Activity of the Week

Looking for some DIY decorating ideas? You can keep the holiday spirit going by making homemade wreaths. Here’s a great tutorial that uses a wire wreath frame, floral wire, and the greenery you can find outside!     Photo by gleangeanie    

‘Tis the season to decorate, and what better way to decorate than with free natural items you find outdoors? This weekend, send the family outside on a pinecone hunt. Then bring your bounty in to create some holiday decorations. Click here for some ideas to try!      Photo by krosseel  

If you live in an area where the weather has turned chilly, consider setting out some feeders for your feathered neighbors. Although wild birds are very capable of finding what they need to eat, providing them with seeds and fruit makes their job much easier. Wondering what to feed them? Check out this article by …

This week, find a friend or family member and take a nature walk together. As you go, take turns naming things in nature you are thankful for and why. They could be things you see during your walk, or they could be things inspired by what you see. The fresh air and gratitude are sure …

You don’t have to go camping to build a campfire! This weekend, build one in your own backyard. REI has some great tips on how to start a roaring campfire here. Need to build a fire pit? Here are some very simple directions. Even if it’s cold outside, family and friends will be able warm …

Check online for corn mazes in your area. (This site is a good starting point). Then head out with friends or family to give it a try!    Photo by keencarlene

Your family can celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday all month long by creating a Thankful Tree. Here’s what you’ll need:   Supplies: Roll of brown bulletin board paper, butcher paper, or packaging paper Red, yellow, and orange construction paper or cardstock Markers Sticky tack or masking tape Fall Leaves Pencil Scissors Bags for collecting leaves To Make …

Head out to your local pumpkin patch (or farmer’s market) this weekend, and pick a pumpkin to carve! Not sure what design to use? Look online for ideas featuring faces, words, glitter, paint, and more! Be sure to to save the seeds! Image by M W 

Do you enjoy crafting? Then head outside and gather some beautiful fall leaves! Then try out some of the following craft ideas:  Autumn Leaf Art Embroidered Leaf Place Cards   Fall Leaf Book Page Banner  Fall Leaf Crown  Leaf Coasters  Leaf Doodles  Leaf-Printed Tote Bag  Leaf Rock Art Leaf Sun Catchers    Photo by lisalep

This weekend, head outside after dark and search for constellations! Not sure what to look for? Find out which constellations are visible in the part of the night sky you see on In-the-Sky.org.     Image by Free-Photos 

It’s the time of year when leaf blowers can be heard throughout the neighborhood. But instead of blowing away all of the fallen leaves in your yard, gather them up into a giant leaf pile. Give some leaf rakes to the kids and let them help, too! Then jump right in and enjoy some old-fashioned …

This week, head outside with paper and crayon (any color will do!) to make some nature rubbings. Take a walk through the woods, in a park, or around your neighborhood to see what interesting textures and designs you can find in natural things likes trees, leaves, and rocks. Then, place your paper over the object …

‘Tis the season for picking apples! This weekend, visit an orchard and pick your own apples right from the tree. Many apple farms also sell other fruity treats, such as homemade apple pies and donuts, apple jelly, and apple cider.   Photo by kakisky

This week, go out with a friend or family member after dark and take a night hike! Be sure to take along a flashlight!    Photo by colinpithers

This week, talk about condensation! Some good online resources include: “Dew”. National Geographic  “Condensation”. Geography for Kids Kids are probably familiar with finding condensation on a window or drinking glass. But they may not have thought about finding it in nature. Go out early in the morning to find examples of condensation on grass, leaves, …