Spring

HUGE list of 100 fun things to do in Spring - a great FREE printable bucket list of activities for kids & adults to enjoy together!

Step outside, enjoy the fresh air and have great family time with some of these fun spring activities for families. From exploring nature, and homemade bird feeders, to scavenger hunts, and family art projects together, there's something here for everyone.

Earth Day Activities for Families with Kids

25 Earth Day Activities

Earth day is a day to get outside, enjoy nature, and do some good. It happens on April 22nd of every year and helps to raise awareness about environmental issues. There are some…

Outdoor Spring Nature Activities

Spring is the best time to get outside! We’ve been looking for signs of spring and fun Spring Nature activities we can do outdoors in the garden. As we turn a corner from Winter to Spring, it’s fun to look out for things to occupy the kids in the garden and activities for them to…

Explore Nature in Spring- Outdoor Activities for Kids

I know the rest of the world thinks that Spring begins on March 20th with the Spring Equinox but for us, Spring activities begin the day we turn back the clocks and gain that extra hour of daylight. Ahh… dinner during daylight hours Heading to the park after dinner The sounds of birds in the …

20 Inspiring Nature Activities for Kids

When I was young, I can remember spending hours outdoors — hiking to the woods behind our house, looking in the creek for crayfish and tadpoles, scouting out which animals were running around the yard. And I can clearly remember the smell of the lilac trees when they started to bloom! I would ask my …

Fun Spring Sensory Play activities for preschoolers

Need some messy play and Spring sensory play inspiration? Spring is a lovely season and it’s is all about the senses, with new life, things beginning and one-of-a-kind textures. Spring sensory activities for preschoolers are the perfect way to usher in Spring and enjoy the new season with your little ones! Here are some of…

Hapa Zome – A fun flower craft for Spring

Over the Spring half term, whilst we were playing out in the garden looking for something to do, we gave Hapa Zome a whirl. Hapa Zome is the Japanese term for beating (or tapping really) leaves or flowers with hammers, pounding their natural pigment into cloth. Hapa Zome is essentially just banging a stone on…

GARDEN ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Spring-a-ling: time in the garden

Jemma@thimbleandtwig

22/04/2018

And I thought spring needed perhaps a little encouragement to come our way… and then it was here in a brief flurry and forgot it’s role and almost became summer! How funny it is to think it was only a few weeks ago that we had snow! I absolutely adore the changing of the seasons……

NATURE ACTIVITIES

Dandelion Wishes Spring Flower Keyrings

Looking for ways to use up the little nature trinkets that your little people collect? Have a go at making some Dandelion Wishes Spring Flower Keyrings! Or a craft for kids to make with their collected flowers? This is such a quick little craft to make with Dandelion wishes and Spring Flowers and particularly suited to…

SEASONAL OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

How to Make an Spring Easter Wreath

I really fancied making something spring-like this month, that made me feel like the seasons had changed and Easter was just around the corner, so I opted for a spring wreath. I had a failed attempt at making a Christmas wreath and had lots of bits and bobs left over from these Christmas Baubles, so decided…

Mud Kitchen Play Ideas for Kids

Last year, my kids got a mud kitchen for Christmas from their lovely grandparents. It’s been a very well played with and it’s probably one of our Favourite Nature Gifts for Outdoorsy kids so i thought I’d write a list of the best Mud Play Kitchen Ideas, all about things the kids love to play with in their…

Easy Nature Stick Crafts and activities for kids

Sticks are free, easy and plentiful to find and have so many possibilities! A stick, to a child, can be anything! Sticks can entertain kids and provide fun easy nature crafts to make. Stick crafts and activities are great for keeping kids entertained on a long walk or perfect for playing in the park. We…

Connecting with Nature -MyFavorite Spring Activities

Outdoor Activity Ideas for Spring

Try our Nature Activities for Kids to do in Spring!

Leaf crafts for Kids to make
Fun Spring Sensory Outdoor Play for Toddlers
Check out our WHOLE MONTH of Spring outdoor activity ideas that we shared with our Facebook Page: Wildhood Adventures.
Go on a bug Hunt
Go pond dipping!
Cut the grass with scissors
Try Hapa Zome (the art of flower bashing!)

