Intro to Moon Gazing + 2016 Full Moon Dates Printable!

by wilderchild | Jan 22, 2016 | Wild Activities | 11 comments

The moon is such a powerful, accessible tool for learning and growth. Here are a few moon activities, lessons and resources to help you and your family learn more about and connect to the moon and night sky. Plus stick around to get your free printable of the 2016 moon dates (pictured above). I try to garden by the moon, cut my hair by the moon and just generally acknowledge its influence on my life. Whether or not you believe it has an impact on your emotional world, you have to admit it’s a beautiful sight to behold!

MEET THE MOON

The best way to get kids excited about and more in tune with the moon is to get them out there to see her! Try these:

1. Sing
– Wrap those little ones up, go out, look up and sing, “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”.
– The moon also likes to hear “Moon, Moon, Moon,” by the Laurie Berkner Band.

2. Take Night Walks
– Headlamps ease kids fears and allows them more autonomy and freedom. Here is a great, lightweight headlamp for kids that we use.
– Do a mindful “fox walk” via @kidsrelaxation

3. Camp
– 3 Tips for Finding Amazing and Free Campsites Anywhere via Bring the Kids
– What to Pack for Family Campouts via Outdoorsy Mama
– A Beginners Guide to Family Camping via Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
– Genius Family Camping Space Saving Tips via OutdoorsMom

INVESTIGATE THE MOON

There’s so much mystery left in the cosmos, and so many ways to explore it. Here are a few:

1. Use Technology
– List of incredible astronomy apps. We love Pocket Universe.
– Hear a cartoon moon explain his phases.
– Best Telescopes for Kids

2. Connect
– Setting intentions in tune with the moon (can be adapted for kids)
– Phases of the moon flip book via deceptively educational
– Hand-on and sensory moon activities via learn play imagine

3. Read
Here are some of our favorite moon-inspired books:

CELEBRATE THE MOON

1. Take a Trip!
– Did you know there are actually places where the night sky is protected from excessive light? Check out the list of International Dark Sky Places.
– 13 Best Places in the U.S. to Star Gaze

2. Make Yummy Treats
– Phases of the moon explained in Oreos

3. Throw a Party!
– 20 Ideas for an Outerspace Party via Artsy Craftsy Mom

2016 FULL MOON PRINT

I’m so excited to share this design and print with you! Following the full moons keeps me in tune with nature, and helps to reset my intentions for that month. My hope was to make something beautiful/useful for you, and to represent the Native American tradition of naming each full moon based on events that were happening at that time in the season.

Click on the image below to have the “8x10” printable sent directly to your email. Please note, moon dates are in US Central Standard Time. May you never miss a full moon this year!

Your Woman Gone Wild!

PIN FOR LATER!

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11 Comments

moongirl on January 22, 2016 at 9:26 pm

What great ideas! We are fans of the moon here and are always tracking it, always looking up and checking out moon calendar. 🙂 Thanks for the printable – it’s wonderful! 🙂
- Nicolette on January 25, 2016 at 3:25 pm
  
  Thanks so much!
Julie on January 23, 2016 at 5:09 pm

This is such a wonderful resource full of ideas! Love it!
- Nicolette on January 25, 2016 at 3:24 pm
  
  Thank you! So glad you found it useful!
Energy Muse on January 28, 2016 at 11:11 pm

Thanks for linking with our blog post! This is really great curation for living in tune with the moon!
Lee on January 28, 2016 at 11:33 pm

LOVE it! It is even more creative & colorful than the one I created: http://pocketmousepublishing.com/2016/01/23/full-moon-walks-2016/
I also highly recommend the book Moon Child by Nadia Krilanovich!
~Lee
Kendra on February 4, 2016 at 12:11 am

Love this! I’m going to print the moo chart out and hang it my youngest’ room 🙂
SarahP on February 4, 2016 at 12:52 pm

And check with your public library, many across the county checkout telescopes with a library card.
- Nicolette on February 6, 2016 at 3:28 pm
  
  Really! How amazing is that – we’re going to check at ours. Thanks for the tip!
maria on May 20, 2016 at 7:34 pm

In Panamá where I’m living right now, there’s this wonderful monthly experience called “Drums full moon” or Luna Llena de Tambores. http://www.lunallenadetambores.com/
Wonderful experience for all families!!
- wilderchild on June 3, 2016 at 3:04 am
  
  This looks amazing! I so wish we had something like this here. Thank you so much for sharing, it inspires me to put a little more celebration into our monthly moon viewings 🙂