Idea for the Weekend

This weekend, do everything you’d normally do — but outside! This includes working on homework, crafting, exercising, folding laundry, reading, napping, playing games —  whatever you have planned, take it all outdoors. Don’t forget — you can cook and eat outdoors, too! It’s as easy as grilling out or just making sandwiches and having a …

Hurricane Florence is threatening the Southeast, and residents in the Carolinas and Virginia have been making preparations so they stay safe through the storm. Do you have a storm emergency kit in your home in case of severe weather? If not, put one together this weekend. You can find a printable list of what to …

It’s apple season! Instead of purchasing apples at the grocery store, head outside with family or friends to a you-pick apple orchard. You can find many orchards using the links on OrangePippin.com.  Wondering what else is ready for harvest in your area? Click on the link to your state on PickYourOwn.org.    Image by jeanneg

You’ve probably heard of geocaching — searching for items hidden in a pubic place using your GPS. But have you heard of letterboxing? Letterboxing is an older hide-and-seek scavenger hunt game played by people all over the world.  You don’t need a GPS; instead, you follow a set of clues. The prize: a plastic box with a …

Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that just requires muscles, not ropes. The rocks are usually low to the ground, no more than 15 – 20 feet high. This weekend, take your whole family “bouldering”! Go somewhere that has a lot of large rocks for your kids (and pets!) to climb around on. Not sure …

This weekend, 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 …

This weekend, get friends or family together and go on a group bike hike! Look online to find the bike trails in your city. If you don’t have a bicycle of your own, check to see if there are places in town where you can rent one.  Below are some safe riding tips to follow …

This weekend, instead of heading inside at bedtime, stay outdoors — and sleep under the stars! Find a flat area in your yard to set up your bedding system, which may include an air mattress, camping blanket, and/or sleeping bag.  Don’t forget your pillow!      Photo by seriousfun

This weekend, take a hike somewhere you’ve never been before. Not sure where to go? Look on these sites featuring national parks and state parks to find hiking trails near you.    Photo by davidpwhelan

This weekend, head outside with your camera and capture the beauty of the outdoors. For tips on taking landscape photos, check out these articles:  “Landscape Photography Tips”, National Geographic “15 Helpful Landscape Photography Tips for Beginners”, ImprovePhotography.com “Seven Tips for Shooting Nature Photos with Your Smartphone Camera”, Popular Science      Photo by Erean 

Although July 4 falls on a Wednesday this year, many cities are celebrating this weekend. Check your local paper or look online for festivities in your area. Join the crowds or celebrate on your own with a trip to the lake, a picnic, or a day at the park.    Photo by Gudina 

Time to get crafty! Creating pebble art is a fun activity for the whole family.    What you’ll need Canvas Pebbles Twigs  Hot glue gun Permanent markers (optional)   To Create Your Artwork Decide on your composition by placing the pebbles and twigs on the canvas. You can find lots of ideas on Pinterest.  Hot …

You don’t have to go to a campsite to go camping. This weekend, set up a tent in your own backyard. Putting up a tent together helps encourage listening skills, cooperation, and teamwork. Your kids will enjoy hanging out in the tent during the day and the adventure of sleeping in the tent at night.  …

Unplug this weekend! Choose one day this weekend to turn off the cell phones, tablets, and computers and head outside. You’ll soon find yourself more refreshed, recharged, and reconnected. Find out more here.    Photo by gracey

This weekend, take time to explore a local state park. To find one in your area, check out this website.    Featured image by taliesin

Depending on where you live, this weekend might be the season for berry picking! Check with your local farms to see what may be ripe and ready. Then head out with friends or family, and enjoy the fruits of your labor (literally)!    Featured image by wunee

Take your workout outdoors this weekend! 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

Head outdoors this weekend and hit the water paddling! If there’s a lake nearby, rent a canoe and enjoy the natural scenery. Not sure where to go? Check out your local state parks and see what’s available.     

It’s spring, and the farmer’s markets are open! Shopping at a farmer’s market is a great way to get quality produce while supporting local growers. If you’ve never been to a farmer’s market before, check out 10 Etiquette & Shopping Tips to Help You Enjoy the Farmers Market.          

This weekend, head out at dawn or dusk to an area without much light pollution and watch the sky. Mostly likely, within 15 minutes you’ll catch sight of one of the more than 35,000 satellites orbiting the earth. Some are active satellites, though many are just space junk. They appear to be stars moving silently …