Ways to Explore Nature with Children
Inside: Discover fun and engaging ways to explore nature with children, from hikes to backyard wildlife, there’s something for everyone.
Explore some fun and engaging ways to explore nature with children, from hiking to observing wildlife in your backyard. These activities are not only educational but also a great way to bond with your children and create lasting memories.
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Ways to Explore Nature with Children
Nature is a wonderful teacher, and there’s no better way to learn about the natural world than by exploring it firsthand. Whether you live in a city, suburb, or rural area, there are always opportunities to connect with nature and discover its wonders.
Exploring nature with children is a wonderful way to foster curiosity, creativity, and a love for the natural world. Here are some ideas for exploring nature with children:
Go on A Nature Walk
Take a walk through a park, nature reserve, or even your own backyard. Encourage children to observe and collect natural objects such as leaves, rocks, and flowers. Use a field guide or nature app to identify plants and animals.
Learn more with: Winter Nature Walk Themes & Why You Need Nature Walks in your Homeschool
Explore A Local Stream or Pond
Take a trip to a nearby stream or pond and explore the aquatic ecosystem. Look for fish, tadpoles, and other water creatures. Use a net to catch and release small fish and insects.
Learn more with: Let’s Go Tracking! Exploring Animal Tracks with Kids
Create Nature Art
Use natural materials such as leaves, flowers, and sticks to create art. Build a fort out of sticks, create a mandala out of leaves, or make a birdhouse out of twigs and moss.
Plant A Garden
Plant a garden with your child, and teach them how plants grow and what they need to thrive. Plant vegetables or flowers and watch them grow throughout the season.
Visit A Farm
Visit a local farm to learn about different types of plants and animals. Learn how food is grown and harvested, and see farm animals up close.
Learn more with: Farm Learning Pack
Stargaze
Take a blanket outside and look up at the stars. Use a star chart or app to identify constellations and learn about the night sky.
Build A Birdhouse or Bird Feeder
Build a birdhouse or bird feeder with your child, and place it in a tree or in your backyard. Observe the birds that visit and identify different species.
You can make the simplest bird feed with a toilet paper roll, peanut butter, and bird seed. If you want to get really complicated, grow some birdhouse grouds to create your own! We tried this year and failed to get any grouds, but we’ll try again next year.
Go on A Camping Trip
Take a family camping trip to a local campground or state park. Spend time hiking, fishing, and exploring the natural world.
My kids absolutely love camping! Me? Not so much, thankfully their father does! I am more of an indoor girl who is willing to go outside for short lengths of time.
Take A Nature-Themed Field Trip
Visit a local science center, museum, or zoo to learn more about the natural world. Many institutions have exhibits and programs on topics such as ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation.
Scavenger Hunt Bundle
The Nature Scavenger Hunt Bundle for Kids is a great gift for any young nature lover, and it’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a fun weekend activity. With this growing bundle, your child will be excited to explore the outdoors and discover all the amazing things that nature has to offer! Currently includes: Beach…
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of items to find in nature, such as a feather, a pinecone, or a butterfly. Go on a scavenger hunt in a local park or forest, and check off the items as you find them.
Or you can grab our premade ones up above!
Exploring nature with children can be a fun and enriching experience for the whole family. Encourage your child’s curiosity and creativity by providing opportunities to connect with the natural world.
