For a few years now, I’ve been wanting to see the cherry blossom trees while they are in bloom at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco. I walked by the gardens a couple weeks ago on our way to the California Academy of Sciences, and poked my head in to see if the treesContinue reading “Cherry Blossoms, Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco”
Sticks, Rocks, Water… and Friends
I’m convinced that all a kid needs to have fun in nature is a stick, some rocks, a body of water, and a friend or two (or five) to play with. Nothing more. Photos taken this morning at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park, Pleasanton.
Outdoor Climbing Walls
Climbing has become a new passion for my son in recent weeks. I signed him up for some classes at a local climbing gym this month, and, with only three lessons so far, I’m surprised at how much his climbing has improved. He would be ecstatic if we could go to the gym every day,Continue reading “Outdoor Climbing Walls”
Stop, Look, Listen, Observe
This afternoon we attended a family nature walk, a free naturalist-led event held in the Tilden Nature Area in the Berkeley hills. I couldn’t resist the event description… “Natural beauty, strange creatures and curious plants reveal themselves to those who seek such wonders.” We walked for two hours, slowly ambling along, observing the little thingsContinue reading “Stop, Look, Listen, Observe”
Wild Animals Up Close in the San Francisco East Bay
We all know that it’s not OK to approach a wild animal out in nature, so how can we provide opportunities to nurture our children’s curiosity about these animals and provide the hands-on learning our children love? We’re fortunate to have many programs in the San Francisco East Bay which allow our children to experienceContinue reading “Wild Animals Up Close in the San Francisco East Bay”
Water Drops
We’re on day four of much-needed rain here in the Bay Area. My son didn’t feel like going outside today at all, preferring instead to remain inside, constructing Lego farm buildings. I was able to coax him out for a few minutes between rain showers to look for water drops on the plants. NowContinue reading “Water Drops”
Five Tips for Joyful Hiking with Little Kids
As someone who leads a lot of hiking outings with little kids, today I’m going to address a question I’m frequently asked by parents…. “How do I get my child to enjoy hiking?” Listed here are what I believe to be the five most important tips: Keep it short: The first thing you must doContinue reading “Five Tips for Joyful Hiking with Little Kids”
Outdoor Art: Sidewalk Chalk Drawing
For a quick, easy outdoor activity, I keep a bag of sidewalk chalk on our front porch. We were home sick yesterday, and drawing on the front walkway with chalk was about the only outside activity my son felt up for. I like this kind of art for its simplicity. Give child chalk, send outside,Continue reading “Outdoor Art: Sidewalk Chalk Drawing”
Favorite Bay Area Petting Zoos
Touching animals, whether farm animals or ocean creatures, is an experience all children should have the opportunity to enjoy. Watch the faces of the children around you at a petting zoo, and you’ll see joy, amazement, intense focus, or wonder. A child may giggle when an animal licks their hands, or may jump backContinue reading “Favorite Bay Area Petting Zoos”
How do YOU connect with nature?
Originally posted on LEARN FROM NATURE:
Nature Wallpaper (Photo credit: tiltti) Tell me here or at Learn From Nature According to Richard Louv, you are part of the New Nature Movement if … You want to reconnect with real life in a virtual age. You’re a student who’s decided to build a career connecting people…
Our Neighborhood Walk
My boy wasn’t feeling well yesterday and didn’t have much energy. After playing inside the house all morning, by the early afternoon, he was ready for some fresh air. He asked to go on one of our favorite outings… a walk around the neighborhood. We’ve put together several walks from our home over the pastContinue reading “Our Neighborhood Walk”
Newts in the Botanical Garden
We’re lucky to live in California newt country. These magical little creatures can be found throughout the hills in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. We’ve had luck finding them in Jewel Lake at Tilden and crossing the trails in Las Trampas. Our favorite place for newt viewing, however, is in the Japanese Pool at theContinue reading “Newts in the Botanical Garden”
Rock Climbing: At the Park
When we feel the need for a touch of Yosemite, but can’t get away for the weekend, we head, believe it or not, to our local park. Emerald Glen Park in Dublin has a great faux granite rock climbing area. Check out this picture. Doesn’t it look like the Sierras? Kids seem to especially enjoyContinue reading “Rock Climbing: At the Park”
Take Reading Time Outside
Today is Read Across America Day, and the forecast is for sunshine throughout the Bay Area. We’re going to celebrate by taking reading time outside today. Join us! Pick a favorite book or two, find a sunny, warm location, and, well, simply read to your child. Not sure where to go? Here are a fewContinue reading “Take Reading Time Outside”
Outdoor Art: Splatter Painting
Allow your child to channel their inner Jackson Pollock with this fun, messy painting activity. This art is made to be done outside, as no sane parent would allow it to take place in the house! Materials: Tempera paint Containers for paint (plastic cups, recycled jars, etc) Large paint brushes Masking tape Large plastic sheet,Continue reading “Outdoor Art: Splatter Painting”
Rainy Day Backyard Play
It’s finally raining! The easiest way to have some outside play on a rainy day is to put on raincoats and rainboots and send the kids into the backyard. Our backyard is tiny (only 10′ x 30′), but it’s more than large enough for some rainy day fun. My boy will stay outside for thirtyContinue reading “Rainy Day Backyard Play”
Exploring Nature with Your Baby: 6 Tips
The sight of leaves blowing in the wind, the scent of flowers, the feel of grass, the sound of bird song… these are just a few of the wonderful outdoor sensory experiences available for any baby to enjoy. Getting outside is good for both baby and parent… the more often, the better. WhenContinue reading “Exploring Nature with Your Baby: 6 Tips”
Downtime
“Everyone needs to have some downtime in a quiet place where they’re not interrupted – even kids. Or especially kids. It’s healthy to provide your child with her own space to simply reflect, think, imagine, wonder, and be alone. Quiet time, without television, video games, or other stimulation, promotes thinking and relaxation, and it allowsContinue reading “Downtime”
Nature Classes and Programs
A few times each month, I schedule some outdoor time through naturalist-led classes and programs. My son loves these classes, and, the best part, they take the pressure off of me for a couple hours. To be honest, I can’t answer all of the questions my son asks me while we’re out wandering in nature. Continue reading “Nature Classes and Programs”
Suburban Nature Explorations 