Go Explore Nature

2013 Summer Nature Photo Scavenger Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Did you have a chance to play along with this year’s spring nature photo scavenger hunt? No worries if you didn’t: It’s already time for the summer update. (And for my friends in the southern hemisphere, check out the winter version instead.)

Here’s how the photo scavenger hunt works: I’ve come up with 30 things you and your kiddos can hunt for outside this summer. Find an item, snap a picture and check the item off your list. Will you be able to find everything before summer is over?

Don’t worry if your little explorer isn’t an aspiring photographer or sometimes needs your help to snap a shot. The point is to get outside exploring!

To help keep you inspired all season long, I’ll be sharing photos we take here every week as part of “Saturday Snapshots.”

Join the fun!
You don’t need to sign up to play. To join the fun, it’s as easy as 1 – 2 – 3:

1. Print out the free Summer Nature Photo Scavenger Hunt list. Post it somewhere you’ll see it every day. Then head outside and into nature with your family and start exploring!

2. Use the hashtag #summernaturehunt if you’re on Instagram.

3. If you’re on Pinterest, leave your username in the comments below & follow any of my boards. I can then invite you to add your photos to the Summer Nature Photo Scavenger Hunt board.

And if you’d love to play along but have no desire to share your photos publicly, please do so! At the end of summer, you’ll have a wonderful collection of memories perfect for a photo book.

Ready to play along but need some ideas for getting outside? Here are a few to get you started:

50 ideas for your summer outdoor bucket list
Summer nature scavenger hunt
Summer outdoor fun ideas on Pinterest
Your a-to-z guide to summer backyard nature fun

50 Ideas for Your Summer Outdoor Bucket List

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000

The seasons, they are a changing! In just a few more days, summer will officially be upon us – no matter what the weather report might suggest.

At the start of every season, we create an outdoor fun list. Together, we dream up some things we’d like to do, write those ideas down and then try to make them happen. Of course, we also plan for lots of downtime to allow for enjoying summer’s simple pleasures.

Instead of sharing what’s on our list this year (you can see our 2010 and 2012 lists for a sense of what we’ll be up to), I thought I’d put together some ideas to help inspire you to make your own.

10 Nature crafts

10 Things to Do in Your Backyard

10 Ideas for Outdoor Messy Play

10 Ways to Explore in Your Community

Chase butterflies
Explore tide pools
Fishing
Geocaching
Go fruit picking
Go on a picnic
Go stargazing
Take a hike
Visit a farmers’ market
Visit a state or national park

10 Fun Science Activities

Catch (& release) lightening bugs (aka fireflies)
Ice sculptures
Look at something under a microscope
Make a rainbow
Make your own bubbles
Make & float paper boats
Make sun prints
Mentos & soda geyser experiment
Set up a backyard weather station
Trace your shadows with sidewalk chalk

Need a few more ideas? Check out my summer outdoor fun board on Pinterest. And don’t miss your A-to-Z guide to summer backyard nature fun.

Saturday Snapshot: Cloud

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to “Saturday Snapshot,” a weekly feature that highlights photos we take as part of our seasonal nature photo scavenger hunts.

The List: The 2013 Spring nature photo scavenger hunt (You can see our complete collection of #springnaturehunt photos on Instagram and Pinterest.)

The Find: Cloud

The Backstory: It wasn’t until after we got back from our rock climbing adventures in Vasquez Rocks earlier this week that I realized this shot looked like The Explorers were headed straight for the clouds.

DIY First Aid Kit for Outdoor Adventures With Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Do you bring a first aid kit with you when you head out on an outdoor adventure with your kids? Before The Little Explorer’s run in with a rock on the river a couple of years ago, I didn’t give it much thought. Since then, I don’t leave home without one.

We actually have several first aid kits, depending on the adventure. I had no trouble finding pre-made kits for camping and earthquake preparedness. But gathering the first aid essentials for a day hike or other half-day outdoor adventure was another story. Which is why in the end I created my very own first aid kit for outdoor adventures with kids.

DIY First Aid Kit
First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. You can buy one from your local drug store or outdoor retailer, or make your own. I opted to start with a pre-made basic first aid kit, then added to it to meet our family’s specific needs.

The trick is to include enough to cover the basics without carrying the kitchen sink. Our outdoor adventures usually don’t take us that far from civilization (and an emergency room), so I pack accordingly.

Here are some items to consider including in a first aid kit for outdoor adventures with kids:

Adhesive bandages (in several sizes)
A gauze pad or two, tape & bandage scissors
Moleskin
Elastic bandage
Antibacterial ointment
Children’s allergy melts
Ibuprofen & acetaminophen tablets (as needed for kids & adults)
Any personal medications needed in an emergency (such as an EpiPen, insulin or the like)
Tweezers (for removing splinters)
Nail clippers (for removing hangnails & broken nails)
Insect repellant
Sunscreen
Snacks (more than you think you’ll need!)
Extra water
Hand wipes
Plastic trash bag or zip-top bag (for disposing of barf or poop)
Cloth diaper or other soft, absorbent cloth (great for applying pressure to a wound or absorbing blood from a cut)
Cell phone (preferably one that’s charged & has reliable reception)
Flashlight (with batteries)
Bear spray*
Snake bite kit*

* As needed in your area

Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure to restock it regularly. Summer is the perfect time to check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date items. Then pack it in your bag and don’t leave home without it!

Your turn: What do you carry in your first aid kit?

Where to Stay in Big Bear? The Cabarn!