Children are Natural Scientists: Create an Invitation to Explore

Spring is such a fun season to encourage outdoor exploration. It's always fun to notice the changes in colors and discovering new plants that are growing and changing just outside in your yard. I really wanted to impress upon you the importance of including play based science experiences in your child’s preschool years. This does not mean memorizing the periodic table or understanding how cells work., but simple and fun experiences that will help them understand our world.

Children are natural scientists. It is our jobs as parents and educators to simply provide opportunities for them to explore. Deborah includes wonderful examples of how you can do this in her book. I’m going to share one with you now.

Create an Invitation to Explore and Use Science Tools

Materials:

various science tools, like:
magnifying glasses
scales
tweezers
spoons
cups
paper
pencils
a container full of water
objects from nature, like: flowers, pinecones. pine needles. leaves, seeds, grass. dirt, sticks, rocks etc
a few boxes {for holding the science tools and the nature objects}

Set up an invitation to explore. Go for a walk and allow your child to collect items from nature. Choose some of the science tools and add them to a box.

Set the box of science tools next to the box of nature objects you collected. You can also set the container of water nearby.

Allow your child to explore the items from nature with the science tools.

Weston chose to look at many of the things through the magnifying glass. We talked about how the magnifying glass made things appear bigger, so we could see them more closely.

Exploring Nature with Magnifying Glasses

Weston explored everything using the tweezers {it was the first time he’s used tweezers and he was delighted to try them out}. He pulled off petals; he picked at grass seeds.

He then tested items in the water. I asked him to predict what would happen. {We’ve explored density before including exploring the density of objects in nature.} Still he said, “I don’t know.” This goes to show you how repetition is necessary.

When the objects floated in the water, Aiden observed, “Nothing happened.” We talked about how the objects were floating on the water instead of sinking. Then he ran off to find an object that would sink. After several tries, he found one.

Be sure to let your child lead the exploration. You can ask questions and provide names for things {build that vocabulary}, but let her be in control of the discoveries.

More Science Explorations for Preschoolers

Classification is an important science skill that children begin on their own. Use these classification activities to work on the skill.
What can you learn from a cardboard tube? Use a giant cardboard tube to explore friction, learn about size, make predictions, and more.
Also try these toddler and preschool science experiments.

30 Kids Garden Crafts & Activities

These kids gardening crafts & ideas are sure to get you excited for warmer weather! For some people, the sight of green grass or tulips popping up means Spring has arrived but for me, it’s the sight of a seed packet! Sometime around the end of February, I realize that Spring is only weeks away …

9 Plant Activities & Garden STEM Projects

Gardening is such a fun science activity for kids. It allows them to explore botany (the study of plants), habitats and pollination.

It’s also a wonderful family activity as everyone can get involved in planting, growing and harvesting from your own backyard.

Even if you don’t have the time or space for a full-blown garden, the kids would enjoy starting some flowers and veggies in a few posts on your porch.

23 FREE Printable Gardening Activities

Grab a few of these FREE gardening printables and worksheets and inspire kids to grow something this year! Spring is the perfect time to introduce your kids to gardening! It doesn’t have to be anything complicated — a few seeds in a pot or an herb garden on the windowsill is the perfect starter project. …

With their numbers in serious decline worldwide, insects are in serious trouble. It’s more important than ever to encourage your child’s interest in insects. And since insects have adapted to survive in virtually all habitats: land, in water and in air and all continents including Antarctica, finding them and studying them is one of the easiest nearby nature activities you can do together!

Begin with a book for Littles

We began by reading The Grouchy Ladybug by famous children’s author, Eric Carle. Books are a wonderful way to introduce bugs to kids and this book is always a big hit! We discussed the characteristics of ladybugs and used the book as inspiration for creating our very own ladybug books.

How to make ladybug books

After reading the story together, we invited the children to make their own ladybug books. To set up the experience you will need red construction or cardstock paper and an assortment of washable markers to create with. This activity is a great literacy extension activity as children make connections to the story and build on what they read.

Explore outdoors

After making our ladybug books, we began thinking about places we might find bugs and different kinds of insects we might find in our own backyard. Then, we continued the fun with bugs outdoors! We took our investigative tools and bug catchers and began searching for bugs outside. We looked up, down, and all-around around as we searched around the bases of bushes and trees, turned over logs, explored under rocks, and investigated in piles of dry leaves. The children especially loved digging in the ground. These kids are experts at finding worms!

