem Gardening and Native Plants.)

3 Tips for Planting a Native Garden With Kids

1. Talk about why it's important.
Don’t think kids can’t make a distinction about how some plants are better for local wildlife than others. At 7.5 years old, The Big Explorer gets it. And even at 4, The Little Explorer understands that some plants and flowers help our bugs and birds more than others.

2. Do your research & learning together.
I hear the term “native” used often when referring to plants that are anything but. To be sure you’re planting what’s really native to your area, do your homework.

I turned to a fellow gardener who pointed us in the direction of a couple of nurseries near us that specifically sell California natives.

Our bounty at the local nursery

The nursery I visited had an entire section devoted to California natives. I made sure each plant was labeled “California native” before considering it for our space. (After all, lots of plants get moved around and misplaced in a nursery every day, right!)

In the end, our selection of plants was a team effort. I'm not so sure we picked the right combination of plants, or even that the plants we chose will do well in the area of our garden where they are planted. But that's what makes gardening with kids so wonderful: They're more than willing to learn as we go.

3. Add some whimsical, wildlife-friendly touches.
Our garden space isn’t very big (15 feet long by 1.5 feet wide), but I still wanted it to be kid-friendly, inviting and fun.

We moved our birdbath to the center of the native garden space (and were thrilled to see that within minutes, it saw its first visitors). We also added a spider web frame, which will hopefully encourage spiders to do their thing once the plants grow up around it.

Lastly, we added rock markers as plant labels. We still need to add the names, but you get the idea.

We’re excited to see how our little space develops. We’re even keeping track of our garden progress in our family adventure journal.

Do you have a native plant garden? I’d love to hear any tips or advice!

My Friday 5: Favorite Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0000

This April 21-29 is National Park Week here in the United States. To encourage people to visit some of the amazing places that make up the national park system, entrance to all 397 parks is FREE for the entire week!

Of course, I’m partial to one particular national park. What’s on my to-do list when we head to Yosemite?

Tunnel View overlook, 4/2012

1. Hit the trails.
I asked every member of our family to name their favorite thing to do in Yosemite and everyone’s response was the same: go hiking. Thankfully, there are enough trails in Yosemite to hike for years and never tire of the surroundings.

2. Take a picture at the Tunnel View overlook.
The Tunnel View scenic overlook is a historic site, affording expansive views of Yosemite Valley including El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls and Half Dome. No matter how many times I see it, I am always humbled. It remains one of my favorite places on the planet.

3. Celebrate Fourth of July at the Pioneer Yosemite History Center.
Every summer, this collection of historic structures from different eras of Yosemite history is brought back to life. But it’s the simple Fourth of July events I adore – potato sack races, egg toss and tug-of-war events, stagecoach rides and banjo players – not to mention the barnyard square dance.

4. Eat outside as often as possible.
We have an unwritten rule about meals and Yosemite; with few exceptions, we eat outside. Sometimes on a trail, at the river, on a picnic blanket or at one of the Summer Saturday Night BBQs at the Wawona Hotel.

5. Dip our toes in the water.
When I was a kid, my dad would lure us on hikes with the opportunity to dip our toes in the water once we reached our destination. Guess what? It still works.

For more things to do in Yosemite with kids, check out An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park with Kids.

Exploring the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch With Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Each spring, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch come alive in blazing fields of color. More than 50 acres of color, in fact. The main attraction? Giant Tecolote Ranunculus in more than 10 different colors, including shades such as “flame,” “merlot” and “café.” And don't forget the view of the Pacific Ocean. Yeah, it's good stuff.

The fields have a history that goes back almost 100 years. You could say they’ve perfected the art of growing ranunculus. Every year, the flowers die back and produce seed for replanting in the same fields for the next season.

You might think a field of flowers would bore kids after a while. But that’s what makes The Flower Fields such a pleasant destination. In addition to the fields themselves, there’s lots more to see and do.

Take the “Stamp Passport” handed to kids as they enter, for example. Kids are challenged to find each of 8 stations (which, thankfully, are well-marked with orange flags), stamp their passport, then get $1 off sluice mining. This simple activity can turn your visit into a real adventure.

