Safari. Spaceship. Shipwreck. Store. It's amazing what happens when the kids are outside with no toys, devices, or anything besides what the planet and their imaginations have to offer. Real, honest-to-goodness play and make believe -- the stuff that should be the cornerstone of childhood.

From my perch on the park bench across the field, I can see them -- full of energy and laughter and what can only be described as joy. Jumping over rocks, chasing each other. Falling down, but getting right back up again in full pursuit.

Their attention soon turns to a large tree stump nearby. This stump quickly becomes a launching pad for parachute jumps of legendary height and difficulty, a table for a very proper and well-attended tea party, and a home for two bear cubs waiting for their mother's return. The ideas and role-plays flow as easily as water, and the kids are blissfully lost in these worlds they've created -- all without electricity or a set of directions. No need to push the play button.

I smile at their antics and am amazed and a bit awestruck by the creativity and spirit my kids have. I wonder what they'll dream up next?!

Playing Outside of the Box

The greatest gift of childhood is imagination and the best place to find it isn't in a box or on a screen. Play is an inherent skill, but one that can dull if it isn't given a chance to blossom. What do your children like to do when they go outside? How can you help inspire them to play and dream and take the time to be a kid? Log in to the Community Corner of the Green Hour website to share your thoughts and ideas about free play.

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

Want to find nature nearby? Green Hour® presents NatureFind™

GREEN HOUR® is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org

Like a rainbow, the flower garden brings color, shape, and excitement to our backyard. It's amazing how it transforms our little piece of the world. The blooms attract butterflies and songbirds, making each glimpse of the landscape an ever-changing delight.

The kids are especially proud that the seeds they'd planted have turned into a "real garden." It's my son's favorite place to look for worms or other creepy-crawlies and it's my daughter's favorite place to sit with her nature journal and sketch. Truth be known, it's my favorite place to have my cup of coffee in the morning -- a few minutes of quiet and beauty to start my day.

To preserve a little piece of our favorite spot, we're going to press a few flowers today. It's an easy and inexpensive project -- just a few bricks or heavy books, some wax paper or paper towels and we are all set. Now, all I need to do is find the one key ingredient for this project -- PATIENCE. Picking the perfect flowers is easy. Waiting for a few weeks for them to press and dry is not!

Making Memories

Pressing flowers is a great way to preserve memories. Why not give it a try? You can put these dried beauties in your nature journal or use them to decorate crafty creations like picture frames, bookmarks, and greeting cards. Share your crafty ideas in the Community Corner.

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

Want to find nature nearby? Green Hour® presents NatureFind™

GREEN HOUR® is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org

Our long-awaited beach trip has finally arrived and I'm once again thrilled to feel the sand between my toes. There truly is nothing like the smell of salt air or the feel of the ocean breeze on your face! The boys are off playing pirate, but it's we girls who have found a real treasure: a small tide pool.

"It's like a mini-ocean," my daughter says, without lifting her gaze.

"You're right!" I reply, looking with equal interest at the tide pool.

Crouching down, we explore the tide pool with eager eyes. We see a sand dollar and sea stars, sea anemones and lots of plants we cannot name. Several thumb-sized snails cling to the rock where my daughter is perched. A small crab scurries by her foot, which delights her to no end.

It's fun pointing out our discoveries to each other, making up names for things we don't know. Who says we have to know exactly what we're looking at? The "wiggly-armed doodad" is right next to the "fuzzy whatchamacallit," of course! Later, we'll check out a book on tide pools to see if we can find their real names, but our made-up names work just fine for two novice explorers -- and besides, they make us giggle.

We talk about the many things that live in the pool that are too small -- or too well-hidden -- for us to see. We take pictures that later will fill my daughter's nature journal, along with descriptions of all the amazing plants and animals she'd found. So much life in such a small space -- what a wonderful discovery our walk held for us today!

An Accessible Ocean

Tide pools are magical, ever-changing places that let us glimpse the workings of ocean life. But be kind -- humans are the number one threat to tide pools. Look, but leave those sea creatures in their habitat.

On your next trip to the beach, see if you can find a tide pool. Not heading to the beach this year? Check out the nearest aquarium to explore tide pools and other wonders that our oceans have to offer.

