—Amanda Montalbano, Environmental Educator
After a long and snowy winter, spring is finally here! For many families in our area, next week also means spring break for their children. Whether you’re at home or on vacation, it is always nice to have activities the whole family can do together. We all know that “April showers bring May flowers,” but there’s no reason a little seasonal rain should spoil the fun! Here are a few activities that can be done inside or outside.
Chromatography Flowers
Photo Credit: ytimg.com
Chromatography is the science of separating mixtures. It usually involves a method using mixed substances and depending on the speed at which they move through another medium, they will end up in visibly different segments. This may sound complicated, but this biochemical technique can easily show how colors separate with coffee filters, washable markers, and water! Add a pipe cleaner and you can make your very own bouquet of flowers.
For detailed instructions, click here.
Natural Egg and Fabric Dye
Photo credit: Ediblecommunities.com
Natural dyes are a fun way to add color to just about anything that can absorb them. They have two significant advantages over commercial dyes. 1.) Natural dyes are biodegradable meaning they have little to no impact on the environment when you dispose of them. 2.) They are safe to use around pets and little ones since they are typically made from food or spices! You can use the dyes for yarn, tie-dyed shirts, and adding a bit of vinegar to replace your store-bought egg dyeing kits for those who celebrate Easter (or just like colorful eggs!).
For a video tutorial, click here.
Seed Balls
Photo credit: rockspringslibrary.com
Seed balls make gardening easy, fun, and accessible! A craft with a purpose — the ball design protects seeds from wind, birds, squirrels, and other critters. The outer layer of clay helps keep in the soil’s moisture until the seeds sprout and crack open the shell. While you can use just about any seeds, we recommend using a native wildflower mixture to support local pollinators.
For detailed instructions, click here
Get OutSide!
The nice weather begs for outdoor time, so most importantly get outside and explore! The Nature Center grounds are open to the public from dawn until dusk and we welcome everyone to come to enjoy this natural oasis. For inspiration on what to do while at the Nature Center, check out this past article: iNaturalist Scavenger Hunt — Friends of Rye Nature Center. You can also visit our activities page on our blog for more activities and ideas!