Getting kids interested in nature has so many benefits. It’s good for their education as they learn about animals and the environment and it’s also great for getting them outside into the fresh air. As an added bonus, it’s usually pretty cheap too as you can use items found outside and get out into open spaces. Here are some of our favorite nature activities for kids.
1. Get them growing things
A great activity for you to do with your children is to plant seeds and watch them grow together. From the quick-growing, cress on a flannel to growing fruits and vegetables in the garden. If you live in a particularly dry area, then a selection of drought tolerant plants can work well. Together you can choose pots, plant seeds, and watch as your plants grow over time.
2. Go on a mini nature hunt
No matter which season it is, they will be some wildlife to discover outside. You can either visit an area away from home or do it in your garden. Make a list of creatures you want to discover and see if you can find them.
For example, you can look for worms, snails, bees, and butterflies.
You can also search for inanimate objects – rocks, seashells, sticks, and leaves are good options depending on your environment.
3. Build a bird feeder
Do your bit for nature by feeding the birds and get those craft skills polished up too. You can build birdfeeders from a range of materials and there’s one for any skill level. You can even use an old plastic bottle, pierce it so you can slide in some sticks for perches, and hang it from a tree or fence. Your kids can then watch the variety of birds that visit the feeder and learn about them.
If you want an even simpler version, use the inner tube from a toilet roll, cover it in no added salt peanut butter and then roll it in birdseed. It’s easy enough for most kids to do and you’ll be able to do it again and again.
4. Get artsy with nature
Ditch the crayons and pencils and use natural items to create art. Collect leaves, stones, and sticks to bring back and glue to paper to create a different kind of art project.
There are many other nature-based crafts as well. For example, you can paint the “ball” part of acorns, then glue the tops back on, to create a colorful collection. Or you can find a large leaf, paint it with acrylic paints, then flip it over and press it against paper to create a unique painting.
5. Create a nature story
If you can’t get outside, then you can still use your imagination. Write a number of places, plants, trees, and animals on pieces of paper and put them all in a tub. Your child then has to choose five and create a story that involves each of those items. You’ll be amazed at how imaginative your children can be and it’s something you can do time and again with different plants and animals. It also gives you the opportunity to learn about the different items so that they can write about them in their story.
Takeaways – Nature Activities for Kids
Kids love to learn, but whenever you can, get them away from their screens and get into nature, or learn about it. Knowing about the world and its place in it can be an amazing education. It’s also possible to do even if you live in the middle of a city, or the weather isn’t great.
So no matter where you are, consider taking a break from your routine, go outside, and have some fun in nature! You and your kids will both benefit from it.
Leave a Reply