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:12:00 +0000

Earlier this week, I shared a few fun summer activities for kids in Big Bear. Our visit was due in large part to one of you. That’s right – longtime reader, nature-lovin’ mom o’ two Tracy V. contacted me with an offer I couldn’t refuse. To come spend a weekend in her recently renovated rental cabin in Big Bear – nicknamed the Cabarn – and tell you all about it here. (She’s got a special deal for you too, but you’ll have to stick around to the end to find out more!)

Meet the Cabarn
Wondering what a “cabarn” is? Tracy’s cabin was originally a barn built in San Pedro in the 1920s. In the 30s, it was disassembled, transported up to Big Bear and rebuilt. The kitchen, front bedroom and bath are the original barn; the rest of the home was added in 1985. Until moving away in June 2012, the grandson of the original owners lived right next door and took great pride in their family plot of land. So during the extensive remodel in 2012/2013, the cabin was painted red as an homage to its origins and fondly named the Cabarn (Cabin-Barn).

The Amenities
You can read all the details about the Cabarn here, but let me tell you what we liked:

Lots of space! With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 1400 sq. ft., there’s plenty of room for a family of four.

Open concept between the large kitchen and living room keeps everyone connected.

The huge deck has a BBQ and picnic tables and is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal al fresco. It’s also a great spot for star watching!

Free Wifi

Washer, dryer & detergent. ’Nuff said.

Little extras like board games, books, Wii (with games), Blu-ray/DVD Player & DVDs (plenty that are kid-friendly), piano and a telescope!

Plenty of kid-friendly amenities, too: Pack ‘n Play with bedding, baby sleep sacks, toddler booster seat (with buckles & tray), preschooler booster seat, configurable 6-panel child gates – even a basket of toys.

Conveniently located minutes from anything and everything you’d want to do in Big Bear.

I don’t know if your family is like ours when you travel, but these days we prefer to stay in cabins instead of hotels whenever possible. We like having a kitchen, more than one bathroom and enough space for the kids to be kids without disturbing anyone.

The Cabarn certainly fits the bill. We also appreciated that unlike some of the accommodations in town, we weren’t crammed up against tons of neighbors. Which meant our stay was quiet and serene – just like time spent in nature should be.

A deck with a view!

What’s the cost for all this goodness? During the summer season, the Cabarn rents for $250 per night, with holidays varying slightly.

Special Discount for Go Explore Nature Readers!
OK, here’s the best part: Tracy is offering fellow Go Explore Nature readers a huge deal! You can get 10 percent off your stay just by mentioning you’re a reader!

This is a huge opportunity if you plan on being in the Big Bear area anytime soon. The Cabarn is currently being rented primarily by word of mouth. Tracy is generously offering the Cabarn to all of you hoping you’re a trustworthy group. So don’t prove her wrong!

To take advantage of this exclusive offer, use the code GoExploreNature when you book your stay. There are no limitations or black-out dates. Make your reservations soon before the calendar fills up!

Note: I received a complimentary 2-night stay at the Cabarn in exchange for providing my honest review with you here. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.

Summer Activities for Kids in Big Bear

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000

We just kicked off summer break here – in fine fashion, I might add. We spent the weekend in Big Bear, a mountain getaway roughly 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles.

Although better known for its winter sports, there are a ton of fun summer activities for kids in Big Bear, too. With more then 300 days of sunshine each year, and average temperatures of 80 degrees during the days, its not a bad spot to go exploring this time of year.

We packed a lot into our 2-day stay and still didn’t even come close to seeing it all.

Stop by the Discovery Center
This is the perfect spot to start your visit to Big Bear. The Big Bear Discovery Center provides hiking and biking maps, camping information, naturalist-led programs and more. There’s also a store and café.

While you’re there, check out the Nature Discovery Zone. This amazing nature play area features nine interactive zones designed to encourage outdoor exploration and unstructured play. We liked the nature art, building, climbing and crawling, and music and movement areas. Admission is free.

Check out the Zoo
Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a wildlife animal sanctuary and rehabilitation center. It’s the only alpine zoo in the U.S. specializing in alpine wildlife. The Zoo is home to some 160 non-releasable orphaned and injured wildlife representing more than 85 species.

This place is anything but small, and the variety of animals is impressive. Our favorites included the brown bears (aka “grizzlies”), timberwolves, bald eagles, black bears and raccoons. Don’t miss feeding time, when an animal keeper leads a free tour around the Zoo grounds. Admission: Adults $9, kids (3 to 10) $6.

Go Hiking
There are dozens of trails to enjoy in Big Bear, from easy strolls around the lake to more challenging hikes into the mountains.

For a family friendly hike, try the Woodland Trail, an easy 1.5-mile loop that features nice views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Pick up a pamphlet at the trailhead and take a self-guided tour along the trail. Sixteen featured stops teach you about the botany, geology and wildlife of the area. Pick up a map of Big Bear trails at the Discovery Center.

Ride the Scenic Sky Chair
Ride Snow Summit’s Scenic Sky Chair for incredible views of Big Bear Lake. The mile-long chairlift ride takes you to an elevation of 8,200 feet in 15 minutes.

You can combine your ride with lunch at the restaurant at the top, which has a gorgeous deck perfect for taking in the alpine view. Then enjoy a short mile-long walk along the Mountaintop Trail before hopping back on the chairlift for the ride down. More adventurous folks may opt to hike (or bike) down. Roundtrip ride is $14 for adults, $7 for kids 7-15 (kids 6 and under are free). Lift & lunch packages are $22 for adults, $16 for kids.

PLUS more summer activities for kids in Big Bear:

The centerpiece of Big Bear is its 7-mile long freshwater lake. It’s a hub for fishing and water sports. You can walk or bike the Alpine Pedal Path, play at the sandy shore, go kayaking or tour the lake on a pirate ship or paddle wheel boat.

