When given the option of what to do, 9 times out of 10, my 5-year-old son will ask to go to the local BMX course to ride his bike. Strangely, I just realized I haven’t written about this yet!! We’ve been taking him to ride on the course since he was three years old. AtContinue reading “Bliss… the BMX Park”
Monthly Archives: August 2012
Backyard Wildlife: Mourning Doves
For at least eight summers now, we’ve had a pair mourning dove visiting our backyard. Every year, they have a child. Last year, my son and I were able to watch the parents teach the baby to fly. So cute! They showed up just a week ago with their child from this summer. I’m sadContinue reading “Backyard Wildlife: Mourning Doves”
Butterflies, California Academy of Sciences
On Monday, my son and I enjoyed a fun visit to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. It was our last outing before his first day of school. I think the highlight of this visit was the baby ostriches! So many, and so cute!! My son also wanted to go into the EarthquakeContinue reading “Butterflies, California Academy of Sciences”
Kindergarten…
Today was the first day of kindergarten. A major life event for my boy…. starting school. Sadness for me. Five years we’ve spent together, hardly ever being apart. I can’t think of a better way to start the day than running off some energy in the school playground. But then it was time for theContinue reading “Kindergarten…”
Family Time: A Ride in the Redwoods
The highlight of the weekend for my son? A Sunday afternoon bike ride with his dad…. While my husband and son were riding, I enjoyed a nice, quiet walk through the redwoods. Lovely…. Location: Redwood Regional Park, Oakland
Kids ‘n Carousels
What is it with kids and carousels? I’ve given up trying to figure out what children love about them. I only know they do. Does your child have a favorite? Do you have a favorite memory of one from childhood? Please share! *** Links to carousels in the San Francisco Bay Area Creativity Carousel, SanContinue reading “Kids ‘n Carousels”
Outdoor Art: Marble Painting
My five-year-old isn’t much of a craft guy, but he does love to play and experiment with paint. He’s usually up for art if it’s more process-oriented than result-oriented. A favorite is painting with marbles. I like to do this activity outside, as the the marble, covered with paint, tends to jump out of theContinue reading “Outdoor Art: Marble Painting”
Climbing the DNA Structure, Lawrence Hall of Science
No visit to the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley is complete without reserving some time to climb on the DNA sculpture out front. We love museums, but after all that indoor time, it’s fun for kids to get outside and move their bodies. This one is a favorite! Have you been to the TonyContinue reading “Climbing the DNA Structure, Lawrence Hall of Science”
Make Paper Airplanes!
I found a fun website that offers a bunch of different paper airplane designs available for free download (www.funpaperairplanes.com). The site offers fifteen different designs, rated by difficulty level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, novelty). Each design provides a template (ready for folding, and cutting, if necessary) and directions. We decided to try out the “Condor”, aContinue reading “Make Paper Airplanes!”
A Beautiful Day!
Another beautiful day at Blake Garden with friends… Related articles Create With Nature Zone, Blake Garden, Kensington (anaturemom.com)
Wow! Adventure Playground, Berkeley
Bored of the usual playground facilities? Then check this one out! The Adventure Playground in Berkeley is a special place, unlike any other park we’ve experienced. The structures are all built by children (with parental and staff supervision), using provided tools (hammers, nails, saws, and paint). This place encourages serious creativity! It’s best for kidsContinue reading “Wow! Adventure Playground, Berkeley”
Great Hike: Saddlebag Lake to the Conness Lakes
Now this was a super-fun hike. How many hikes begin with a ride across a lake on a water taxi?? This was a first for our son… he’s never been on a boat! The views from the lake were gorgeous. My husband and I love hiking above the 10,000 foot level (the trail starts atContinue reading “Great Hike: Saddlebag Lake to the Conness Lakes”
Campground Critters
Ellery Campground (near Tioga Pass, Yosemite)… We returned last evening from a camping trip in the Sierras. I’ll write about our adventures soon!
Hike and Seek! National Wildlife Federation
I just came across these great fundraising events being offered through the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). They are not offering an event here in California, but I wanted to let the rest of you know about it, just in case there’s one located near you! Hike and Seek: This is a 1-2 mile hike andContinue reading “Hike and Seek! National Wildlife Federation”
John Muir National Historic Site, Martinez
I’ve always loved this quote, and it’s one I experience each and every time I head out into nature. For anyone who knows me, it should come as no surprise that John Muir, one of the greatest conservationists in history, is one of my heroes. What is surprising, however, is that I’ve never visited theContinue reading “John Muir National Historic Site, Martinez”
Update… Backyard Squirrel
It’s been a few months since I last posted about the squirrel who visits our backyard. He has not been successful at raiding the bird feeders since I last wrote, but he’s still thinking about it! Here’s my post from May … Backyard Wildlife… The Squirrel
Create With Nature Zone, Blake Garden, Kensington
Take a child out into nature, and what are they naturally drawn to play with? It’s pretty universal… sticks and rocks. So this is the perfect playground for a child… an area filled with sticks and rocks, inviting the child to stack, build, and create. Imaginations went wild this day. In additional to the simpleContinue reading “Create With Nature Zone, Blake Garden, Kensington”
Tunnel Play, Blake Garden, Kensington
We visited the Blake Garden in Kensington (near Berkeley) this week with a group of friends. This garden is not only lovely for adults, but is kid-heaven! The children had a blast playing in this tunnel! My next post will be about the “Create with Nature Zone” at these gardens… awesome!
Swim in a Lake!
The weather is heating up here in the San Francisco East Bay. Take a break from the local swimming pool, and cool off in a nearby lake instead. Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore has two swimming areas, East Beach and West Beach. Swimming is free, but there is a $6.00/vehicle park entry fee. IsContinue reading “Swim in a Lake!”
Flowers, Blake Garden, Kensington
Photos from visit to Blake Garden, Kensington, August 1st, 2012
Suburban Nature Explorations 