Stamping stations can be found at all of the fields’ major attractions, including the lookout area, sweet pea maze, rose garden and Santa’s Village Playground. There really is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Date of most recent visit: Fri., April 6, 2012

Who: Mom & The Explorers

Weather: Sunny, mid 60s

Highlights

Taking a tractor wagon ride through the flower fields
Getting up-close views of flowers of one specific color at a time
“Mining” for rocks
Gathering stamps to complete The Flower Fields passport
Playing in Santa’s Village Playground

Practical Matters

The Flower Fields are open from March 1 through May 13, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Admission to The Flower Fields is $11 for adults, $5 for kids 3 through 10; kids 2 & under are free
Wagon rides are $5 for adults, $3 for kids 3 through 10
Other attractions include sluice mining (for fee), a sweet pea maze, an orchid greenhouse, rose & theme gardens, a poinsettia display, a playground & more
Fresh cut flowers are available for purchase
The Flower Fields play host to several special events throughout the season
Restroom facilities on site
Vending machines & food vendors sell snack items; you can also bring your own food & enjoy it in the picnic area
Ample free parking
If you time your visit right, you can combine a trip to The Flower Fields with strawberry picking at the nearby Carlsbad Strawberry Company U-pick site

The Flower Fields are located at:
5704 Paseo Del Norte
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 431-0352

Looking for more fun family nature adventures in Los Angeles? Check out the Big List of Outdoor Adventures for Los Angeles Kids.

Sharing Nature With Friends: Our First Nature Exchange

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0000

My kids love collecting items from nature whenever we’re out exploring – whether we’re in the backyard or beyond. Sticks, flower petals, rocks, seed pods and the like.

I know some folks feel pretty strongly that removing items from nature is inherently wrong. I agree with that notion in theory; but I also know that my kids learn a lot by touching, looking at and studying found items in nature. And I support that learning whole-heartedly.

So when my blogger friend Dawn of The Outskirts Nature Journal invited us to participate in a nature exchange, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. After all, the kids love getting mail, especially from another country (Dawn lives in Canada)! Combine that with the chance to learn about nature in another part of the world and I was sold.

What’s a nature exchange? It’s an exchange of items from nature with someone living in another city, state, province or country.

As part of our nature exchange, we spent about a month collecting items on our various adventures. Last week, we made a list of our items, packed them up and sent them off.

Dawn has had a little practice at this, so she was a big help. In fact, she wrote a great post about nature exchanges over on The Magnifying Glass. Here’s some of her sage advice.

To host your own nature exchange:

Ask a friend or family member who lives in another part of the country (or beyond) if they’d like to set up a nature exchange
Agree on a time frame for collecting & shipping items
Gather up favorite bits from nature when you’re out exploring, whether in your own backyard or beyond
Make a list of your items, including as much detail as you might know about each (such as where you collected them & when)
Wrap up smaller, fragile items in tissue paper and place them in an egg carton for safe shipping; larger items should be wrapped, too; place everything in a box
Consider adding something a little extra – a postcard of local wildlife, for instance, or even a nature-themed game

Can You Come Out and Play?

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0000

I’m thrilled to see that quite a few of you have accepted my challenge to get outside every day in April, snap a photo and share it with the rest of us.

The April #GetOutside Photo Scavenger Hunt is nearing its halfway point, so no time like the present to encourage the rest of you to come join the fun.

A few things to keep in mind:

The idea is to take one photo per day. Your inspiration for what to photograph each day can be found in the list below.
Photos do not need to be taken by children (though they certainly can be).
Photos can include adventures with your kids or without – as long as you’re outside spending time in nature.

Here are a few of my personal favorites so far. I encourage you to check out the April #GetOutside Photo Scavenger Hunt Pinterest board for some other fabulous contributions.

Day 1: Tree

Day 8: Family

Day 11: Shadow

Day 12: Dirt

So you’re ready to get started right? Great!

How to Play
Get your free printable #GetOutside Photo Scavenger Hunt list. Post it somewhere you’ll see it every day.

Once you’ve taken a photo, there are lots of ways to play along, so choose what works for you:

On Facebook: Post your photo on the Go Explore Nature Facebook page
On Instagram: Share your photo & label it with the #GetOutside hashtag. You can follow me @goexplorenature.
On Pinterest: Send me your username & follow at least one of my boards; you can then add your photos to the April #GetOutside Photo Scavenger Hunt board.
On Twitter: Share a link to your photos & use the hashtag #GetOutside.
And if you’d love to play along but have no desire to share your photos publicly, I hope you’ll still take photos! At the end of the month, you’ll have a wonderful collection perfect for a photo book!

