Welcome to this week's edition of Discover & Explore.  Each week, we choose a different theme and ask you to share any old or new posts you have that relate to the topic.

This week's linky theme is A Day at the Park: Nature & Play Ideas!

 

This week's theme for the Discover & Explore linky is Flowers!

 

I love to mix in nature items when we create art projects.  There's something about the contrasting textures that I think look so cool when the picture is complete.  And when flowers are included in the project, there is also some wonderful sensory and science learning that happens too!

We had some amazing posts linked up to our Discover & Explore 'Gardening with Kids' linky. Be sure to stop by Fantastic Fun & Learning to see some of the cool science-related garden ideas that are being featured today.

With the National Summer Library Book theme being 'Dig into Reading', I wanted to feature some of the great posts that would pair nicely with garden books for your summer reading list.

 

I'm a toss-the-kids-out-the-door kind of parent.  Children (along with teens and adults for that matter) just don't get enough time outside these days. I can remember enjoying some wonderfully long days climbing trees, skating, creating, digging & exploring.

But I grew up with siblings and neighbors that were all close in age.  My daughter doesn't have the luxury of playmates knocking at her door. 

So lately I've been looking for ways to entice her to spend more time outside.  Since she really enjoys crafts and also likes to be surprised, we decided to create an Outdoor Activity Jar.

The were some very creative ideas and wonderful nature activities that were shared at the  Discover & Explore Earth Day Linky.  Thanks to everyone who shared their posts and offered us some fun ways to celebrate the earth!

One of the fun themes that was shared in the linky was the idea of getting out and enjoying nature with the kids. 

Today I wanted to highlight 6 Fun Nature Walks for Kids as our feature posts.

This week, our Discover & Explore feature is Gardening with Kids.  We can't wait to see all of your fun ideas & projects as we enter gardening season!

Not only is gardening a fun family activity, it’s also a wonderful way to learn about science, nature and math.  And kids really enjoy digging in the dirt, watching plants grow and then eating what they've harvested!

 

I'm a huge fan of the National Parks!  They are one of our country's most beautiful assets and I really feel that every family should take the opportunity to visit at least one of the parks with the kids. 

There are more than 400 national parks and sites located across the country so I'm sure there's one close to you.  And April 20^th - 28^th, 2013 is National Parks Week which is a wonderful time to schedule a visit!

Welcome to the new Discover & Explore linky! 

The linky is hosted by Edventures with Kids and Fantastic Fun & Learning.  Each week, we will feature a different theme and ask you to link up your kids activities, crafts, recipes, outings, booklists and family-friendly posts.

This week, we will Discover & Explore Butterflies!

In honor of Spring this week (yea!!), I thought I'd begin a new weekly series: 5 Fun Finds!

Every week, I find TONS of great things as I'm curating new content or writing posts. I need a way to share these with YOU!

Welcome back to our monthly Virtual Book Club for Kids! 

This month we're exploring the books of David McPhail, who is both an author and illustrator.

 

Our theme for this week is Leaves & Seeds - exploring trees during autumn is a great nature and science activity! 

Make sure to check out our Theme Week posts on Apple Activities & the Autumn Equinox.

Have you ever thought about visiting a national park? 

We've visited quite a few local and state parks - all beautiful -- but nothing compares to our visit at Rocky Mountain National Park this summer!

I was so enthralled with the beauty of the park, the abundance of wildlife and the amazing back-to-nature connection that our family experienced, I feel compelled to share our visit in the hopes that you too will consider a trip to one of our national parks!

Kids seem to always be asking questions -- How many stars are in the sky?  Why is the weather so hot?  How do animals know what to do when it gets cold outside? 

Believe it or not, even young children are able to understand some scientific concepts.  Never assume that your child's too young to understand something -- always try explaining it first (don't underestimate their intelligence)! 

 

Here are 5 science concepts that kids can grasp with easy ways to show your child the 'science behind the question'.

Do you have plans to visit a national park or national monument this year?  If so, don't overlook the Junior Ranger programs offered at more than 200 of these locations!  Kids can learn about nature, history, science -- and earn some very cool patches!

 

Looking for some fun and educational t.v. time this week?  Try some of these great kids movies - animated, feature films & documentaries - that will help kids learn about environmental issues.

 

Discover the Forest put out a great ad campaign encouraging kids and families to get outside - and we wholeheartedly agree! 

Spring is here and it's a great time to get outdoors.  Here are a few traditional indoor activities that can easily be transformed into outdoor fun!