Benefits of bug hunts

Bug hunts are a wonderful way to explore science concepts outdoors and help children better understand the world around them. Children can make observations and record details of their findings in a nature journal. They learn about techniques and tools needed for catching bugs and have the opportunity to learn about bug habitats as they explore a variety of places that bugs might live outdoors. They can also learn about the different characteristics of insects. Bug hunts help children learn the importance of being kind to mother nature. After catching their bugs they released their bugs back into their home. With Spring upon us, it is the perfect time to explore the outdoors with your bug enthusiasts!

The first step to finding insects is to go out prepared. Bugs may be prevalent, especially in the warmer weather, but armed with wings and speed, they can be tough to catch. Help your child put together a bug collecting kit. You can buy one ready-made or put one together on your own.

Here are a few handy items to keep in your kit:

A container with holes for breathing.
A net for catching flying insects like butterflies.

It’s also handy to have a smartphone to use an insect-identifying app, take a photo to ID the critter at home or create artwork from later.

Melissa & Doug Magnifying Glass– we like to have a large, plastic magnifying glass so we can see some of the little bugs more closely

Backyard Exploration Critter Case– has always been something the kids pull out when it’s time to catch fireflies or round up a few friends. We’re always sure to let them head back home each evening!

And if you’d like a full set, try the Melissa & Dough Bug Catching Kit – which also includes binoculars and a butterfly net *just be sure to show the kids how to CAREFULLY catch & release a butterfly*

Garden beasts spotter

Be a nature detective! Can you tick off any of these?

DOWNLOAD THE SHEET

Depending on the age of your children prepare them to identify the bug before trying to pick them up. I usually start with beetles that you would find easily in your backyard. Lady bugs and rolly pollies are pretty easy to distinguish and pick up with a gentle touch.

If you have an uneasy feeling that your child will not distinguish the features of a safe bug and an unsafe bug- listen and respect that feeling. There are a few options in adapting the bug hunt to their skills:

Do a side by side hunt with your child
Use plastic or pretend bugs to hunt Work on skills to use the tools until he is more skilled
Work on recognition of the bugs features with other media

Big nets are for older kids that are steady on their feet and can focus on both where their feet are going and the butterflies in the air. However littles can often catch a bug with the same nets made for fish tanks. They are very useful on exploring the animals in fresh water too.

EXPLORING BUGS & CRITTERS WITH KIDS

Releasing the Butterflies- Kid World Citizen

Do your kids come to you, holding little surprises in their clenched fists? Or shriek that they caught something and want to show you? Though I am not too squeamish, I catch my breath for a second as they uncurl their muddy little fingers, in case their surprise decides to jump or fly away as I lean in. My kids really like to play outside but inevitably, their play will somehow be interrupted by the discovery of “the coolest bug ever,” a frog, a gecko, a baby snake, ants eating a worm, or any other critter. We generally employ a “catch and release” policy, observing the creatures for a bit and then letting them go back into our garden (my daughter says “so they can lay more eggs and we can have even more!”). Here are 4 ways we encourage our budding naturalists to “nature watch,” and learn about the animals and insects in our environment.

1) START IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD AND NEIGHBORHOOD

When you’re out in the garden, get low to the ground and close to the plants. Pick up rocks, planters, and logs and check out the pill bugs and centipedes. When you really stop and look, you might be surprised at how many living organisms there. Even once you have caught a little critter, observe them close-up: how many legs do they have? How many body parts? Do they move quickly or slowly? What sounds do they make? (the cicada above was really loud!) What is their movement and behavior?

One time we rescued a turtle from the street when it couldn’t get up the curb. I was waiting for my husband to get home to help us take it to the bayou, so I put it in our backyard. We were sitting quietly on a bench watching it, and all of a sudden it started to lay eggs in our mulch!? (seriously) It was the coolest thing for my kids, who will now never forget that turtles come from eggs!

Another time we found a cocoon (chrysalis?) and carefully put it in our aquarium. Imagine our surprise 2 days later when a huge moth emerged! We watched it fly away and everyone hoped we would find its offspring.

Catch and Release Moth- Kid World Citizen

Huge Moth from Chrysalis- Kid World Citizen

2) SET UP A HABITAT FOR A BACKYARD NATURE WATCH

Your best tool to set up a nature watch for your kids is a 5 or 10 gallon aquarium. We keep ours in the backyard and change its contents depending on the season.

