Inspired by a post on camping goals over on CEJCamping.com, I figured there’s no time like the present to think about my own hopes and ideas for getting outdoors with the kids this spring and beyond.
Don’t let my list intimidate you from making your own; I realize I may not get to all of these items. But what better way to help me see at least some of these goals through then to share them with all of you? So … here goes:
BACKYARD FUN
- Spend 30 minutes a day (or more!) outside enjoying unstructured play and nature exploration
- Plant our vegetable garden
- Build a fort
- Have a backyard campout
- Raise a caterpillar and release a butterfly
NEARBY NATURE
- Pick veggies at a working farm (like Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark, CA)
- Go tide pooling
- Visit one new nearby park, garden or beach a month
- Look into the possibility of starting a nature club for families in Los Angeles (or at least enjoy more nature playdates!)
GRANDER ADVENTURES
- See the California poppies in bloom at Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve
- Go on a whale watching cruise in Oxnard
- Head to the local mountains for some snow play
I hope reading this list has you thinking about ways you’d like to get outside with your kids. Remember, you don’t need to go any farther than out the front door to enjoy nature. Just get outside and explore. You might be surprised what’s waiting for you out there!
I’d love to hear what you’re planning to do outdoors with your family in the months ahead. Leave a comment and let me know!
DEBI says
Chris, I'm very excited about watching the caterpillar to butterfly transformation up close. Sounds like it was a wonderful experience for you.<br /><br />Lorraine, it can be easy with the routine tasks of day-to-day life to forget to spend time outdoors. The trick is to make getting outdoors part of the day-to-day routine! 🙂
Lorraine says
I like your idea of setting a goal for time spent outside. If you set something achievable, once some imaginary play sets in your 30 minutes might turn into hours. Great post!
Chris says
Oh, raising a caterpillar and releasing a butterfly are so much fun! We did that last summer for the first time. It was amazing to get to see all the steps so close up.
DEBI says
Carolina, I have tried unsuccessfully to make it to the poppy fields for the past three years. Looks like things are delayed this year due to the recent rains, so I hope we don't miss it while we're in Hawaii!<br /><br />Alison, thanks for your concern. I have been whale watching before and I do get seasick. It's so bad I have to use motion sickness bands! This would truly be an
Ollie says
As I watch the last few inches of our most recent three-foot snowfall melt away, it occurred to me that you could combine your mountain snowplay trip with your fort. This winter had a 4-foot half-completed igloo in our back yard that would have done quite well as a snow fort!
Alison Kerr says
Debi, these all sound wonderful. Have you been whale watching before? Just be aware that the Pacific Ocean is not a calm place: I've never been bothered by being on the ocean… until I went whale watching! And my poor friend who was prone to motion sickness – let's say she didn't care about whether there were any whales to see or not. I've never seen her so miserable. I'd
Carolina says
So I was very excited because it looked like I might be driving by the Poppy Reserve for spring break, and I was actually going to get to check it out…but it seems my plans may have changed. Hope one of us gets out there 🙂
DEBI says
Nice to meet you Andrea! I'm with you — we have plenty of fun outdoors on our own but there's a completely different dynamic when you add other kids into the mix. Plus, a family nature group seems like a great way to get to know other people in our community. Good luck!
Andrea says
btw, was sent over by Bethe's twitter account. 🙂
Andrea says
The nature playdates/nature club for families is our goal for the year too. We're pretty good at spending time outside but spending time outside with other kids/families I think would be even more fun. 🙂
DEBI says
What a great goal, Catherine! Spending a day together on a grand adventure allows for fun memories and plenty of bonding time! 🙂
CatWay says
Sounds like you'll be having lots of outdoors fun this year. I'm aiming for us to have one grand/all day adventure a month this year.