In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to encourage kids to connect with nature. Spending time with your kids outdoors fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world. Additionally, creating a backyard nature area is a wonderful way to inspire kids to engage with the natural environment right at home. In […]
15 Fun and Active Outdoor Games for Kids
May 30, 2023 by
With the arrival of warm weather, it’s the perfect time to get kids outside for some active play. Outdoor games not only provide entertainment but also help children develop physical skills, socialize, and enjoy the wonders of nature. In this blog post, we’ve compiled 15 exciting and engaging outdoor games that will keep kids entertained […]
Outdoor Color Match Activity
May 15, 2019 by
This outdoor color match activity is a great way to introduce kids to different color hues and values while learning more about nature! The set up is super quick and easy, so you can enjoy the outdoors at a moment’s notice. I love how this outdoor color match activity encourages kids to observe slight variations […]
Nature Crafts and Activities for Fall
October 20, 2017 by
These nature crafts and activities for Fall are perfect for anytime you are looking for active outdoor play ideas this season! The best part is that they are made using common household items you probably already have on-hand. Since most of these crafts and activities are quick to make, you will have plenty of time […]
Active Play – DIY Flying Disc Games
March 28, 2016 by
Do your kids have lots of extra energy? Are you looking for a few easy activities for active playtime fun?? These flying disc games are quick and easy to set up, and most can be played right in your own backyard or a local park. Yay for fun, active, outdoor activities!! A big thank you […]
Leaf Maze!
November 9, 2015 by
Need a fun and quick activity to keep the kids busy this Fall while they burn off some extra energy? Do you have a yard full of leaves? If so, a leaf maze can turn an ordinary yard full of leaves into an instant Autumn obstacle course! Emily (age 11) created this leaf maze as a […]
DIY Outdoor Toys to Get Kids Moving
August 21, 2015 by
These DIY Outdoor Toys to get kids moving are perfect for the last few days of Summer or anytime you are looking for active outdoor play ideas. The best part is that they are made using common household items you probably already have on-hand! Since most of these DIY projects are quick to make, you will […]
How to Make Bubble Solution for Giant Bubbles
May 15, 2015 by
Making your own bubble solution is quick, easy, and fun to do with the kids. This recipe for bubble solution is perfect for making giant bubbles! It has quickly become one of our favorite go-to outdoor activities to enjoy together on beautiful Spring and Summer days. Tip – for best results, make bubbles on a […]
How to Make Giant Bubble Wands
May 4, 2015 by
These giant bubble wands are easy to make with just a few items you can find at your local hardware store. Older kids can help tie on the string, and younger kids can help measure out how much string to use. The kids may even enjoy decorating these giant bubble wands with paint, glitter glue, or decorative duct […]
How to Make an Outdoor Obstacle Course
April 28, 2015 by
Looking for an easy way to learn how to make an outdoor obstacle course? This simple project is quick to set up, and it is a great way to re-use old pool noodles you may already have on-hand. You should be able to find all of the items needed for this project at your local dollar […]
How to Make a Simple Kite
April 14, 2015 by
This video tutorial is great for learning how to make a simple kite! With just a few common household items you probably already have on-hand, you can make a simple kite in about 2 minutes from start to finish. My kids and I love making these kites and spending the afternoon at a local park flying […]
Fun Outdoor Activity Idea
April 7, 2015 by
Here’s a fun outdoor activity idea that would be great for a sunny afternoon with the kids! This sidewalk suitcase was a HUGE hit with my kids when I surprised them with it after school one afternoon. It is easy and quick to put together, and it doesn’t cost a lot of money. I love how something […]
Painting En Plein Air With Kids
November 18, 2014 by
Painting en plein air with kids can be a great way to foster a love of nature while enjoying plenty of creative art time fun in the process! I love how this activity combines two of my favorite things — painting and enjoying the outdoors! This is such a simple activity, but it kept my kids […]
Story Time in the Park
November 3, 2014 by
Looking for some fun after school adventures to try? You may want to follow us on Instagram where I share quick and easy after school activities, scenic nature photos, play ideas, and simple craft projects! A few weeks ago on Instagram, I shared this idea for a special story time in the park. It was such […]
Apple Cinnamon Stick Bubble Wands
September 16, 2014 by
Last fall, one of the most popular crafts shared on my blog, Fireflies and Mud Pies, were the Halloween Bubble Wands my children and I created from wire, cookie cutters, and cinnamon sticks. I thought it would be fun to recreate that craft for the apple harvest season. Shared below is how my boys and I […]
Gearing Kids Up for Game Day
May 28, 2014 by
Playing sports is a great way to keep kids active outdoors during the Summer months. My kids really love kicking a soccer ball around the yard, running outside playing tag, or even setting up an outdoor obstacle course! I thought I would share one of our favorite snacks for game day, or any other time we […]
5 Tips for a Great Sandbox All Summer Long
June 20, 2013 by
One of my kids’ favorite summer activities is to play in the sandbox. Even my nine-year-old can spend long periods of time playing in the sand. In fact, recently, when I added some new sand to the box, my 4 yr old exclaimed, “It’s just what I always wanted!”. I love how something so simple […]
Let’s Build a Fairy Garden Table!
June 10, 2013 by
This fairy garden table is a never-ending project for the kids this Summer! I love that this space provides: 1. plenty of inspiration for imaginative playtime fun, 2. learning opportunities about various plants, and 3. fresh herbs for our Summer recipes! Oh, and it is absolutely adorable!! We started with a simple elevated garden bed […]