Try this simple project: Collect pillbugs (aka “roly-poly bugs”) and create a habitat in a small aquarium using dirt, rotting wood, dead leaves, and keeping it very moist and dark. Roly-polies love to eat potato skins- bury them so they can begin to compost. Make sure not to add in any centipedes- we did, until we read in a book that they are predators of our pillbugs (and unfortunately ate most of ours!). Here’s a short clip that shows the set-up:

Another fun springtime activity is to collect tadpoles and watch them grow into little frogs. We have done this for several years, and the kids love it. Look in shallow water (we always find them in rain puddles), and collect the water too. We would change the water every couple of days with fresh rain or pond water, and feed them chopped, boiled lettuce (let it cool down first). Make sure they have a rock to climb on once they develop legs and lungs! We always let them go in our local bayou and cross our fingers that they survive.

3) NATURE WATCH ON A FIELD TRIP TO A NEARBY NATURE CENTER OR RESERVE

Walk along the edges of ponds and bayous, dig in the dirt, or scoop up a bucket of water to see what critters you can find. Next time you’re at the beach, bring a net or dig in the sand to find different creatures than those in your backyard. Be careful of pincers and mouths- some animals are better to observe from a distance! Whenever we release a creature, we remember to put them back in their home. If you transport them, you might be taking them away from their food or water source, or introducing them to new predators.

Catch and Release Crab- Kid World Citizen

Don’t forget nature centers! They frequently have live critters that they will allow kids to observe or pet, with exhibits for learning about local animal life. When else would our kids be able to pet a baby alligator:)??

Petting Baby Alligator- Kid World Citizen

4) MAIL ORDER BUTTERFLIES TO NATURE WATCH FROM YOUR KITCHEN!

Another great experience for kids is to see the life cycle up close, by ordering live caterpillars from Insect Lore. They will send you 5 caterpillars, which will eat the food they are sent with and soon hang upside down. Sitting and watching caterpillars make chrysalides (that would be the plural of “chrysalis,” which is the pupa form of a butterfly), and then emerge as butterflies was an awesome experience.

Butterfly Cycle at Home- Kid World Citizen

Butterfly Habitat at Home- Kid World Citizen

My son had learned about a butterfly’s proboscis– the straw-like mouthpiece used for sucking up nectar- and everyone was so excited to be able to see it uncurl as the butterflies sucked up their sugar water! These close-up encounters help the kids expand lessons from school, cementing what they’ve learned and encouraging their curiosity. In addition to caterpillars, Insect Lore also sells ladybug larvae, ants, and more (including a hissing cockroach!?).

We had a “release party” and watched out butterflies flutter away in our garden, teaching the kids that they belong in nature where they can fly freely and begin the life cycle again.

Learning about Butterflies at Home- Kid World Citizen

Saying Goodbye to Butterflies- Kid World Citizen

Have I forgotten something? Do you collect bugs with your kids? What are your favorite hands-on nature projects? How do you promote the idea of nature watch?

Nature Watch Catching Critters- Kid World Citizen

Help your child scan locations that are fun and safe for searching for insects. Together, brainstorm where you think insects might like to hang out. Think about shelter, shade, water, food, etc. Areas that are great insect hangouts include:

Under rotting logs or leaves
Under stones and boards
In piles of dry leaves
The underside of a leaf
Among flowers
On trees
Deep in the ground
Streams, rivers or ponds
In the grass

You can do this at different times of the year and discuss how the types of insects you find will change with the seasons.

Be sure to see all the books & science activities in the Storybook Science Series too!

Make wild Water Investigations Fun with Cool Science Tools

Science investigations are always more fun when you have the proper tools. Educational Insights has developed a whole line of science tools for kids. Nancy B’s Science Club® features cool science tools and activity journals to get kids excited about science explorations.

Cool Science Tools for Kids

Explore Underwater with an AquaScope

When I first saw the Nancy B’s Science Club product line, I was immediately drawn to the AquaScope. My kids loved playing in creeks and rivers. I knew the AquaScope would be fun for them to explore more of what lives in the water.

Check out the video to see how the AquaScope works.

We took our AquaScope to a local state park. There’s a creek right next to the trail that’s easy to access and explore.

Use the Nancy B's Science Club AquaScope to explore under water.