Share your beach memories in the Community Corner of the Green Hour website.

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

Don't miss a thing! Get the Green Hour® weekly e-newsletter.

GREEN HOUR® is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org

The first meeting of my daughter's summer book club is underway, and I’ve been banished from the area. Slightly bruised ego aside, I have no worries. In fact, it’s great to watch her growing into her independence, navigating her surroundings and relationships on her own. Besides, with my son off at a friend's house, this "big girl" is looking forward to catching up on her own summer reading list!

On a blanket tucked somewhere in the shade of our backyard sit five little girls with a stack of carefully selected books. As if reading to the birds and squirrels, they share tales of the natural world, both real and imagined. Cups of fresh-made lemonade keep them cool, and a bowl of hand-picked berries is just right for nibbling.

I have no doubt that when the stories are done, the girls will fill the morning hours with the sort of games and activities that only children can dream up. Inspired by the tales they read and the discoveries waiting in the garden, trees, and even the dirt of our backyard, they’ll create a morning's worth of childhood memories that will delight them when they, too, are "big girls."

Read All About It!

Reading doesn't have to be just a solo or indoor activity -- take it outside instead! Why not let your kids start their own book club this summer? No yard? Take a trip to a favorite park with some friends and swap favorite stories. Pick a theme, or not -- no rules, just fun! Are your kids too young for their own book club? Start a parents' or grandparents' club, sharing your favorite children’s books with them while picnicking or while sipping a glass of lemonade in the shade.

Log in to the Green Hour Community Corner to share some of your favorite book titles.

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

Don't miss a thing! Get the Green Hour® weekly e-newsletter.

GREEN HOUR® is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org

Running. Jumping. Laughing out loud. We're indulging in one of the great joys of summer -- catching fireflies.

Earlier, we'd punched holes in the lid of a glass jar -- the temporary home for the fireflies we catch. Now, after cooking dinner together and watching a beautiful sunset, we're running around the yard in pursuit of these wonderful bugs, working off those hotdogs to make room for s'mores later.

A firefly lands on my son's arm, finding him in a rare still moment. He giggles as the insect takes a few steps, tickling his arm. My daughter examines her jar full of magic by the campfire, watching the tiny creatures blink on and off.

Later, we'll make up stories about our firefly friends -- epic tales of adventure and science fiction, no doubt. I can't wait to hear the kids' explanations for the magic glow of these summertime backyard favorites!

Good to Glow!

Whether you call them fireflies or lightning bugs, catching these amazing creatures is a can't-miss recipe for summer evening fun! It's also a great opportunity to teach your kids about catch-and-release observation techniques and how to interact with creatures without harming them.

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

Don't miss a thing! Get the Green Hour® weekly e-newsletter.

GREEN HOUR® is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org

"Look at me!" my son shouts, all dangling feet and big smile.

"Me, too!" my daughter chimes in.

"And me!" my husband says with a laugh.

Like the Swiss Family Robinson, we've taken to the trees today. It might be the simplest pleasure a child can have outside, but the good old-fashioned practice of climbing trees seems to have all but disappeared from the American backyard. This simply won't do.

In our yard, we've picked two terrific climbing trees -- a maple and an oak -- sturdy, with nothing underneath to fall on but soft grass. These trees are just begging to be climbed!

Do we have rules? Sure. No climbing higher than you can safely get down from. No climbing when you're alone. And test the sturdiness of each branch before you put your weight on it. Other than that… it's get in touch with your inner squirrel and climb that tree!

And my "squirrels" are having a blast. Could they possibly get hurt? Of course. But they also could get hurt riding a bike, playing soccer, or climbing on the jungle gym. The joy, freedom, and sense of wonder that come with climbing a tree far outweigh the risks for my family.

A new window on the world waits to be discovered from the perch of a sturdy tree limb. Lazy summer days perched on a tree branch are some of my most precious memories, and I don't want my kids to miss the chance to make memories of their own. Climb on!

Don't-Miss Adventures

Like wading in a creek, hiking through the woods, or camping, tree climbing is a childhood rite of passage. When you feel your children are ready for it, tree climbing can teach them about assessing risk and building self-confidence while exercising their bodies. Don't miss the chance to teach your kids how to climb safely and enjoy watching them make memories that will last a lifetime!

