Idea for the Weekend

What kind of natural objects catch your? Chances are, you’ve come across some interesting finds.  This weekend, use those objects to start your own nature collection. They might include a bird’s nest, a sea shell, part of an old hive, a turtle shell, feathers, or a piece or quartz. Use nature guides and reference books …

Take your workout outdoors this week! Plan your own workout circuit in your neighborhood or nearby park. It doesn’t have to be strenuous — walking counts! Then head outside with your significant other,  your children, your friend, or your four-legged companion for some fresh air and exercise!    Photo by jzlomek

Is the weather getting warmer where you live? Then head outside and do some cloud watching! Take a blanket, spread it out, lay down, and enjoy the fresh air and fluffy clouds. You can find shapes in the clouds, be inspired by the clouds, or just enjoy the clouds.  You can even figure out what …

Get crafty this weekend! Head outside and find some smooth rocks  — any size will do! Then set up a painting area, and get started!  Here’s what you need:    Smooth rocks Acrylic craft paints in a variety of colors Brushes Containers with water for cleaning the brushes Paper towels Disposable plate Newspaper   Here’s …

Is the weather snowy where you live? If so, chances are you’ve made a snowman, snowballs, and even a snow fort. But have you ever made a snow maze? All you need is a yard full of snow and some willing participants to shuffle, stomp, and move through the snow. Need more inspiration? Check out …

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 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 …

As the weather warms up, fireflies will be appearing. Once the sun goes down, head outside and see how many you can find. Click HERE for information about them.     Photo by Heather Griesbach 

This activity will lead you to explore your yard, collect some beautiful flowers, and create the perfect gift for Mother’s Day.  To begin this project, head outside with a pair of scissors and cut a few flowers that you think would look nice together. Then, fold a piece of white paper and insert it between …

This week, snap as many photos of wildlife as you can find in your yard or neighborhood. Then, print them out at a local store or on your printer at home. Cut each photo to fit 2.5 x 2 inches and glue the photos to each page in the photo album. Instructions for creating and …

This activity will teach you how plants grow with hands-on experience from seedling to harvest.  Some materials you may need: Small containers about 2- to 3-inches deep (egg cartons, yogurt cups, plastic pots, etc) Lightweight soil-less potting mix Seeds (sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, radishes, lettuces, and dill all grow quickly) Spray bottle Craft sticks Plastic wrap …

‘Tis the season for tadpoles! In March and early April, many frog species lay their eggs, called frogspawn, in ponds or large puddles. Most frogspawn hatches from May to early June, and the edges of the pond seem to brim with tadpoles. Once you find the tadpoles, revisit the pond during the next 6 to …

Make your own sun-catcher  wind chime!  Things you will need:  Contact paper Scissors Marker or pen Rings from mason jar lids String A sturdy stick Then follow the directions on this page!    Image by M W 

This week, you can make your own seed bombs! A seed bomb (also known as a seed ball) is a ball of clay that contains compost and seeds from native plants, especially wildflowers. The mixture of clay and earth holds in moisture. It also helps protect the seeds from being eaten by animals before they …

This project will have you designing, building, and playing on your own mini putt-putt course, either in your yard or even inside your house. Look around for objects you can use to construct the course. The items can include: cereal boxes  buckets, bins, and other containers gift bags jars boots plastic cups books Almost any …

Here’s an activity that will give both you and your children something to do while socially distancing yourselves from others. Create a treasure hunt for your kids that takes them both around the house and through the yard. First, choose what the treasure will be. It could be a tasty snack. It might be a new …

It’s almost the official start of spring! If the weather’s warming up in your are of the country, take a walk this weekend — barefoot!  Going barefoot outside has lots of benefits; here’s just one article explaining some of them.     Photo by anitapeppers

It’s time to start planting flower bulbs for summer blooms! These can include (but are not limited to) begonias, dahlias, gladiola, and elephant ears. For more information on planting summer bulbs, click HERE.    Photo by lisaleo

This weekend, head outside and see what types of conifers are growing in your area. Conifers are trees with needles that bear cones. Collect the cones, then use this site to see what kinds of trees they are.  You can even use them to make a pine cone wreath.    Photo by blackbird