Buy the Nancy B’s Science Club AquaScope on Amazon.

Use the Aquascope after reading Merhorses and Bubbles (book 3 in the Zoey and Sassafras series).

In the book, Zoey creates her own underwater viewer and heads to the stream to observe insects. She discovers the stream is unhealthy and the magical creatures that live there are suffering. It’s up to Zoey and Sassafras to solve the mystery of what’s causing the problem in the stream and save the Merhorses.

Unhealthy streams are a real problem. The insects that live there are a good indicator of stream health. Use the AquaScope to explore the stream bugs in your local creek. Check out this Key to Macroinvertebrate Life in the River from the Missouri Stream Team. The identification chart will help you identify the species you find.

How to go pond dipping

Meet the critters who live in a pond - there will be more than you think!

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Collect and Observe with Discovery Lab Pens

The Nancy B’s Science Lab Discovery Lab Pens and Field Journal are another cool science tool that kids will love. The lab pens are actually several science tools in one. The water pen features a liquid specimen vial with volume markings, built-in dropper, and thermometer. It was fun to collect things in the creek.

Nancy B's Science Club Discovery Lab Pens are a cool science tool for kids.

The land pen features a collection vial, built-in tweezers, and a ruler for specimen observation. Both of the pens have a magnifying glass as well. Below Lily is looking at a purple basil leaf under the magnifying glass.

The discovery lab pens come with a field journal that has some great prompts for exploring. Aiden really liked the scavenger hunt aspect of this page in the journal. He has requested that I make a longer scavenger hunt for him and his friends to do.

Learn More About Trees and Flowers with a Nature Press

The last new product we tested out was the Nancy B’s Science Club Nature Keeper and Tree Diary. It includes a nature press, tweezers, a leaf-shaped craft punch, and an activity journal with science and art activities for every season. The goal of this kit is to explore the trees and flowers around your backyard over the course of the year.

We really liked using the nature press. It has room for lots of flowers or leaves. We chose several plants from our butterfly garden to press.

Use the Nancy B's Science Club nature press to explore plants.

After just one day, the flowers were flattened and were beginning to dry out. It will be fun to use the dried flowers and leaves in art projects once they are completely dry. I’m planning on using them along with the Nature Arts and Craft printable pack from Mother Natured.

Teaching Children about Earth Day

I think Earth Day is an important celebration and reminder to ourselves that we need to take care of our Earth. …

Make a pond dipping net

Reuse and recycle for this one!

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Science & Water Activities for a Day at the Pond

One thing I really enjoy during the summer are days out with the kids! We like to explore almost anywhere but since we have a summer budget, finding free places to visit is always a plus since we like to get out a lot during summertime. You don’t have to travel very far for the …

More Science Explorations for Kids

Set up a simple science lab for kids

Be a nature detective! Can you tick off any of these?

DOWNLOAD THE SHEET

Go on a litter pick

DOWNLOAD THE SHEET

Nature's music

Turn natural objects into musical instruments.

GET STARTED

Amphibians spotter

Be a nature detective! Can you tick off any of these?

DOWNLOAD THE SHEET

Activity sheet showing which plants attract insects

Make your garden insect-friendly

Get your garden buzzing all year round!

If you like these activities, you might enjoy these

Parts of a Dandelion Nature Exploration

Bird Watching Journal

Forest Treasure Jars

How to Attract Fireflies at Inspiration Laboratories

Summer

Summer bucket List for Toddlers
100 free things to do in Summer
Free Beach Scavenger Hunts
Best Beach Books for kids
Beach Books with Activities
Science at the Beach
Fun at the beach and Lake
fun things to do on a summer night
50 free Summer Scavenger hunt Printable
Fun activities for the ParkFamily Activities-Perfect for summer
Activities for Our National Parks
Nature Play For Summertime
BeachCombing
Exploring TidePools
Crabbing on the beach
Sandcastle Tips & ideas
Backyard Fun
Simple Outdoor adventures
Photo Scavenger hunts
Tips for biRdwatcer
tons of Birdfeeders for the kids to make
Animal Park and Zoo Activities
wildlife Ramble on the Shore-Spotter cards

And More...