The Alpine Water Slide at Magic Mountain. The draw is the water slide, but there are also go-karts and a mini golf course.

Take a stroll along the boardwalks at the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Reserve. Walk over and around Big Bear Lake while checking out local wildlife.

Baldwin Lake Stables offers horseback riding and a petting zoo.

Older kids may also want to try mountain biking and/or ziplining.

Saturday Snapshot: Mud

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 03:33:00 +0000

Welcome to “Saturday Snapshot,” a weekly feature that highlights photos we take as part of our seasonal nature photo scavenger hunts.

The List: The 2013 Spring nature photo scavenger hunt (You can see our complete collection of #springnaturehunt photos on Instagram and Pinterest.)

The Find: Mud

The Backstory: My favorite backyard nature activity of the week? The Explorers’ mud bath. I’m looking forward to enjoying many more simple pleasures now that summer vacation is finally here.

100 Days of Play: Backyard Mud Bath

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Today, I’m happy to be joining a group of wonderful bloggers participating in the “100 Days of Play Blog Hop” hosted by Sun Scholars and Life at the Zoo. Every day between April 1 and July 20, 2013, a different blogger is sharing one easy play idea to help you connect with your kids.

Now it’s my turn and as you might have guessed, I’m sharing a simple idea for outdoor nature play.

Backyard mud bath
Warning: This is not an activity for those who cringe at the sight of a little dirt (which is none of you, right?). The goal here is to get as messy as possible!

To make a backyard mud bath:

Find a large container. We used a galvanized tub, but as long as the container is big enough to get hands and feet into, you’re good. (Or consider going big and use a kiddie pool to create a giant mud pit.)

Set up the container in a fairly open space. This is important so that stray mud doesn’t find its way onto things it shouldn’t be on (like garage doors, back doors, house windows etc.). And yes, I learned this lesson the hard way.

Have the kids add dirt and water until they are happy with the consistency of the mud.

Encourage the kids to apply mud to hands, arms, feet and legs as desired.

Let ’em play!

I can promise that no two mud baths will ever be the same. After The Explorers covered themselves in mud, they made mud pies, muddy hand prints and a mud run. They laid out in the sun to help the mud harden on their skin. Then they had a mud fight, which is when things got really messy.

To make clean up a little easier:

Dress the part. Make sure the kids are wearing clothes that can get dirty. Some may prefer to strip down or wear a bathing suit instead of play clothes.

Have a wash down station prepared in advance. It could be as simple as a hose or a bucket of soapy water. The goal is to wash off as much mud as possible from both clothes and bodies before entering the house.

Make a beeline to the bath or shower.

100 Days of Play Blog Hop
Sharing simple ideas on how to connect with your children through play!
New ideas shared each day from April 1 through July 20, 2013.

100 Days of Play is brought to you by these wonderful bloggers:
SunScholars . Frogs, Snails & Puppy Dog Tails . Playful Learners . Train Up a Child . Fantastic Fun & Learning . Scribble, Doodle & Draw . Learn. Create. Love. . Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas . Nothing if Not Intentional . My Little 3 & Me . Buggy & Buddy . Sun Hats & Wellie Boots . Twodaloo . True Aim . The Educators' Spin On It . Blog Me Mom . Life At The Zoo . Putti's World . Kitchen Counter Chronicles . Triple T Mum . Busy Kids Happy Mom . Crystal's Tiny Treasures . Rainy Day Mum . Momma's Fun World . My Little Bookcase . Craftulate . One Perfect Day . MumCentral . Artchoo! . Creative World Of Varya . Simple. Home. Blessings. . JDaniel4's Mom . NurtureStore . Me & Marie Learning . Child Central Station . Mamas Like Me . Mama Miss . Making Boys Men . Powerful Mothering . Craft to Art . 3 Dinosaurs . Domestic Goddesque . Lessons Learnt Journal . Royal Baloo . Smiling Like Sunshine . Adventures at Home with Mum . B-Inspired Mama . PragmaticMom . Eazy Peazy Mealz . Gluesticks . TheBoy&Me . Learning is Messy . My Nearest & Dearest . Growing Book by Book . How to Run a Home Daycare . Here Come the Girls . Think Magnet . Dandelions Picked . 123 Homeschool 4 Me . Our Ordinary Life . Parenting with Professor Poppins . 2 Little Hooligans . Fun-a-Day! . The Non-Martha Mamma . Angelique Felix . My Very Educated Mother . Creative Playhouse . Go Explore Nature . Zing Zing Tree . Sense of Wonder . Childhood 101 . Crayon Freckles . KZ & Me . Serenity You . This Mumma's Life . Leapfrog & Ladybugs . Blue Bear Wood . Growing Together . KC EDventures . Mommy Lessons 101 . Nature & Play . Like Mama Like Daughter . Mums Make Lists . From Wine to Whine . Messy Kids . Babble Dabble Do . Sugar Aunts . Teaching @ Home . Preschool Powol Packets . Clothed in Love . Curiosity Creates . The Magnolia Barn . Strong Start . Stay-at-Home Mom Survival Guide . Learn with Play at Home . Mummy... Mummy... MUM! . Science Sparks . Toddler Approved . Thrive 360 Living . Rockabye Butterfly . Mud Hut Mama . Coffee Cups & Crayons . Playing with Words 365 . My Lil Love Bugs . Creative Connections for Kids . LalyMom . Love, Play, Learn . Kindergarten & Preschool for Parents & Teachers . The Pleasantest Thing . Teach Beside Me

Gift Ideas for Techie Outdoor Dads

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 05:18:00 +0000

I suppose it’s somewhat ironic that this nature girl fell for a total techie boy, but I did. Lucky me, he loves his outdoor adventures as much as I do. Even better, he leaves most of his tech toys behind when it’s time to go exploring with the family.

