Review: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Backyard Adventures

Whenever DH, DS and I want to do things as a family, we often times end up doing the same old thing—going to the beach or the park or the zoo. Not that there’s anything wrong with those places, but I want DS to experience and participate in a variety of activities…especially activities that won’t cost much, since money is a big factor, especially in today’s economy. Thanks to the Family Review Network and The Complete Idiot’s Guide Series, I now have a lot of great ideas for family activities after reading The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Backyard Adventures ($12.95).

The book states “Backyard adventures involve learning, experiencing new things, and having fun at home with family…The backyard is perfect for a botany adventure, planting a garden, or camping out…Do you really need to look any farther for an adventure?”

That is so true, don’t you think?

Even though the book is titled The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Backyard Adventures, not all the adventures featured take place in the literal sense of your “backyard.” The “backyard” can refer to a local park, a nearby town, or a school. Many of the adventures featured don't require a lot of time, money, and effort, and the book offers a variety of ideas for different age ranges and different interests (e.g. sports, crafts, science). You’ll get detailed instructions on how to plan and accomplish the activities, and a list of resources is also listed in the appendix if you want to get more information on that particular adventure. There are important tips throughout the books, and you’ll also discover some fun and interesting facts in the “Did You Know” sidebars. For instance, Game Time, which is one adventure I know we’ll be participating in a lot in the future, reveals how Monopoly is the best-selling game in the world and the longest Monopoly game on record lasted 70 straight days.

There are many adventures I’m looking forward to, such as Artist’s Colony, Insect Safari, and Culture Shock. What I really like about the book is how you’re offered suggestions to add variety to the experience. For example—for Artist’s Colony, which basically involves using various art supplies to create new works of art through drawing, painting, stamping, etc., the book suggests conducting a “scavenger hunt” to look for items that could be used in place of rubber stamps (e.g. pencil erasers, leaves, etc.). That sounds like it would be a lot of fun for the kids!

I also like how the book lists different holidays to celebrate throughout the year—and these are not the “typical holidays.” For example, did you know September 26 is National Pancake Day and October 1 is Homemade Cookies Day? How much fun would it be to celebrate these holidays in some fun and creative ways with your family?

We don’t need to spend a lot of time, money or effort to enjoy an adventure as a family. With just a little creativity and the help of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Backyard Adventures, you’ll find a great adventure close to home that your entire family can help plan, participate in, and enjoy.

Thank you to Penguin Group for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

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