Summer
Quick Links

The ABCs of Summer: An A to Z Guide to the Summer Season

Fun Ways for Kids to Spend More Time Outside

5 Steps to Build an Epic Sand Castle

Fun Camping Activities for Kids

20 Fun Backyard Water Games for Kids

17 Things to Do at the Beach with Kids

21 Best Water Activities for Kids to Beat the Heat at Home

19 Tips for Camping With Kids

CREATING FAMILY

Summer Bucket List for Toddlers

Kat / May 16, 2019 / 0 Comments

Summer is such a magical time for a toddler. The weather is warmer (although sometimes HOT) which means more time outside! This equals more fun for them, less stress for mom as toddlers…

Free and fun things for kids to do in summer

Grab this printable list of FREE Summer Activities for Kids and start planning for an awesome summer or staycation! May is always that time I start planning for warmer weather and (this summer especially) hunting down some fun & free summer activities near me for both kids and our family. If your family is planning …

FREE Printable Beach Scavenger Hunt

Grab a copy of this FREE printable Beach Scavenger Hunt – one of our newest summer scavenger hunt ideas for kids & families! Summer means beach time – sand, sun and water fun! While you’re cooling off under the shade or your umbrella, keep kids occupied with this fun *NEW* scavenger hunt. Beach Scavenger …

10 Best Beach Books for Kids

Wonderful kids books about the beach and lake that are perfect for that summer reading list! There are SO many things to do at the beach! Have you tried any of these Science at the Beach activities? But a day on the sand or at the lake can tire out even the most active of …

8 Beach Books, Crafts & Activities for Kids

Don’t you just love a day at the beach? The smell of the air, the warm sand and the hunt for shells — yep, that’s what I call some summer fun!

We had some wonderful beach activities shared at this week’s Discover & Explore linky and so many of them reminded me of fun beach books. So this week, I thought I would share our feature posts and link them to a great summer read for the kids!

Science at the Beach

Explore a little science at the beach with these fun activities! A day at the beach is what summer dreams are made of when you’re a kid — sandcastles, seashells and splashing in the waves. But there’s also quite a bit of learning that can be woven into your beach visit too. So grab a …

Fun at the Beach and Lake

Summer Reading: Day at the Lake or Beach Heading to a lake, beach or ocean this summer? Here’s a list of books to bring for additional fun! Kids can learn science topics, explore items they may find one their visit or enjoy some downtime under the beach umbrella. Clam-I-Am! All About the Beach by …

20 FUN Things to do on a Summer Night

Get outside and enjoy these easy & fun summer night activities for kids and adults! We love that summertime means a not-so-strict-bedtime schedule so we can get out and enjoy those long summer evenings! Some of our favorite (and free!) summer activities for kids and families are those done at night! We head out after …

50+ FREE Printable Scavenger Hunts for Kids

A list of more than 50 free printable scavenger hunts for kids that can be used all year long — great activities for indoor & outdoor fun! I love a good scavenger hunt for kids!! You might think it’s because scavenger hunts can be a great learning opportunity which is true. Kids hone their observations …

20 Printable Summer Scavenger Hunts

Enjoy these Summer Scavenger Hunt Ideas while you’re relaxing outside in the backyard, camping, heading out for a walk/hike or exploring places around town! If there’s one thing we love, it’s a fun scavenger hunt for kids! In fact, we’ve been known to ‘divide and conquer’ in a friendly family competition on more than one …

12 Outdoor Activities for Families {FREE printable challenge!}

AWESOME Outdoor Activities for Families to enjoy this summer (+FREE printable Adventure Challenge too!) It’s one of those times when nothing seems normal — so maybe it’s a sign to try something new, you know, mix things up a bit, right? We’ve all been stuck indoors a lot this year and yet, there are so …

DIY Sundial for Kids

Learn how to build a sundial — a great STEM activity for kids! For years I’ve been saying that it would be cool to have a sundial in the yard! First, I operate by ‘sundial’ time more than by a clock — you know, the “it’s just about the right time” kind of time 🙂 …

Outdoor Activities to Try This Summer

We all know that summer goes by so fast – blink and you’ll miss it! And when the weather is hit and miss, families can certainly feel like they’re missing out on those magical summer days they so desperately want to enjoy with their children. Making memories as a family is important and there’s no…

17 FUN Activities to Do at the Park

Try one or more of these fun things to do at the park with your family! Our family LOVES to visit different parks – there are SO many ideas for outdoor activities & games to play at a park near you. Today, we’re partnering with the National Park Trust to celebrate Kids to Parks Day …