What gear makes the cut? Usually just a camera and cell phone. But it’s never as simple as that, is it? Here are a few of the techie extras we’ve put to the test recently. If you’ve got a techie outdoor dad in your life, pull up a chair and see if he might be interested in any of these goodies as well.

Waterproof iPhone Case
During a recent weekend of kayaking in Channel Islands National Park, my hubby tried out a waterproof case for his iPhone 4S. He chose this particular waterproof case based on price, but there are plenty of others to choose from if you prefer a different style or are willing to spend a little more.

Features: Clear front and back pouch allows you to use all touch screen functions, including all camera functions. Pouch is 100 percent waterproof and can be used for iPhones and similar sized or smaller gadgets.

Price: $12.50

The verdict: For the price, it can’t be beat. Overall, it worked really well (even with cumbersome kayak gloves on). The touch screen works fine through the plastic. And the picture quality was surprisingly good. Just be sure to either wipe down or dunk the case if it gets a few drops of water on it; otherwise your images might be clouded.

Black Rapid RS-7 Camera Strap
Before I discovered this handy item, the hubby was carrying around a backpack for his fancy DSLR camera – or worse – the strap that came with the camera. Enter the Black Rapid RS-7 camera strap, which is worn diagonally across the torso from shoulder to hip. When you’re ready to shoot, simply pull the camera into position and go.

Features: Made of extremely durable ballistic nylon, adjusts to fit most people. Includes a stainless steel fastener that fits into the tripod socket on the camera body or lens. Once fastened the camera hangs upside down, resting securely at the hip, stomach or small of the back.

Price: $58.95

The verdict: Pricey, but worth it. Most camera straps offer an uncomfortable and unwieldy fit at best. This strap fits comfortably on your hip and holds the camera securely in place as you move. Plus, it allows you to easily access your camera in one fluid motion.

Motorola Talkabout MT350 2-Way Radios
A family with three boys is incomplete without a set of walkie talkies, don’t you think? My guys were psyched to be able to put the Motorola Talkabout MT350 2-Way Radios to the test. So far, we’ve used them on the trail and around the backyard. They performed well enough to make the short list of items we’ll take with us on some more wild nature adventures this summer.

Features: Range of up to 35 miles, weatherproof in snow and rain splashes, enhanced sound quality and a ton of other features we didn’t even know we needed.

Price: $89.99 per pair

The verdict: Great for staying connected in wilderness settings. Sometimes the hubby and I need to “divide and conquer” on the trail with The Explorers; the 2-way radios allowed us to easily check in with each other when we separated. The radios were simple enough for all four of us to use and the sound quality was superb. Families who spend time in the backcountry and camping will want ’em.

Note: I received a complimentary pair of Motorola Talkabout MT350 2-Way Radios in exchange for providing my honest review with you here. We purchased both the waterproof iPhone case and Black Rapid camera strap for personal use. All opinions expressed are my own. Check out my disclosure policy for more information.

Nature Play at Disney California Adventure Park

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000

One place I never thought I’d be writing about here is Disney California Adventure Park. But things don’t always go as planned, do they?

You see, while playing hooky a couple weeks back to celebrate The Little Explorer’s 5th birthday, we discovered that Disney California Adventure Park is home to one of the coolest nature play areas we’ve yet explored.

The park’s Redwood Creek Challenge Trail invites kids to swing on rope bridges, navigate forested paths, zip down slides, rock climb and more. Follow clues left by Russell and his dog Dug (from Disney-Pixar’s Up) to earn Wilderness Explorer badges. There are six challenges to be completed:

Tracking
Bravery
Rock climbing
Wolf howl
Animal spirit
Puzzle solving

Complete all six tasks, then report to “Ahwahnee Camp Circle” to officially become a senior wilderness explorer. There’s a special ceremony and a guest appearance from Russell himself.

It’s the little details that make the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail so fun for kids and adults alike. The entire play area feels like something right out of a nature camp. You’ll walk through a tunnel tree, count the rings on a redwood, see a waterfall, traverse a stream and more. There are rangers to guide you if you get lost. There’s even an explorer call and an official motto: “An Explorer is a friend to all, be it plants or fish or tiny mole.”

Honestly, I wish every playground was like this.

I know you might not be thinking about nature play on your next visit to Disney California Adventure Park. I certainly wasn’t. But stop in and play for a while. You won’t be disappointed.

Practical Matters

Check the Disney California Adventure Park site for ticket prices, park hours, parking fees, dining options & special events
Admission to the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is included with the price of park admission
Redwood Creek is located in the Grizzly Peak area of the park
Redwood Creek is open to kids off all ages; kids under 7 must be accompanied by someone 14 years or older
Sequoia Smokejumpers Training Tower (zip line) has a height requirement of 42 inches (63 inches max); guests must be under 13 years old to ride
The Cliff Hanger Traverse Rock Climb has a height requirement of 42 inches
Stroller accessible
No restrooms or concessions available within Redwood Creek
Wilderness Explorer Ceremonies take place several times throughout the day; for show times, check the entertainment schedule when you enter the park
Allow about an hour to explore the entire trail without feeling rushed

Disney California Adventure Park is located at:
1313 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-7290

Note: I did not receive any compensation from Disney to write this post. We visited Disney California Adventure Park at our own expense. After enjoying the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail so much, I knew I wanted to share our experience with you here.

You’re Invited! Great American Backyard Campout

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, summer is the perfect time for a backyard campout adventure.