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

Don't miss a thing! Get the Green Hour® weekly e-newsletter.

GREEN HOUR® is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org

I'm staring at stained faces, hands, and shirts and I couldn't be happier. Sitting under a beautiful tree, the kids and I are on a berry-picking break -- or should I say a berry-eating break? Giggles abound, as we each try our hand at making "berry" bad berry jokes.

Since picking pumpkins last fall was such a big hit, I thought it was time to head back to the farm and pick some berries. What fun the kids and I are having, wandering around the rows of plants on a beautiful, sunny day! And, though I'm not encouraging it, the kids have turned it into a bit of a contest to see who can fill their kid-sized pails the fastest. I remind them to be gentle -- that berries are delicate and can be bruised or ruined if we're not careful pickers.

Somehow, if you've picked them yourself, berries taste sweeter -- a perfect summer morsel. Later, we'll make a mixed-berry shortcake and freeze some of the berries so we can enjoy our harvest for months to come. It reminds me of my own childhood, and the amazing strawberry jam my grandmother would make each summer when the berries were at their peak. I've got the recipe -- do I dare to give it a try?

In the shade of the tree, I tell the kids about their great-grandmother's jam and my summertime adventures with my brothers. You know, I think that I will give jam making a try. What's the worst that could happen? If it turns out too runny, we'll just pour it over ice cream and make berry sundaes!

The Perfect Pick

Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries -- whatever your pleasure, berry picking is a great family outing. It's a rite-of-passage summer activity that will remind you of simpler days, while giving you the opportunity to help your kids learn about healthy food choices.

Log in to Green Hour's Community Corner to share "berry" delicious recipes and swap stories about your berry picking adventures.

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

Don't miss a thing! Get the Green Hour® weekly e-newsletter.

GREEN HOUR® is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org

"Wow," they say in unison, hands pressed against the window glass.

Wow, indeed. Last month, my daughter received a hummingbird feeder as a birthday gift from her grandparents. And this morning, we're being treated to our first sighting of these incredible birds. I'd never seen a real live hummingbird before and, I must say, I'm totally amazed. Maybe even more amazed than the kids by these little beauties and their delicate midair dance.

Darting around the feeder, they hover and move from side-to-side, even backwards -- wings moving so quickly they're nothing more than a blur. Our eyes can hardly keep up with the tiny jewel-toned visitors.

"Coolest bird ever," my daughter says quietly, taking a seat so she can write an entry in her nature journal. The look on my son's face says that he agrees.

I smile, and remind myself to send a thank-you note to my in-laws. This is one birthday gift that'll keep on giving, long after she'd have lost interest in any toy they might have sent.

Later, we'll take a trip to the library to do some research on these little treasures. I can already tell that this feeder will be a family favorite all summer long!

Flights of Fancy

Have you ever seen a hummingbird in nature? If not, you're in for a real treat! Watching these little birds will amaze and delight your entire family. You can pick up a hummingbird feeder at your local wild bird store, or make one of your own by following the directions on the Green Hour website.

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

Don't miss a thing! Get the Green Hour® weekly e-newsletter.

GREEN HOUR® is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org

Up to their knees in pond water, the kids have never looked happier. We're back at our local nature center, this time for a pond dipping program. Wading in the water, a naturalist leads a group of excited kids -- small nets in hand and big grins on their faces.

With each dip into the pond, they discover new things. Tiny plants, insect larvae, daphnia, and many more things I can't name. A painted turtle, seemingly watching the action, rests on a nearby log. A frog pokes its head above the surface, then quickly swims off. Dragonflies buzz by, jeweled wings glistening in the sun. The naturalist guides the kids, helping them to explore the pond habitat with open-ended questions and allowing them to investigate and learn at their own pace.

Later, we'll head back to the nature center to draw pictures and write stories about the pond life we saw today. But first, there are many more things to be discovered in a jarful of water borrowed from this magical place.

