The Daylight Hours Are Getting Shorter
As the days wind down and head toward the settled nature of winter, as daylight itself becomes less and less each day, many families find themselves ‘getting outside’ less and less. It’s as if our subconscious takes over and pulls us into a latent, sometimes cozy winter hibernation mode.
Well, Good News!
We don’t have to go with it.
We can make plans and hold ourselves accountable to continue to get out.
Because fall and winter hold such wonders!
And missing them would just be a shame.
So what can we do?
How do we ensure that we’re still making the most of nature as longer nights encroach on our warm and sunny hours?
We’ve got you.
With our quick (and sometimes dirty) list of outdoor excursions that take 30 minutes or less.
Outdoor Excursions in 30 Minutes or Less
Everything below can be accomplished around your own block… apartment complex, neighborhood, etc. No need to pack up the car and drive anywhere. Remember, a fun-filled five minutes (as opposed to a frustration filled hour) can make the difference between enjoying your outings and dreading them.
1. Count the number of leaf colors you can find.
2. Collect fallen leaves in a variety of shapes and/or colors.
3. Sniff and try to identify smells. A bonfire. A neighbors dinner. A skunk. The coming rain.
4. Turn your walk into a scavenger hunt. This HiB post has several ideas on that.
5. Turn down a new street you haven’t explored yet.
6. Eat outside before it gets too cold to do so (a picnic in the back yard can be all you need).
7. Do a family nature bingo walk. Work together to fill the sheet instead of competing against one another.
8. Put those rain boots to good use and stomp puddles for FIVE minutes… yes, even in the rain.
9. Collect a few things for a special activity. This HiB post has a few tips for what to create.
10. Hug every tree you can and thank them for their fallen leaves.
Ten ideas to get you outside, no matter how much time you have, and an extra tip!
Do a search on our HiB blog for ‘hiking activities’ or ‘trail activities’. The posts you get might inspire your next favorite family tradition. Like this one focused on infants.
Looking for a few more quick ideas? Check out this HiB post with 30 Things You Can Do Right Outside Your Door in 30 Minutes.
See you on the trail! Or in the neighborhood… ya know. Whatever you find time for ;).
