Bringing everyday life into the outdoors
It can be a trek up to a mountain peak
Or a walk on the street during the week
It can be a day at the beach
Or a sandbox in reach
Swimming in a lake,
A pile of leaves to rake
A playdate at the park,
Or playing ball ‘til dark
It can be pushing a stroller,
or skating on rollers
A flour sack race,
or kids playing chase
It can be campfire stories under sparkly stars,
or delaying bedtime to search for Mars
Riding a bike down a winding path,
Or using the pool instead of a bath
It can be drifting from flower to flower like a bee,
Or reading a book beneath an old tree
Searching forests for woodland fairies,
Or piling in a van to pick summer berries
With tiny ones in tow,
It’s helpful to know—
Outside is even where the chores can go
Hanging clothes out on the line,
Feeling the breeze and taking your time
Chopping veggies in the afternoon sun,
Watching the kids as they laugh and run
Writing and working,
And making things new—
If you can carry it,
Take it with you
It can be doing their hair,
Or cutting their nails,
Packing a snack to share,
Or serving their meals
Sensory bins,
Or bubbles and grins
Skipping stones,
Or ice cream cones
It can be jumping in puddles,
Or just feeling the weather
Camp chair cuddles,
Or painting together
The choices are endless—
It doesn’t take much.
Even ordinary things
Become something more
When you lift up your day
And step out the door
So step outside…
See what nature can show
Step outside—
That’s where wonder will grow