Building our first fairy house nature craft (or mouse house, if you prefer) was a highlight of our weekend. This is not a new idea at all. Do an online search and you'll find books, magazine articles, and all sorts of guides. But research is not required. Just let the kids lead the way. Let them get messy. That's part of the fun.
In December, especially after our first storm, there's lots of good building material on the ground. We made ours by the creek at Turtle Rock Community Park. Such a lovely setting and the kids spent over an hour completely engrossed. They could have spent all day.
I started the house with three sticks and a roof and drew the kids into the project. "Let's build a nature fairy house to protect them from the rain tonight."
Both kids got completely involved in making it structurally sound with plenty of amenities. There is no right or wrong way to do it.
My son has a huge imagination and it soared. Only use scraps from the ground - don't go picking living things for your house.
"Fun."
"Awesome."
"Amazing."
. . . Words my seven year old used to describe his experience.
Originally published in December 2009.