To give you a little encouragement, you’re invited to a backyard campout party! That’s right – the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is hosting its annual Great American Backyard Campout on Sat., June 22, 2013.
The Great American Backyard Campout is a one-night event held across the nation to encourage kids of all generations to connect with nature. You can camp out with just your family, invite friends along or join a team in your community. Registration is free and you can participate even if you camp on a different night.

Note: Although there is no cost to participate, campers are encouraged to raise $100 to support NWF programs that help America’s kids to switch screen time with green time.

Get ready!
I’m guessing you first-timers might be a little worried about taking the babes camping. “What equipment do I need?” “Will the kids actually sleep?” “Will we?” “What will we do all evening?” Relax! I’ve got you covered!

We’ve camped out in our backyard three summers in a row and I’m here to tell you it can be done! It can even be fun! Here are a few things I’ve written that I hope can help:

3 budget-friendly ideas for family camping
Backyard campout activities for kids
Backyard camping checklist
How to host a backyard campout
The Down & Dirty Guide to Camping With Kids by Helen Olsson
Plus, more tips from around the web for camping with kids in the backyard & beyond!

The NWF is also here to help. Don’t miss its “Camping With Kids Made Easy” chat on Facebook on Wed., June 12, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. PST. During the chat, you’ll find out what materials to bring, how to get kids exciting about camping, delicious recipes for a campfire and outdoor activities perfect for a campout.

So no more excuses – this is the summer you’re going to do it! And seasoned campers, why not invite some newbies to join you on your next camping adventure?

Note: I am not affiliated with the National Wildlife Federation and will not profit in any way from your participation in the Great American Backyard Campout. I’m sharing this event with you because I think it’s a great way to get kids and families out and into nature.

Saturday Snapshot: Pond

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to “Saturday Snapshot,” a weekly feature that highlights photos we take as part of our seasonal nature photo scavenger hunts.

The List: The 2013 Spring nature photo scavenger hunt (You can see our complete collection of #springnaturehunt photos on Instagram and Pinterest.)

The Find: Pond

The Story: This week, The Explorers and I enjoyed some quiet time enjoyed the pond from my childhood garden. It’s full of life this time of year, with fish, dragon- and damselflies, water lilies and more.

Team Tag: Making Recycled Bottle Lanterns With Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Wed, 29 May 2013 23:29:00 +0000

Today my fellow Childhood 101 contributors and I are playing a game of online tag. It’s been fun for us to put this game together and we hope it’ll introduce you to some new bloggers with great ideas for your kids and family.

Without further ado, I’d like to give a warm welcome to Christie of Childhood 101. She’s sharing a fun outdoor art activity that’s perfect for warm summer evenings. For those who haven’t met Christie before, she’s an Aussie mother of two and the early childhood teacher behind the award winning parenting blog, Childhood101.com.

As well as providing a great opportunity to reinforce the message that recycling and reusing are important for the environment, this outdoor art activity is simple and low mess – making it perfect for children of all ages (and for mum!). Plus, the end result is just a little magical. In fact, my daughter has asked for us to eat dinner by the candlelight of her lanterns each night since we made them.

To make your own recycled bottle lantern, you will need:

One clean soft drink bottle with the label removed. A 1 liter bottle works well with one candle, a 2 liter bottle provides room for two candles
Coloured permanent marker pens (Sharpies or similar - the darker and brighter colours will be more effective than light colours)
A utility knife and a pair of scissors
Sand
Tea light candles

To make your lantern:

1. Invite your child to decorate the bottom half of the bottle with the marker pens. Shapes, patterns and simple motifs work best. Being that we were creating outdoors, my daughter was inspired by her surroundings, featuring flowers, trees, the sun, moon, stars, butterflies, snails and other insects, and rainbows.

2. Cut the top half off the bottle by making a small slit with the utility knife and then sliding the bottom blade of the scissors into the hole. Cut all the way around the bottle (depending upon the age of the child, this step may be best performed by an adult). If you find the exposed, plastic edge is sharp (ours was not), fold a length of coloured washi or electrical tape along the edge.

3. Place some sand in the bottom of the bottle. This weighs the bottle down, providing some stability. Then push your tea light candle into the sand in the middle of the bottle.

Enjoy, indoors or out!

Thank you so much for sharing with us today, Christie! If you like what you read, connect with Christie on her blog, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

Now it’s time to head over to Tricia at Little Eco Footprints where I’m sharing 3 tips for getting outdoors when it’s cold (because winter is coming for my friends in the Southern hemisphere). From there, you can continue reading a post by each Childhood 101 contributor who’s playing along. Each post in the game will lead you to another until you’ve visited all of the blogs, leading you back here again. Have fun!

Deep Ocean Exploration at the Aquarium of the Pacific

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Wed, 29 May 2013 05:12:00 +0000

When I shared some of our favorite children’s books about the ocean and marine life last month, I mentioned that we have a bit of a fascination with the deep ocean and its inhabitants. The challenge is finding a place to see these critters, since they live in an extreme environment that isn’t easy to replicate at sea level.

Enter the new “Ocean Exploration” program at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Animals, exhibits, educational displays, films, an art exhibit, and a guest speaker series with ocean explorers now focus exclusively on the dark depths of the ocean.

The most exciting part of the Ocean Exploration program for kids is undoubtedly the Wonders of the Deep exhibit, which is one of the first of its kind in the United States to recreate deep-sea habitats. It features both live animals and models and images to stand in for those animals that cannot be displayed.

In this darkened gallery, you’ll find animals such as flashlight fish, hagfish, chambered nautilus, urchins, crabs and more. You can also see a recreation of a hydrothermal vent and a life-sized model of a “whale fall” – the island of life that survives for decades on the decaying carcass of a dead whale once it sinks to the sea floor.

