Even though it may be cold outside there are cozy, fun activities that you and your child can enjoy. Here are some ideas I’d like to pass on for you to do with your young child.

Nature's handiwork can still be observed during its dormant state as well. Divide your outdoor adventure into four mini field trips. Grab your coat, a pencil and paper to record your findings.

• A listening field trip is done simply by walking quietly and listening for:

-The Wind blowing through trees.

-Birds chirping.

-Squirrels scurrying.

-Leaves rustling as well as well as crunching under feet.

-If very cold, ice breaking.

-Rain falling.

-Sleet falling.

-Waves lapping in the bay or on a lake.

-Waves hitting the seashore.

-Thunder clapping.

-Animal sounds such as neighborhood dogs barking.

• A seeing field trip is a lot of fun as you can make several observations:

-Shapes of clouds against the majestic blue sky.

-Colors of nature during the winter.

-Angles the sun is peeping through.

-Counting the varieties of animals and birds.

-Counting the many bright stars in the winter sky as well as looking at how the moon changes shape.

-Comparing what trees retain their leaves and which ones don’t.

-Observing buds that have not yet opened.

• Your feeling field trip of course with safety in mind can include feeling:

-Moss on a tree or rock.

-Snow, ice.

-Rocks.

-Soft sand or soil.

-Rough tree bark.

-Smooth stones.

-Sun shining on your face.

-Wind blowing on your face.

-Prickly pine needles, pine cones, and leaves.

• Your smelling field trip includes:

-Fire burning in a fireplace.

-Pine trees.

-Cedar trees or wood.

-Mulch.

-The different smells that the wind blows in.

Top off your field trip with hot chocolate and Valentine’s Day cookies or treats to make this heart-felt winter excursion one they will remember!

Enjoy this special time with your young child — it will only cost you a few pennies. On the face of the penny you can teach your child about honest Abraham Lincoln whose birthday we celebrate this coming Saturday!

Beth Pinyerd lives in Daphne and serves as director of younger children at Faith Family Fellowship in Spanish Fort.

Her column appears regularly in The Bulletin.