What is al fresco living? Al fresco is Italian and means living “in the fresh air.”
Spring has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere, and with it comes the welcome warmth that invites us outdoors. Here, we’ve passed our last frost date, and al fresco living is calling! It’s the perfect time to take off your shoes and walk barefoot through the grass, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the beauty of the season.
Charlotte Mason believed that children needed to be outside as much as possible, in all kinds of weather. Late spring through early fall is the ideal time to embrace this habit. Below you’ll find some tips to help you and your family enjoy more time living al fresco.
7 Tips for Al Fresco Living
1. Creating Outdoor Living Spaces
Take a look at your yard—or even your side yard. Are there areas you could use to enjoy meals outside? Even in hotter climates, you might find a shady spot perfect for breakfast!
We turned our side yard into a "secret garden," under the shade of a large maple tree. It’s become a favorite place to eat, socialize, read, and even study.
When we first bought our home, the front porch was just six feet by six feet—barely enough space for the front door! Later, we built a six-foot by twenty-six-foot deck. It doesn’t have a roof, but our home is a raised basement, so the deck is level with the tree branches. Sitting out there feels like being in a treehouse! We added a metal patio dining table and six chairs.
Even if we hadn’t built the deck, we could have still enjoyed meals outdoors—by spreading a blanket on the lawn, setting up a gathering on the driveway, or finding an old wooden table and chairs at a yard sale, painting them, and placing them under the trees.
Even if you live in the city with no yard, you can still enjoy a picnic at a nearby park.
2. Family Walks
Take long walks together as a family, whether around the neighborhood or along community walking paths.
3. Park Day
Visit the park with your children. In the hottest parts of summer, midday may be too warm, but mornings are often perfect!
4. Family Garden
Spend time gardening together, even if all you have is room for a few containers. Growing something simple can still bring joy.
5. Build Friendships
Being outside offers wonderful opportunities to build friendships. Take time to wave or visit with friends and neighbors as they pass by.
6. Family Read Aloud, Outside
Hang a hammock between trees or sprawl a blanket under a shady spot. Rest, relax, and read aloud together.
7. Yard Games
Pick up some yard games like croquet, and enjoy some family fun outdoors. If you don’t have a yard, you can always take the games to a park!
Find simple ways to create an outdoor routine, don’t overschedule, and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
Enjoy the Journey!
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