Outdoor play

Backyard Nature Fun activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard. This weekend, The Big Explorer’s elementary school held its annual Back to School Picnic in the school garden. I’d volunteered to coordinate the event, so you might not be surprised to discover that a garden scavenger hunt was on the agenda. […]

Why play is so important for children. For their growing minds, their social and emotional skills - it's vital.

Play really is the language of childhood. We, the adults, have to learn to listen to what is being said.

Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard. The idea Take a spring nature walk around the neighborhood. Our winter nature scavenger hunt a couple months ago was such a hit that I figured another was in order, especially since the seasons have changed. I chose this checklist for our […]

I had a lot of fun sharing ideas for learning to read outdoors on Childhood 101 last year. Now Christie and I have put together another great series I think you’ll enjoy – this one on discovering math in the great outdoors. One simple outdoor math game The Little Explorer enjoys at the moment is […]

Wondering what to do outdoors with the kids when it's pouring? Try one of these 10 simple ideas for getting outside on rainy days.

Rain and mud coming your way? Here are five activities for turning a rainy day or wet space into a world full of imagination.

Younger and older kids alike love a good treasure hunt. These tips for a great backyard Easter egg hunt will help make your family's event a success.

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 […]

The weather is starting to warm up and soon we'll be spending more time outside. These backyard organization ideas will help to make your space

Whether you're staying close to home or heading out of town, these 50+ spring break nature activities for kids will help encourage some outdoor fun.

I love taking pictures of nature, even if my kiddos aren’t in the shot. Taking pictures helps me slow down, really focus on something and see beauty where I might not otherwise. It helps me connect with nature. Encouraging kids to take photographs gives them a chance to do the same thing. The bonus: You […]

Exploring nature with kids doesn’t have to mean hitting the trail, heading to the mountains or going camping (though those are all fine ideas). Connecting with nature is as easy as heading out the back door. I hope this blog will give you some ideas to make exploring nature in your backyard simple […]

This is Cape Town’s very best kept secret… While most folk want to visit in the heart of summer, when the wind blows and the heat is… well hot… the best time of year is now. Before the winter rains and after the Summer heat there is a perfect lull… of warm wind free days …

This simple collection of fun outdoor activities for toddlers go beyond the playground and swings. Check out this easy list for wholesome outdoor fun.