Forest School for Toddlers
Inside: I love a nature approach to learning, by being in the outdoors and in nature. Forest school for toddlers can be so much fun.
It’s so amazing to get back to nature and become more independent and self-sufficient. It seems like something we always talk about in my family. I love a natural approach to learning, by being in the outdoors and in nature. Forest school for toddlers can be so much fun.

This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.
Forest School for Toddlers
Engaging toddlers with the natural world can be a wonderful experience with forest school activities. It provides a great opportunity for toddlers to learn about nature, work on their fine motor and gross motor skills, express their creativity, and develop language skills.
It’s a great way for them to explore and have fun outdoors!
Toddlers love expressing themselves through art and what better place to enjoy it than outside where you don’t need to worry about the mess.
Get updates & freebies delivered to your inbox!
Create A Bird’s Nest
All you need is some colorful feathers and/or sticks. You could also add in some short lengths of colorful wool too. Then you just need some small birds to come and live in your nest.
Try to place them high enough for birds to be interested in them, but not so high that your toddler can’t see them getting used.

Painting with Nature
Roll out a length of paper, then add some washable poster paints. You can lay out some pieces of nature: pine tree branches, sticks, grass, etc. Or let your toddler choose some nature to paint with.
Make A Bird Feeder
Making a bird feeder is always a great forest school activity. There are many different types of these bird feeders for children that are suitable for toddlers to make.
Bug Hunting
Bug hunting is a great forest school activity for toddlers or preschoolers or any age. Look carefully under leaves and stones to find creatures living under them and examine them with magnifying glasses.
You don’t need a bug kit to go bug hunting. A bug identification book can be useful but I find myself using the Google photo search feature. There are also apps for bug identification.
Toddlers love exploring their environment and participating in fun scavenger hunts! What a great way to practice simple mark-making and have a blast at the same time.
Want More?
The Benefits of Risk-Taking and Outdoor Play in Forest School
The Ultimate Guide to Clothing Layering in Forest School All Year Long