The great outdoors

• Painting stones

Decorating medium-sized rocks with smooth surfaces is a longtime favourite children’s craft. Let their imaginations run wild when they find stones in different shapes. Wash them to remove dirt, grease and any mossy patches and then let the stones dry completely in the sun. Using poster or craft paints, children can paint the tops and sides of the rocks however they like. When the paint is dry, seal the surface with several coats of spray-on, non-toxic clear varnish, drying between coats. (Avoid brush-on varnishes because brushing is likely to smear the paint.) A sufficiently large stone would make a doorstop, while small stones could be used to decorate a kitchen windowsill or serve as paperweights on a desk.

• Cleaning outdoor equipment with vinegar

A simple, inexpensive solution of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water makes a reliable cleaner for outdoor play equipment, children’s cars and bikes. For tough dirt, wipe with the vinegar solution, then rub the spot with bicarbonate of soda on a damp rag or sponge and rinse. It’s a good idea to wash swing seats and chains or ropes frequently. You can also use the vinegar solution to clean children’s car seats.

• Autumn leaf paintings for a Junior Picasso

Nature offers us one of the most versatile and child-friendly paintbrushes in a fallen leaf. For a lovely way to spend an autumn afternoon with a child, take him on a walk in a park and ask him to collect leaves of various shapes and sizes. Bring them home and, using an old toothbrush, gently remove any dust or dirt from their surfaces. Mix up a small batch of non-toxic finger paints, then spread the table with a few pieces of newspaper and top them with sheets of favourite, light-coloured stiff paper. Roll up your child’s sleeves and, using an index finger as a paintbrush, have him paint one surface of each leaf; immediately press them down onto the paper, paint side down. Count to 20 (another fun learning activity) and remove the leaf by its stem for instant (and free) art.

• Pine-cone bird feeders

You can make many kinds of bird feeders from available materials and this one is especially easy and fun to assemble. All you’ll need are pine cones, sugarless peanut butter (the amount varies depending on the number and size of cones used) and birdseed. Tightly tie a length of string or yarn around the top or bottom of the cone. Then, using a plastic knife spread the peanut butter over the cone, pushing it into the nooks and crevices. Now spread a layer of birdseed onto a baking tray or a pie tin. Roll the cone in the birdseed, making sure it’s covered and gently shake off any excess. Hang the cone from a tree branch, fence, gatepost, balcony railing or a secure plant hanger. How could any bird resist such a tempting feeder?

• Organizing sports equipment

Parents of young athletes are all too familiar with a house overflowing with a jumble of footballs, cricket bats, hockey sticks, tennis rackets, golf clubs, sweatshirts, running shoes and some things you can’t even identify. Even one sporty youngster can create a major mess. Here are three suggestions for keeping it under control:

1. Put a tall plastic or metal rubbish bin in the garage or laundry to hold long items such as bats, sticks, extra golf clubs and cricket stumps. Weight the bottom of the can with bricks or heavy stones so that it won’t tip over.
2. Install a pin board and hooks (you may already have one in a work area) for hanging rackets, hats, gloves, protective padding, swimming goggles and caps, wet clothes and shoes.
3. Designate one large laundry basket for sports clothing — and do yourself a favour by laying down rules about who is to wash what and when.