Favorite Resources

At last look, I had some 150 blogs in my Google Reader – which means I read a ton of stuff from around the web to help bring you ideas and inspiration for getting outside and connected to nature in Los Angeles and beyond.

It’s an eclectic mix of blogs about nature, play, travel and Los Angeles.

  
These are my favorites, the ones I can count on for creative and fun ways to excite kids about being outside in nature. The ones that excite me about traveling to far away places. And the ones that entice me to discover some place new right here in my own backyard.

I update this list regularly, so you can trust that these folks are the real deal.

Fellow Nature Explorers & Play Advocates

• Kari at Active Kids Club knows how to have fun in all kinds of weather. And she is the gal to turn to if you want to know how to create an outdoor playgroup.

• The National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There movement features a ton of activities you can try at home, in your backyard, at school and beyond.

• The Children & Nature Network  leads the movement to connect children, their families and communities to nature. Here you can find evidence-based resources and tools for things like starting your own nature club.

• Bethe Almeras, better known as the Grass Stain Guru, is a constant source of inspiration and support for play advocates. Her blog is a reminder of what childhood today should look like (hint: messy).

• Let the Children Play is the brainchild of Jenny, an Australian early childhood teacher with some 20 years of experience. This is where I turn for ideas on messy outdoor play, natural playscapes and inspiring spaces to play.

• Little Humbugs author Marghanita shares inspiring ways to bring magic to time spent outdoors. She’s also the creator of the award-winning children’s brand Little Humbugs, along with her latest creation, Orange Moon.

• The Nature Rocks Activity Finder allows you to search by time available, location & age of child. And each season, there’s a free, downloadable activity guide. (I’m also a Nature Rocks Ambassador, so I’m a big fan.)

• The Woodland Trust’s nature detectives offer a ton of free downloads to help kids connect with nature.

• The Magnifying Glass describes itself as “an online nature journal” and makes turning the backyard into a place of nature discovery a snap.

• TrailMix.Net is a great place to discover out-of-the-box activities and resources for things like starting a rock collection and geocaching.

• There are quite a few outdoor moms I love for their commitment to getting outside every day. These inspiring women include: Abbie at Greening Sam & Avery, Lindsey at OutsideMom.com, Mel at Traveling Mel and Melissa at Adventure Tykes.

Southern California Gems

• My play pal Michele at Fun Orange County Parks is the person to hook you up with a park in Orange County.  She also blogs about play and spending time in nature – two of our favorite things.

• Red Tricycle Los Angeles is my go-to source for finding unique things to do with kids in L.A., be it outdoors or in. I especially love the creative lists of activities they’re always coming up with.

• The Children’s Nature Institute provides hands-on, nature-based environmental education programs for kids in the greater Los Angeles area. These outings are a great way for families to get out exploring nature in Los Angeles.

• Tracy at Walk Simply can turn any walk into an adventure. Her Southern California walks take her to beaches, city trails, nature walks and parks – sometimes with kids and sometimes without.

Other Outdoorsy Friends & Travel Lovers

• Michael at Exploring Portland’s Natural Areas has got to be one of the coolest dads I know. He and his son Patrick spend a lot of time outside and he writes all about their adventures, including tons of gorgeous photos.

• Frog Mom Laure spends a lot of time outside with her kids exploring Northern California. I especially enjoy her creative adventures, including a ladybug hike and a Harry Potter night hike.

• Colleen at Travel Mamas is a great writer with a special place in her heart for all things nature. She lives in San Diego but writes about all kind of family travel adventures.

• Sarah at Wandering Off is a travel blogger who has a special affinity for nature. I’m over the moon that she’s moved to Las Vegas, where she’s sharing all kinds of insider tips on discovering the natural gems the place has to offer.