Dippity Do Da

Pond dipping is a fun activity for kids and parents alike. You'll be amazed at what you can see in -- and learn from -- a scoop of water! Not quite ready to try it on your own? Check with your local park or nature center for pond dipping programs near you.

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

Don't miss a thing! Get the Green Hour® weekly e-newsletter.

GREEN HOUR® is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org

Is there anything better than an extra day in your week? With the promise of the long holiday weekend ahead of us, the discussion at family dinner turns to what we should do with our gift of an extra day.

"The zoo," suggests my husband.

"We just went on a school field trip there, Daddy," my daughter gently reminds him.

"A bike ride?" I ask.

"New," my daughter says. "A special extra day is for something new."

"Of course it is," I agree with a smile.

"A boat," my son weighs in. "I want to go on a boat."

My husband and I look at each other. A day on a boat can be expensive… but it doesn't have to be. Grabbing the paper, my husband checks the Sports and Leisure section. It turns out that a park in the city rents pedal boats. For about the same cost as going to a movie, we can spend a sunny afternoon pedaling around the lake and exploring a new green space. There are lots of great places for picnicking, birding, and simply enjoying the outdoors.

This idea is met with great enthusiasm by the kids and, just like that, plans for our special extra day are made!

Day Trippin'

Pedal boats are a great way to introduce kids to water sports, and a fun way to get some exercise, too! Exploring a lake at water level offers a glimpse of plant and animal species you might not see in your backyard or a favorite park. No matter where you live, your local or nearby communities offer a host of day trip options. Explore newspapers and parks and recreation websites for opportunities near you.

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

Want to find nature nearby? Green Hour® presents NatureFind™

GREEN HOUR® is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org

Call me retro, but we're taking back the birthday party. This year, we're stepping away from overspending, overindulging, and overstressing. One too many trips to the indoor play palace has sent me over the edge and straight into the backyard where, once again, nature provides fun and discoveries aplenty.

Over the last year, we really have nurtured the love of nature in our children. TV, video games, and an overly-structured schedule have given way to hours spent hiking, birdwatching, gardening, and just playing outside -- imaginations in full bloom. My daughter jumped at the chance to share her love of the outdoors with her friends, so we're celebrating her special day with a good old-fashioned backyard birthday party.

Homemade garlands of leaves and flowers decorate the patio. Red checkered tablecloths dot the yard and will make the perfect picnic spot for the kids. And a "Happy Birthday" sign is hand-decorated with pictures of flowers, birds, bugs and other backyard favorites.

We're doing a nature scavenger hunt, playing animal charades and bringing back old-school favorites like a balloon toss, Hot Potato, and a leap frog race. My neighbor has offered to do face painting for the kids -- the yard soon will be filled with butterflies, raccoons, lizards, and other backyard buddies.

Wearing a crown of dandelions she made herself, my daughter eagerly welcomes her first guest. Her expression is sheer joy. It's going to be a great day!

Keep It Simple

Tired of over-the-top parties? Why not throw a simple party or cookout in your backyard or favorite local park? Keep it simple -- the memories you make will be priceless. Think back to the games you played as a child and share these with your kids.

Want to do goodie bags? Go natural! Send kids home with a magnifying glass, a bug net and some cool critter stickers -- all of which can be picked up from a dollar or discount store.

Share your backyard birthday ideas in the Community Corner of the Green Hour website!

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

Want to find nature nearby? Green Hour® presents NatureFind™

GREEN HOUR® is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org

I watch him, a study in concentration and intensity. He works gently -- well, as gentle as my son can be -- rubbing the pencil on the paper, stopping to inspect his work from time to time. When finished, he pulls off the paper to reveal a very fine bark rubbing.

"Wow," he whispers, as if he can't believe that it really worked.

"That's beautiful," I tell him, pleased to see the pride he's taken in the effort.

Over the next hour, we walk through the park, stopping to do rubbings on a variety of trees and other natural objects. Some work better than others, of course, but it doesn't matter to him. He's just having a good time trying different colored pencils and seeing what makes the best imprint.

What a great way to spend an afternoon outside -- and now we have some new artwork to hang up in his room, too!

There's the Rub

You can try this activity with bark, leaves, rocks, and a variety of other things you might find outdoors. For a different kind of keepsake, try making your nature rubbings on a lightweight white fabric. Share your favorite nature craft ideas and creations in the Community Corner of the Green Hour website.