Don’t worry if you miss a day or post a photo late. The point of all of this is to get outside, connect with nature and have fun!

Los Angeles Nature Adventure #64: Cherry Blossoms at Lake Balboa

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Until I visited Lake Balboa at Anthony C. Beilenson Park in Van Nuys with The Little Explorer a little more than a year ago, I had no idea there were some 2,000 cherry blossom trees right here in Los Angeles.

It turns out that an anonymous Japanese benefactor donated the trees, which were planted in 1992 (at least, according to Wikipedia). These beauties originated from a single parent tree and were developed especially to grow in warm climates.

We missed the blooming season during that first visit – and the one that followed. But third times a charm and this year we weren’t disappointed.

A large majority of the cherry blossom trees surround Lake Balboa and can be seen close up as you stroll the 1.3-mile footpath that borders the 27-acre lake. This path is reserved for foot traffic, making it perfect for kids.

The Explorers weren’t quite as impressed with the trees as I was, but they enjoyed hanging out close to the waters’ edge where they could check out the ducks, coots and other birds.

I stayed back and marveled at the pink beauties. Not quite as grand as images I’ve seen of cherry blossoms in other cities, but beautiful just the same. And seeing so many all in one place is just a little magical.

I snapped more pictures than I’d care to admit while the kids chased birds, ran along the trail and scouted out the perfect picnic table. We had a spot just a stone’s throw from the lake, bordered on one side by the cherry blossoms.

If you prefer biking to walking, there’s a separate path just for that.

Date of most recent visit: Mon., April 9, 2012

Who: Mom & The Explorers

Weather: Sunny & warm, mid 70s

Highlights

Seeing cherry blossoms for the first time
Chasing coots into the lake (oh, the shame!)
Enjoying a picnic dinner with a gorgeous backdrop
Seeing a ton of birds, including a great blue heron
Walking more than a mile & not even realizing it!

Practical Matters

The cherry blossoms at Lake Balboa usually appear in early Spring, but this varies widely depending on seasonal weather conditions
The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks hosts a Lake Balboa page with updates on the cherry blossoms, though this year updates were sporadic
The 1.3-mile walking trail is stroller-friendly & features several scenic spots to stop for a rest; there’s a separate path perfect for bikes, too
Weekday visits are preferable; Lake Balboa isn’t nearly as peaceful come weekends, when parking is harder to come by and large, festive gatherings negate any chance at quiet time in nature
Ample picnic tables, barbecue pits & restrooms
Several free parking areas are available throughout the park

Lake Balboa at Anthony C. Beilenson Park is located at:
6300 Balboa Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 756-9743

Looking for more fun family nature adventures in Los Angeles? Check out the Big List of Outdoor Adventures for Los Angeles Kids.

Nature Art for Kids: Stacked Rock Sculptures

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0000

I’d seen pictures of amazing stacked rock sculptures before, but never in real life. Until we stumbled into what can only be described as a stacked rock sculpture garden on a recent hike in Yosemite National Park.

The sculpture garden sits across from one of the most picturesque spots in the park – Mirror Lake. (The lake is famous for its reflections of Half Dome and Mount Watkins when the water level is high enough, usually in spring.)

What are stacked rock sculptures? Just what you might imagine – man-made stacks of rocks balanced precariously one on top of the other.

In this particular sculpture garden, there are hundreds of stacked rock sculptures, no two alike. Some include pieces of bark and other bits of nature.

These works of art are meant to be temporary; they are created using elements found in the immediate vicinity and do not include any glue, strings or wires to keep them standing.

After wandering through the somewhat eerie setting, The Big Explorer was inspired to create his own sculpture.

Together, we gathered some rocks and other small items. Then The Big Explorer spent several minutes putting his creation together. Each item he added to his artwork had a specific purpose – a boat, iceberg and even a shark (he’s a little obsessed with the Titanic at the moment …).

Later on the trail, I was wondering out loud why the sculpture garden was there. The Big Explorer seemed perplexed by my confusion. He pointed out that Mirror Lake is a place to be calm and reflect. To him there was no more logical place to find such a display of nature art than here.

How can you create your own stacked rock sculptures?

