Explore the Forest - Tips for Hiking with Kids

We are a big hiking family - love to explore the forest on foot.  And we've been treated to some great encounters during our family hikes -- moose in Colorado, wildlife in South Dakota and even some out-of-the-ordinary highlights clos...

Nature Art & Sensory Play

I love to mix in natural items when we create art projects! For example, this fun art activity of painting the four seasons of a tree using sticks -- it inspires kids to really think outside the box.  There's something about the cont...

Kids Garden Activities that 'Dig into Reading'

With the National Summer Library Book theme being 'Dig into Reading', I wanted to feature some of the great posts linked up to our Discover & Explore 'Gardening with Kids '. There are so many garden activities that will pair nicely wi...

7 Fun Nature Walks for Kids

Getting the kids more time outside is always a goal these days. Especially on school days when they're stuck in a building for 8 hours :( with the exception of a 25 minute recess (if you're in elementary school) which I think is waaayyy to...

Gardening Books & Activites for Kids

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 t...

The Life Cycle of a Butterfly: Kids Nature Activities

Explore the life cycle of a butterfly with these hands-on nature activities that can be done at home or in a classroom!We had some wonderful crafts & activities shared on our Discover & Explore: Butterflies linky! For our butte...

8 Great Ways to Enjoy the National Parks

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 their kids.  There are more than ...

Butterfly Activities for Kids

  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, c...

5 Fun Finds: Connecting Kids with Nature

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!...

A Family Vacation in Rocky Mountain National Park

  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...

Fun Ways to Teach Kids About Science

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 ...

Why We Love the National Park Jr. Ranger Program

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 s...

8 Indoor Things to Do Outside

  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 activi...

Let's Learn about Stingrays

We have been lucky enough to see stingrays at a number of zoos and aquariums over the past few years.  It seems that many of us are newly fascinated by these beautiful marine animals and willing to get up close and personal with them ...