5 Tips for Kayaking with Kids

Try something new this summer by learning to kayak with your kids — we’ve got tips & inspiration for how to get started! This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Banana Boat® . All details & opinions are mine only. Every summer, we like to get out and try something new …

The Best National Park Adventures for Kids

Learn about the Junior Ranger Program for kids — the best kept secret at the National Parks! If you visit our blog frequently, you’ll know that we are BIG fans of getting kids outside 🙂 Our first post featuring Kids to Parks Day focused on 30 Games & Activities to Play at the Park. Today, …

The ABCs of Summer: An A to Z Guide to the Summer Season

Fun Ways for Kids to Spend More Time Outside

5 Steps to Build an Epic Sand Castle

Fun Camping Activities for Kids

20 Fun Backyard Water Games for Kids

17 Things to Do at the Beach with Kids

21 Best Water Activities for Kids to Beat the Heat at Home

19 Tips for Camping With Kids

It’s backyard bug week at EI – time to unplug, get outside, and check out the creepies crawling in your own backyard! Below are ten of our favorite outdoor tools and best backyard toys, perfect for investigating the wildlife in your yard, the local park, stream, or shoreline – and just in time for summer vacation!Little ones love to explore! The bug finding tools below are designed specifically for little kids, making investigation and discovery even more amazing.

GeoSafari® Jr. Kidnoculars, are a must-have for backyard exploration! Featuring extra-large, focus-free eyepieces and perfect-fit goggles with placement guide, even toddlers can get an up-close view of far-off nature like birds, nests, trees, and more.

Turn an ordinary drive into an action-packed nature excursion with the two-in-one GeoSafari® Jr. Science Utility Vehicle! Simply press the handles to reveal the 3x magnifier and study the details of many types of terrain and creatures underneath.

See what lurks beneath the surface with the GeoSafari® Jr. Underwater Explorer Boat! A clear plastic bottom with 3x magnifier provides a clear picture of life underwater.

Capture and study tadpoles, frogs, fish, butterflies, and more with GeoSafari® Jr. Bugnoculars! Built-in magnifiers, snap-lock lid with airholes, and watertight bottom are great for on-the-go scientific studies.

We’ve also got a complete line of serious scientific tools for bigger backyard investigators!

Explore on land or underwater with the GeoSafari® SeaScope! This 4x telescope can be used to scope-out specimens in the water, with a removable flashlight to illuminate dark underwater conditions, a built-in ruler for on-the-spot measurements, and a thermometer for tracking water temps.

Three pocket-sized GeoSafari® Adventure Pens enable kids to collect and capture, examine and investigate, study and learn about anything and everything they find outdoors – on the spot!

Kids can observe and learn with Nancy B’s Science Club™ Binoculars & Wildlife Activity Journal! From wildlife-watching to hands-on learning about the surrounding ecosystem to flora and fauna drawing exercises, the journal is packed with nature activities sure to get kids excited about the great outdoors!

Scientists can get down-to-Earth with Nancy B’s Science Club™ Nature Keeper and Tree Diary! Budding botanists observe and detail seasonal changes in nature with activities like pressing leaves and petals.

The outdoors changes when the sun goes down! Check out these fun finds for nighttime missions.

Little ones can discover in the dark, just like an owl, with the GeoSafari® Jr. Bright Eyes Magnifier! This owl-shaped magnifier includes 2x and 8x magnifiers and red LED night vision lights for nighttime exploring and magnification.

Take a closer look with the GeoSafari® Wearable Adventure Tools: Glasses and collect samples and examine specimens with 6 cool science tools built-in! Includes removable tweezers, collection vial, 6x magnifying lens and more. Great for outdoor STEM summer fun!

Kids of all ages can check out the craters of the moon and more with the GeoSafari® Vega 360 Telescope! With 18x, 36x, 40x, and 80x magnifications, this is the perfect telescope for aspiring astronomers.

