BE ADVISED: Due to nearby events on Friday, April 4, parking and traffic around the Natural History Museum will be impacted. Parking for First Fridays is available at the Blue Visitor Parking Structure, located at 39th St and Figueroa St in Exposition Park. Please plan your visit accordingly, and consider using rideshare or public transportation.

Outdoor Exploration Guide

Little boy in hat crouches on a low rock ledge and looks into the nature gardens pond

Use this guide to study your front yard, backyard, out your window, or in your neighborhood!

Remember to use all of your senses as you walk around. Fill one out each day to track changes over time. 

PROMPTS

  1. What is the weather like today?
  2. Find a plant. Make sure it does not have any spiky parts. Gently rub a leaf. How does it feel? What does it smell like?
  3. Watch a small group of plants for one minute. What animals did you see?
  4. Choose a plant anywhere outside. Describe the plant.
  5. Draw the plant.
  6. Look closer at the plant. Are there any flowers, seeds or fruit? Are there leaves? If so, what color are they? What might that tell us if the leaves are green, or brown, or yellow? Add more details to your drawing above.