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

Want to find nature nearby? Green Hour® presents NatureFind™

GREEN HOUR® is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org

It's slow going at first, getting the entire family moving on their bikes, but we're getting the hang of it!

We're hitting our local Rail Trail today, getting a new perspective on nature from our bike seats. My daughter is finally old enough to ride independently, but my son is riding on a kid's bike extension hooked to my husband's bike. Better him than me, I think, as we chug up a slight incline.

We've packed a bag with everything we need: sack lunches, water, sunscreen, field guides, a pocket camera and the family nature journal. We've already spotted plenty of birds and even had the good luck to see a chubby woodchuck waddle across the path. About a mile up the trail is a park where we'll have our lunch in the shade of a giant oak tree. This will give us time to rest -- and to explore the sights and sounds of a new green space.

As always, I know my son will fill his pockets with new rocks for his collection. I wonder if his dad will notice the extra weight?

Hitting the Trail

Biking is a great way to explore your community with your family. Why not plan a family ride soon? Pack a picnic, do some bird watching and explore a new "neck of the woods." Not only is it a great way to get your Green Hour, it's also a fantastic way to get some exercise. Need help finding somewhere to bike in your area? Simply visit http://www.greenhour.org/naturefind

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

Want to find nature nearby? Green Hour® presents NatureFind™

GREEN HOUR® is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org

In honor of Earth Day, we're starting a family project where we all can make a difference for our planet. In a small corner of the yard, my husband and kids have set up a compost pile. In it, we'll put food waste and organic yard debris -- things that, just last week, we would have thrown away, adding to our local landfill. If you've never seen a landfill -- well, it's nothing you really want to add to.

The kids are very excited about this project. Each day, they're responsible for collecting the approved kitchen scraps -- things such as apple cores, egg shells, and vegetable peels -- and taking them out to the compost pile. Layer by layer, we'll build our pile and eventually have a rich organic material to add to our garden.

My daughter has taken a picture of our compost pile and will continue to document its growth and progress in her nature journal. Who knows? This just might turn out to be a really good science fair project!

Wildlife Watch

Composting is a great family project. Looking for another great way to get your family outside this week? Join people across the nation as they participate in National Wildlife Federation’s Nature Quest™ Wildlife Watch. To download your nature checklist, visit nwf.org/wildlifewatch.

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

Want to find nature nearby? Green Hour® presents NatureFind™

GREEN HOUR® is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org

Younger cousins are visiting and my kids are eager to share their love of the outdoors with them. The thing is, the weather hasn't been cooperating. Steady rain all day.

"Quack!" I say loudly.

"Quack! Quack!" my kids reply in unison.

This can only mean one thing -- it's time to go outside in the rain!

After getting everyone bundled into their rain gear, we all head out into the yard. The little cousins can't believe it -- outside, in the rain! It's almost too good to be true. They catch rain drops on their tongues, and giggle when I join in the fun. We play a game of splash tag, which is really just tag with the occasional puddle jump thrown in for good measure.

I have another trick up my sleeve -- spoons that I’d tucked in my raincoat pocket. We have a race to see whose spoon fills up with rainwater the fastest. The kids love this, and want to play again and again.

One last idea: I dash in for some food coloring and paper plates. Standing in a dry spot on the porch, we each add a few drops of food coloring to our plates. Then we step into the rain, holding our plates flat, long enough to count 60 seconds. Back inside, we shed our rain gear and warm up while the plates dry.

Oh, what beautiful rain paintings the kids have made -- splashes and swirls of color. Later, we’ll cut raindrops and flowers out of construction paper to make frames for our rainy day masterpieces!

Who says rainy days can't be fun?

April Showers

Rain is almost a given in April. Don't be glum -- remember those May flowers are right around the corner! Did you try rain painting? This activity also works with dry tempera paint and thick paper. What activities do you and your kids like to do outside when it rains? Log in to the Community Corner of the Green Hour website to share your favorite rainy day activities.

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

Want to find nature nearby? Green Hour® presents NatureFind™

GREEN HOUR® is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org