outdoors

This time of year I find myself playing a scavenger hunt of sorts when I’m in the car, searching for bright tufts of green in otherwise bare trees of winter. For some strange reason it brings me great joy to find our favorite holiday parasite boldly displaying itself high in the trees for all to …

In our part of the country, we only have a few snow days each year. But my family loves them! We have snowball fights, build snowmen, and sled down a nearby hill. We also love taking walks while it’s snowing. It amazes me to think how every one of those flakes has a unique design. …

  We love thinking of ways to celebrate each season.  Here’s what we’re looking forward to trying this Fall.  Let us know if you try them!     You’ve tried a leaf pile. This Fall, try a leaf maze or labyrinth. We’d love to see pictures of your designs. Make smores with a solar oven. …

This is going to be a milestone summer. This is the first summer in which both my girls will attend sleep-away summer camp. The first word that explodes in my mind is “freedom” — for them and me. As excited as I am to have some time to tackle a few projects at home, to …

If you are looking for outdoor pursuits in the upcoming cold months, consider the equestrian opportunities of horseback riding. Horses harness an ability to make you feel connected to the natural world like no other  animal. They are strong yet gentle. Independent yet empathic. There’s something  about their calming nature that can bring one into a …

Passport to nature A national park pass For your New Year’s resolution A pair of running shoes To document your adventures A new digital camera To keep you hydrated A good-looking reusable water bottle Get out and about A trip to a natural wonder Show your true colors A quirky t-shirt For your curious side …

1. When leaves start to fall, try to catch one before it hits the ground. When you do it, make a wish. 2. Ready for a break from your routine? Follow a squirrel for five minutes (watching out for traffic, of course). You never know what you might find. 3. Roast butternut or acorn squash. …

March 30th is “Take a Walk in the Park” day.  Spend an hour enjoying a lovely stroll! Either find a fourth grader or act like one and plan your summer trips around national parks. As of this year, fourth graders get free annual passes to national parks! Make your own spring tonic soup. (Be sure …

Invite some outdoorsy friends to enjoy free National Park admission on Veteran’s Day, November 11th. Pick a pumpkin off the vine. Find pumpkin patches and more. Replace your tired summer annuals with a salad garden: arugula, radishes, carrots and baby lettuce are delicious and simple to grow. Check out the wealth of gardening knowledge available …

1/13/2015: Outdoorosity Challenge: Try @KeepinItKind‘s Pomegranate Orange Sweet Potato Bake. 1/7/2015: Outdoorosity Challenge: Bundle up and head for a walk with a loved one. 10/21/2014: Outdoorosity Challenge: pick a topic and learn more: choose fishing, boating, canoeing, camping, tree climbing or whatever you like. 10/15/2014: Outdoorosity Challenge: Ditch the gym and work out in the sunshine. You’ll likely feel happier and …

Hurray!  The time has changed and the days are getting longer.  Use the additional daylight to enjoy time outdoors.  Some of our favorite things to do are play kick the can, enjoy a game of hide and seek, and play freeze tag with family and friends. Lay outside on a quilt outside and look for …

Try remixed snow art: Add color to your snowman or snow angel with spray bottles of diluted food coloring. Take a nature walk to gather materials (think rosemary, holly, pine cones or berries) to decorate your home. Try cross-country skiing. If you missed it this fall (or even if you didn’t), build a bonfire and …

Catch a falling leaf before it hits the ground and make a wish. Daylight savings time gives us an extra hour on November 3rd. Use that hour to watch the sunrise. Try three new types of apples. Bonus: pick-it-yourself! (Find an orchard at PickYourOwn.org.) Find the biggest rock that you can (mountains count) and climb to …

Start the day with a walk outside: no headphones, just the morning sounds of birds, breezes and possibilities. See how it changes your day. Plant a summer garden: our favorite things are heirloom vegetables and flowers! Pick a fresh bouquet of flowers for your desk every day for a week. Explore a new trail. Forage for …