Two Books on Playing Outside

Let's Go Outside!: Outdoor Activities and Projects to Get You and Your Kids Closer to Nature by Jennifer Ward

Imagine Childhood: Exploring the World Through Nature, Imagination, and Play by Sarah Olmsted

I received a ton of books for Christmas, most of which are waiting on my bedside table to be read. But I did find the time over the winter break to dip into two of them aimed at getting kids outside to play (a constant struggle in our house).


Let's Go Outside is the simplest of the two -- it's basically just a practical list of 52 projects and activities to do outdoors. From instructions on fort building to ideas for nature walks to rules for games you probably played as a kid but forgot all about (Sardines, anyone?), it covers all seasons and weather (we can't wait for some snow to try the DIY snowshoe project). Probably my favorite part of the book is that it grows with the child, adding ways to take each project further for different skill levels. (Example: While the little ones search for ladybugs in the grass, big kids are encouraged to keep a field guide comparing the different species of ladybugs they find and marking down special characteristics).

Imagine Childhood is more for the craftier set, as the focus is on making things using ingredients found in nature or celebrating nature -- earth houses, flower wands, or four seasons capes. There's a lot of text describing the importance of outdoor activity and memories of play pulled from the author's own childhood, which I admittedly leafed past, but the photos are gorgeous and inspiring. Some of the 25 projects are in-depth enough to make them more for the older set -- six to ten-year-olds, maybe? -- but I've earmarked a few for Anouk and me to try (we're definitely building tents in the backyard this summer -- they'll be perfect for Let's Go Outside's moonlight story time).

Did you get any new reads for the holidays? What are your favorite ways to get your kids outside?

(Speaking of getting out of doors, over at Fun and Free Hampton Roads, I blogged about FREE admission to the Norfolk Botanical Garden until January 19. Check it out!)