Find a place with a large collection of rocks, preferably of different sizes (near a river, stream, beach or the like) – or use some you’ve collected in your own backyard. Have fun gathering just the right pieces for your sculpture.

Start with a large rock at the bottom of the stack. Continue adding more, carefully balancing each on top of the next. Kids may also want to add other items from nature such as bits of bark and sticks.

Here are a few more ideas for creating nature art:

Winter Activities for Families in Yosemite: Snow Tubing at Badger Pass

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0000

It might have taken us until closing day of the 2012 Badger Pass Ski Area season to get there, but we finally made it! Part of our recent Spring break getaway to Yosemite National Park included a new outdoor adventure for us all: snow tubing.

Badger Pass is nothing if not quaint and idyllic. It bills itself as “unpretentious, friendly and affordable” and I think that about sums it up. That and the gorgeous Sierras setting.

Badger Pass is actually a full-service ski resort offering ski and snowboard instruction, rental equipment, a ski shop, childcare, and a cafeteria and lounge. The 90-acre setting features some 10 runs (I did say it was quaint, right?) and extensive cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails.

There’s also a very small roped-off area near the cross-country rental equipment area where kids and families can try their hand at snow tubing.

The “hill” isn’t too steep or too long, making it perfect for total newbies and young kids. In fact, the area is designed specifically for younger kids who want the excitement of sliding over snow – not for hot shots with a serious need for speed.

Your $15 rental fee includes the use of one snow tube and access to the area during one of two, two-hour sessions. There’s an attendant on hand to ensure no one gains too much speed or gets too rowdy. That and making sure only one person is on the course at a time.

Each slide down the hill lasts about 10 seconds, depending on how fast you go. Then you’ll need to hike back up the hill and do it all over again.

The Explorers couldn’t get enough of it. The Big Explorer tried every possible position on the snow tube he could think up (and some that others suggested) to see which got him down the hill the fastest. And The Little Explorer (who rode with dad) begged to ride head first. Yeah, that’s how he rolls.

We had to drag them off the hill at the end of the session lured only by the promise of lunch. And of returning again next year.

Date of most recent visit: Sun., April 1, 2012

Who: The entire family!

Weather: Mid 50s, breezy

Highlights

Playing in snow (and splashing in slush)
Seeing icicles
Trying all kinds of fun positions on the snow tubes to see which got us down the slope fastest
Sliding down the hill head first
Eating a picnic lunch on the deck of the lodge with a gorgeous view of the slopes

Practical Matters

Badger Pass is usually open from mid-December through mid-March, conditions permitting
Snow tubing costs $15 per person/2-hour session; kids 4 and under (and/or those under 42 inches tall) must ride with an adult
Snow tubing sessions run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m.
Tubing area is designed for younger kids who want the excitement of sliding over snow; high speeds & bumping into each other are prohibited
Helmets are not required
Don’t forget the sunglasses & sunscreen
As always, dress for the weather & layer to accommodate for changing conditions
Restrooms & lockers can be found in the lodge, just a short walk from the snow tubing area
Food & drinks are available for purchase at the lodge – or bring your own (they’ve even got microwaves!)
Other winter activities available at Badger Pass include downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing & snowshoeing
Chains are required in the park during winter; be prepared to use them when visiting Badger Pass
Small, free parking area; free Badger Pass shuttle bus is also a great option

Getting to Badger Pass Ski Area
Badger Pass Ski Area is 5 miles south of the Chinquapin intersection of Wawona Road (Hwy. 41) with Glacier Point Road in the southern area of Yosemite National Park.

Looking for more things to do in Yosemite with kids? Check out An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park With Kids.

Note: This review is based on my family's personal experience. We did not receive any incentive to visit, nor any compensation for sharing my opinions. If you have any questions, read my full disclosure policy.

6 Tips for a Great Backyard Easter Egg Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0000

I don’t remember having Easter egg hunts in my backyard as a kid, but we certainly enjoy them now. Nothing fancy, mind you. But our hunts are something The Explorers look forward to every year.

While there’s no real trick to creating the perfect backyard Easter egg hunt, there are a few things to keep in mind to help the big event go a little smoother.