Although the Ocean Exploration program provides lots more information than most kids will have an interest in, it’s well worth a visit. And here’s why: More astronauts have traveled into space than aquanauts into the deepest part of the ocean. In fact, about 95 percent of the ocean is unexplored! Which means there is plenty still waiting to be discovered.

The Ocean Exploration program is open now through February 1, 2014.

4 Ways to Explore the Deep Ocean With Kids at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Watch a live video feed from the deep ocean. You can even interact with ocean scientists and explorers live periodically throughout the day!

Learn about bioluminescence, which about 95 percent of animals living in the deep sea rely on for survival. Don’t miss the flashlight fish!

Touch moon jellies. Find out what they feel like and discover more about other gelatinous animals that live in the deep.

Gauge just how deep the ocean is. There’s a two-story column erected near the Aquarium entrance that displays the layers of the ocean from the surface to the deepest depths.

Practical Matters

Admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific is $25.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids 3 through 11; kids 2 and under are FREE
Check the Aquarium of the Pacific web site for hours of operation, dining options & special events
Parking is $8
All exhibits are stroller-accessible though I recommend leaving yours at home if possible; when it gets crowded, it can be tough to maneuver & wait times at the elevators can be a challenge
The large, grassy area outside the aquarium is perfect for a picnic
Allow at least 2 hours to enjoy the aquarium

The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at:
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 590-3100

For more on kids and the ocean, don’t miss:

Note: I received complimentary admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific in exchange for providing my honest review with you here. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.

Saturday Snapshot: Ducks

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Sat, 25 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to “Saturday Snapshot,” a weekly feature that highlights photos we take as part of our seasonal nature photo scavenger hunts.

The List: The 2013 Spring nature photo scavenger hunt (You can see our complete collection of #springnaturehunt photos on Instagram and Pinterest.)

The Find: Ducks

The Story: I love discovering nature in unexpected places. Like these lovely ladies, which we spotted while playing hooky one day this week at Disney California Adventure Park.

At-Home Summer Nature Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

I know some of you are just beginning to thaw out from a long winter, but believe it or not, summer is right around the corner.

We’ve got big plans, of course. Among other things, there will be another epic summer road trip, plenty of time spent at the cabin in Yosemite, and lots of free time to play in nature – both in our backyard and beyond.

Although I welcome the down time that summer brings, I know it’s not for everyone. If you’re wondering how you’re going to fill the long days of summer, I’ve got an idea: Try the At-Home Summer Nature Camp.

What it is: The lovely Liz of A Natural Nester has created an 8-week At-Home Summer Nature Camp eCurriculum packed with ideas and inspiration to help keep kids engaged and exploring the natural world all summer long. The curriculum, now available for download, is a full-color PDF that can be read on a computer screen or tablet, or printed out.

There are eight weekly themes:

An edible garden
The night sky
At the beach
A spot in the shade
Ponds & frogs
Rain, Rain
Wildflowers & bees
Sun fun

For each of the themes, the At-Home Summer Nature Camp eCurriculum provides:

A fun, hands-on learning experience (think farmers’ market photo scavenger hunt and raising tadpoles),
Projects in the kitchen that help kids connect food and nature,
Ideas to get creative with step-by-step nature arts & crafts tutorials,
Inexpensive field trip ideas tied in to each week’s theme,
Theme-related book suggestions and more!

The best part is that when you place your order, you’ll receive all 8 weeks of camp in one document. That means you can put the eCurriculum into practice whenever it makes sense for you – and in an order that works with your family’s summer plans.

The At-Home Summer Nature Camp eCurriculum costs $39.99.

Who it’s good for: You! That is, if you’re interested in nature and looking to nurture that interest in your kids. The At-Home Summer Nature Camp eCurriculum is designed for kids ages 5 to 11, but can easily be adapted for kids of all ages.

Meet the camp counselors: This one-of-a-kind eCurriculum is packed with ideas and inspiration from a remarkable group of creative “camp counselors” including:

Sarah of Imagine Childhood ~ Kara of Simple Kids
Suz of Slow Family Online ~ Ashley of Small Measure
Valarie of Jump Into a Book ~ Heather of Shivaya Naturals
Cerys of Nature and Play ~ Linda of Natural Suburbia
Leah of Skill It ~ Amy of Mama Scout
Stephanie of Wellness By Design
Debi of Go Explore Nature ~ Shawn of Awesomely Awake
Liz of A Natural Nester ~ Kat of Creative Playhouse
Gina of Connecting Family & Seoul
Erin of Exhale. Return to Center and More!

Sound good? I think so! Head over to A Natural Nester and order your copy of the At-Home Summer Nature Camp eCurriculum today!

Note: I am a camp counselor for the At-Home Summer Nature Camp but am not being compensated to promote the eCurriculum with you here. Got questions? Check out my full disclosure policy for more information.

Saturday Snapshot: Oranges

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Sun, 19 May 2013 03:38:00 +0000

Welcome to “Saturday Snapshot,” a weekly feature that highlights photos we take as part of our seasonal nature photo scavenger hunts.

The List: The 2013 Spring nature photo scavenger hunt (You can see our complete collection of #springnaturehunt photos on Instagram and Pinterest.)

The Find: Fruit

The Story: The Big Explorer took this one in a friend’s backyard. We were both drawn to the tree by the magnificent aroma of its blossoms.

Making Space for Outdoor Play

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:33:00 +0000

At the beginning of 2013, I was invited to become a member of the Childhood 101 team. Every couple of months, I share something that’ll hopefully inspire parents to spend some time playing outside with their kiddos.

If you’re not familiar with Childhood 101 yet, go check it out! In a nutshell, “Childhood 101 is a place for all things ‘childhood’ because being a parent in this busy, modern-day world can be tough!” It’s an amazing space to share ideas for playing, learning and growing with kids. So far, I’ve written two posts:

Today I’m talking about making space for outdoor play in our rather urban, not-so-natural-feeling, smallish backyard (though the ideas work for bigger yards, too). I hope you’ll stop by! Read more at Childhood 101

How to Make Your Own Nature Scavenger Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:04:00 +0000

Kids love hunting for treasures. Whether you’re exploring new trails, visiting a botanical garden, relaxing at the beach or enjoying a family walk around the neighborhood, a nature scavenger hunt is a simple way to add some fun to your adventure.

One of the best things about nature scavenger hunts is that you can create one for pretty much any setting in just a few minutes. Here are a few pointers to help you make your own nature scavenger hunt:

Choose a theme.
Themed nature scavenger hunts are often determined by location or season. A theme could also be as simple as colors or shapes.

Create a list.
Once you have a theme for your nature scavenger hunt, think of items you might be able to discover.

Include items that require kids to use multiple senses. That means you’ll want to by search for things to see, hear, smell and touch.

Include items that have kids looking both down on the ground as well as high up in the sky.

Provide a mix of easy-to-find and more challenging items.

Adapt as needed to keep the hunts age appropriate. Young kids can use cards with pictures instead of words – or even numbers or shapes.

Stick to 20 items or less.

Go hunting!
Don’t forget to bring along your scavenger hunt list and something to write with. Depending on where you go, a clipboard could also come in handy.

Then decide on a time limit and start the treasure hunt. If you have large groups or very young kids, consider creating teams.

Our only rule is that you don’t remove items from nature to collect as part of the hunt. The goal is simply to find as many items on your list in the time provided. (You can always snap a picture or create a sketch instead.)

Enjoy a prize, together.
Our nature scavenger hunts are never about who finds the most items, but more about sharing our discoveries together. We like to compare notes to see who found what for each item on our list.

If you want to end the hunt with a “prize,” consider a cup of hot chocolate if it’s cold out, or a glass of lemonade if it’s warm.

Nature scavenger hunt lists
Nature scavenger hunts are especially popular around here, so I thought I’d gather together those we’ve created, plus a few more just for fun. You can find even more on my scavenger hunts & nature walks Pinterest board.

Feel free to use these as a starting point for your own, adapting as needed for your family.

Themed scavenger hunts

Seasonal scavenger hunts

Photo scavenger hunts

Saturday Snapshot: Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:37:00 +0000

Welcome to “Saturday Snapshot,” a weekly feature that highlights photos we take as part of our seasonal nature photo scavenger hunts.

The List: The 2013 spring nature photo scavenger hunt (You can see our complete collection of #springnaturehunt photos on Instagram and Pinterest.)

The Find: Garden

The Story: There’s not much growing in our backyard garden (OK … nothing), but the school garden is an entirely different story. Love watching kids taste peas straight off the vine – and love them.

Book Review: Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Mon, 06 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

In honor of Earth Day, I dedicated much of April to sharing simple things kids can do to help the planet. I’m excited to be continuing that focus today with a look at a book that fits right in with the theme: Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth.

Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth features more than 100 classroom activities that are designed “to help children simply explore the environment and develop a sense of wonder, curiosity, and joy in nature.” The idea is that this lays the foundation for the later development of stewardship.

With a master’s degree in education and kids of her own, author Patty Born Selly knows what she’s talking about. She’s founder of Small Wonders, an educational consulting company that provides teacher training and support for science and nature education initiatives. (If any of this sounds remotely interesting, I highly recommend you check out her blog, Small Wonders.)

What’s inside Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth?
The 272-page book provides more than 100 classroom activities for kids to learn about and care for the Earth. Each chapter focuses on a common and important environmental topic followed by a set of activities designed for kids ages 3 to 8.

Each chapter focuses on a common and important environmental topic including waste reduction, recycling, air quality, weather, climate change and energy reduction.

Chapters provide a basic introduction to the problem and a set of activities for kids.

Each activity comes complete with: a brief description, age range, goals, National Science Education standards, age required materials and supplies, step-by-step procedure, safety notes, tips and ideas for connecting the activity to other disciplines.

Sample activities include found object mosaic, plant parts, float or sink, air is real, make a compass and muddy me. Of course, I’m partial to the chapter on exploring nature, with activities like a soil search, barefoot explorations and creating a wishing tree.

I love that the activities in Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth are so simple. In fact, many require no materials at all (except your senses, of course), or just a few. And the “Tips” provided with each activity provide good advice from someone who’s tried these activities before.

My only complaint is that while there are a few photos, they are black and white. I wish there were more color images or illustrations throughout.

Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth retails for $29.95.

How to use Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth in your own backyard
Although this book is geared toward early childhood educators working with groups of children, parents and caregivers might find it helpful, too.

You can use Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth to:

Quickly find an activity that’s right for your child’s age
Focus on a specific area of interest like weather, the garden or art
Enhance your homeschooling environmental education, nature or science curriculum
Plan ways to explore nature all summer long!

Get your copy of Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth now – for less!
Although I don’t have a copy of Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth to give away, I can let you in on a good deal.

Redleaf Press is offering a 30% discount from now through June 30, 2013. To take advantage of this deal, follow this link and enter the coupon code GREENEARTH.

Note: I received a free copy of Early Childhood Activities for a Greener Earth in exchange for providing my honest review with you here. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.