Decide when to do the hiding.
Our hunts are usually first thing in the morning, so we often hide our eggs the night before. (Weather is on our side here in L.A., which helps.) Whenever your hunt will be, carve out more time than you think you’ll need to do the hiding. And don’t forget the extra set of hands you’ll need to entertain the kiddos while you do so.

Keep the hiding spots age appropriate.
Place eggs for the youngest kids in plain sight on the ground or on a blanket. The slightly older crowd (say up to 6 years) may be ready for hiding in more out-of-the-way spots like potted plants, near bushes and against trees. Older kids will enjoy having to seek out cleverly hidden locales such as in trees and behind bushes.

Opt for reusable eggs.
We use plastic eggs, which we recycle from one year to the next. We fill them with small treats like jelly beans, small chocolates, coins, notes and coupons.

Make sure everyone has the right gear.
Yes, a basket or bag for egg gathering is essential. But so is the right clothing. The Explorers love wearing their pajamas, but be sure your kids are dressed appropriately for the weather.

Lay down the ground rules.
We usually point out the borders of the search area. In the past, we’ve also sent each of The Explorers off searching for certain colored eggs to ensure each found equal amounts. This year we'll tell the kids that the eggs will all be shared after they’ve been found so there isn’t any arguing later.

Follow up with more outdoor fun.
Our backyard Easter egg hunt is usually just the beginning of plenty of outdoor fun. We change up the activities every year, keeping them age appropriate and involving everyone in the family. A few ideas:

A paper airplane flying contest,
Croquet,
Pin-the-tail-on-the-bunny,
An egg drop contest,
An egg toss (with hard boiled eggs),
Or creating painted egg rocks.

10 Ways to Explore Nature in April

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Spring is in the air and the incentive to head outdoors is stronger than ever. It doesn’t hurt that April is full of nature celebrations – including Earth Day, Picnic for the Planet, and the Children & Nature Network’s Let’s G.O.! (Get Outside) event.

If you’re looking for a few easy ways to spend time in nature this month, you’ve come to the right place. Along with this list is a free printable, so you can print it, post it and use it to inspire your own outdoor adventures. Remember: Keep it simple and have fun!

1. Participate in the April #GetOutside Photo Scavenger Hunt.
To support the Children & Nature Network’s Let’s G.O.! (Get Outside) month, I created the April #GetOutside Photo Scavenger Hunt. Every day in April, there’s a different item for you to get outside and discover, take a picture of, then share with the rest of us.

2. Celebrate Easter outdoors.
At least part of every Easter celebration in our family consists of games and activities outside. This year in addition to our Easter egg hunt, there will be pin-the-tail-on-the-bunny, egg tosses (with hard boiled eggs) and more.

3. Start planning your garden space.
Think beyond fruits and veggies. We’ll be planting some natives to attract bees and butterflies. We’d also love a mud garden and a secret garden just for The Explorers.

4. Throw an outdoor tea party.
The Explorers loved the outdoor tea party we threw last summer. Invite friends (or favorite stuffed animals), dress up a table up with a colorful tea set and add wildflowers as your centerpiece.

5. Go on a micro safari.
Head outside on a micro safari where you choose one square foot of space to study up close. You can choose anything from a patch of grass to a bunch of flowers or the trunk of a tree. Bring along a magnifying glass and see what you can discover.

6. Celebrate Earth Day by playing in the dirt.
I can think of no better way to celebrate the Earth than by getting good and dirty. Dig a hole, bake mudcakes or make mud prints.

7. Bring the outdoors in.
Add a spark of nature to your home by bringing a little bit of the outdoors in. I love having fresh flowers from my yard in a small vase in the kitchen or on my desk. And The Explorers now have a plant of their very own.

8. Go on a pick-your-own adventure.
Check to see what’s in season at a U-pick farm near you. Our favorite this time of year? Strawberries.

9. Join the Picnic for the Planet effort.
The Nature Conservancy’s Global Earth Day Celebration – Picnic for the Planet – is the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy good food with friends. This year, they’re also attempting to set the world record for the world’s largest picnic!

10. Go barefoot.
I loved being barefoot as a kid. And I long for the barefoot days of summer already. Why wait? Every kid is entitled to spend time with their toes in the grass (or dirt, or mud)!

Need a few more ideas?

Read 50 ways to explore nature in your own backyard.
Go on a spring nature scavenger hunt.
Explore a flower.
Check out my Spring Outdoor Fun board on Pinterest.