Saturday Snapshot: Sunshine

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Sat, 04 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to “Saturday Snapshot,” a weekly feature that highlights photos we take as part of our seasonal nature photo scavenger hunts.

The List: The 2013 Spring nature photo scavenger hunt (You can see our complete collection of #springnaturehunt photos on Instagram and Pinterest.)

The Find: Sunshine

The Story: We’ve been seeing quite a bit of this around here all week. Nothing reminds me more of spring as a kid than sunny days like this one spent at the ball field.

Saturday Snapshot: Butterfly

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to “Saturday Snapshot,” a weekly feature that highlights photos we take as part of our seasonal nature photo scavenger hunts.

The List: The 2013 Spring Nature Photo Scavenger Hunt (You can see our complete collection of #springnaturehunt photos on Instagram and Pinterest.)

The Find: Butterfly

The Story: This week we released four painted lady butterflies in our backyard. It was bittersweet to see them flutter off after having watched them grow from tiny caterpillars into chrysalides and eventually, into beautiful butterflies. Thankfully, this one posed for us before taking off.

7 Ways Kids Can Help Save Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

If you’re a fan of nature and the environment, you’re probably already doing things to take care of the planet – on Earth Day and every day. This month, I’ve shared ways kids (and families) can help protect wildlife and oceans. Today I’m focusing on ways kids can help save trees.

Forests cover almost a third of the Earth’s surface, including some 700+ million acres in the U.S. alone. They’re home to a huge variety of plants and animals, provide people all over the world with food, fuel, medicine and more.

But perhaps most important, forests provide us with oxygen and ensure that the Earth’s temperature is livable.

What can we do to return the favor? Here are a few simple ways kids can help save trees.

1. Use paper wisely.
We can save trees from being cut down by using less paper. How can kids help?

Make a space for reusable paper. Dedicate a spot in your home for paper that’s blank on one side. Then reuse it before you recycle it. Put the kids in charge!
Use scrap paper (preferably recycled, too) for coloring, drawing, sketching, etc.
Use both sides of paper (this one works great for homework).
Use cloth napkins.
Choose a reusable lunchbox instead of a paper bag, complete with reusable containers, metal utensils, a cloth napkin and a reusable water bottle.

2. Play and create with trash.
The Explorers love playing with cardboard boxes, empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls – even shoeboxes. Boxes can become forts and superhero headquarters, toilet paper rolls turn into binoculars and bird feeders, and paper towel rolls become spotting scopes and periscopes.

3. Borrow, share and donate books.
We read a lot around here, which translates into tons of books – and therefore lots of paper. The library is a great alternative to buying new, as are friends who are willing to swap books. Instead of holding on to books when your kids have outgrown them, donate them to a used bookstore, library or reading program.

4. Plant a tree.
Although planting trees is a popular Earth Day activity, fall is the season to plant trees and shrubs. Do your homework to make sure you pick the right tree for your space.

5. Visit the forest.
Our favorite way to pay homage to trees and forests is to spend time with them. Visit a local state or national park – many of which feature protected forest lands. During National Park week (April 20-28), admission to all 401 national parks is free.

6. Stay on the trails.
When you visit the forest, stay on marked trails. This will minimize your impact on wilderness areas, preserving them for future generations.

7. Get your Smokey on.
Remember Smokey the Bear? He’s still around, helping to prevent wildfires – which, by the way are one of the greatest threats to forests. Smokey’s message is worth repeating:

Only you can prevent wildfires,
Always be careful with fire,
Never play with matches or lighters,
Always watch your campfire, and
Make sure your campfire is completely out before leaving it.

Resources to Help Kids Discover More About Forests

Arbor Day Foundation
Discover the Forest
EcoKids (start with the tree planting basics)
Smokey the Bear

Plus, a few things I’ve written about trees here …

10 Ways Kids Can Play Among the Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Debi) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Happy Earth Day! I know this is the one official day the world celebrates the planet, but around here we’ve been celebrating all month long. So far, we’ve dedicated a week each to wildlife and oceans. This week: Forests.

If I had to pick a place in nature where I feel most at peace, it is among the trees. When I head to the forest and am surrounded by them, I feel at home. I am in awe of their strength, beauty and constancy.

So it just made sense to mark Earth Day by paying homage to the trees. Because thankfully, The Explorers have taking a liking to them, too. Here are 10 of our favorite ways to play among the trees.

1. Look up.
Can you see the top of the tree? How about the sky? Do you see any wildlife (or signs of wildlife)?

2. Splash in puddles.
Just because it’s fun!

3. Find your balance.
A fallen tree makes the perfect balance beam.

4. Ride a magic creature.
Trees can turn into all kinds of imaginary critters (like dragons!), capable of letting little explorers take flight.

5. Run wild.
If you’ve got a little room, let your young explorer “race” down a stretch of trail.

6. Become a tree detective.
Aspiring scientists will enjoy looking closely at tree bark and leaves to try identifying favorite trees. Or counting rings to determine a tree’s age.

7. Get artsy.
Make bark rubbings, leaf rubbings or crushed leaf mosaics.

8. See how you measure up.
Just how big are the trees you’re exploring? Can you get your arms around them or even hide in them? Don’t be afraid to let yourself feel small.

9. Climb a tree.
Look for one with low hanging branches to make climbing easier for little legs.

10. Hug a tree.
Do your arms make it all the way around the tree? How does it feel? Smell?

PLUS, a few more ideas for playing among the trees:

10 Ways to Engage Kids With Trees from Gardening 4 Kids
F is for Forest from Inspiration Laboratories
Tree Time: A Kids’ Guide to Tree Facts and Fun from The National Wildlife Federation

Your turn: How do your kids like to play among the trees?