#GetOutside Photo Scavenger Hunt Update

Need a reminder of what this is all about? Go here. I’ve created a page to list all of our scavenger hunt …

#GetOutside Photo Scavenger Hunt

Remember when I challenged you to get outside and search for animal homes where you live? Did you take the challenge? I’ve …

The Rock Collection

Do any of your children collect rocks? Aiden is always picking up rocks {and other cool nature objects like pinecones and acorns}, …

Searching for Animal Homes

This post was written as part of the DailyBuzz Moms March 9×9: Spring Fever Challenge! 9 of us were selected to share …

Simple Outdoor Adventures for Boys {Day 6}: Catch and Release An Animal

Day 6 Catch and Release An Animal Simple Outdoor Adventures for Boys.jpg

Catch A “Wild” Animal to Observe…

Supplies:

Critter Net
Small Critter Container
Sand/Dirt/Water for Habitat
Magnifying Glass (optional)

The best pets are the ones you only have to keep for an hour or two! ;) And the chase is over half of the fun! We’ve had several temporary pets – a turtle, frog, lizard, crabs, and even a baby bunny rabbit. An up close observation enables you to learn so much more than just reading about an animal.

And of course parting is such “sweet” sorrow when you release the animal back to its natural environment!

Helpful Tips/Resources:

* Be sure to know the animals in your region for your own safety. Never try to capture an animal you haven’t identified.

Have you ever had a temporary wild pet?

Hope you are loving these ideas for Simple Outdoor Adventures for Boys! Can’t believe we are already a week in! In case you missed a day, here’s what we’ve covered this week…

Day 1 – Introducing 31 Days of Simple Outdoor Adventures for Boys

Day 2 – How to Go on a Geocaching Adventure

Day 3 – Make a Tornado in a Jar

Day 4 – Creek Wading

Day 5 – Nature Scavenger Hunt

Day 6 – Catch and Release an Animal

Exploring Wind

As soon as March arrived, it became windy here. What a perfect time to go outside and experience it and add a …

Summer Science: Firefly Facts & Activities

We received a Kiwi Crate in the mail last week and the craft/activity included was a firefly. Fireflies are so summer — spending a warm night outside trying to scout out their little lights in the dark. Many kids love to spend a summer evening hunting, catching and releasing them.

Kid-Made Bird Feeders for a Bird-Friendly Yard

Birds certainly are fun to watch, aren’t they?

A house never quite feels like home to us unless we’ve got birds fluttering around.

We like to attract them to our yard with bird feeders that we keep filled all year long. Most of ours are store-bought, but it’s always fun to offer a kid-made bird feeder to our feathered friends.

Invite the birds to your yard with one of these kid-made bird feeders. DIY bird feeders are a great family craft and a fun way to learn about nature.

You can buy a bird feeder, make your own, or have a combination of the two if you want a bird-friendly yard.

Keep reading below for some fantastic ideas for kid-made bird feeders. They’ll all attract fun feathered friends to your yard.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for more details.

For the Little Kids

(pictured left to right)

A bird feeder doesn’t have to get more complicated than stringing bird-friendly food. This Cheerio Bird Feeder is super-easy to make and the birds love it.

Add some berries and you’ve got these great Cheerio and Berry Bird Feeders from Happy Hooligans. I love how you can make them into lots of different shapes.

One of my favorite simple bird feeders is a Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder. The Resourceful Mama shows you how to make this simple project.

Before throwing away fruit that’s past its prime, turn it into these “Clean Out the Cupboard” Bird Feeders from Happy Hooligans.

Turn a pine cone into a bird feeder. You can find the instructions for a Pine Cone Bird Feeder at Juggling With Kids.

[clickToTweet tweet=”These kid-made bird feeders for a bird-friendly yard are such a fun project for family fun night! https://creativefamilyfun.net/kid-made-bird-feeders-for-bird-friendly/ … #familyfun #birds #forkids @creativefamfun” quote=”These kid-made bird feeders for a bird-friendly yard are such a fun project for family fun night! ” theme=”style3″]

For the Bigger Kids

(pictured left to right)

Turn a simple wooden frame from the craft store into a fun (and colorful) refillable bird feeder. You can find the instructions for Homemade Bird Feeders Using Frames at Buggy and Buddy.

Decorate your trees with pretty shaped bird feeders. Kitchen Counter Chronicles has the instructions for these simple Cookie Cutter Bird Feeders.

Clean out a lotion bottle and turn it into a bird feeder. Find out how to make this recycled bird feeder at Teach Beside Me.

Have you ever seen those beautiful bird feeder wreaths? Did you know that it’s a project you can do with your kids? Suger, Spice, & Glitter has all the instructions you need for creating a Kid-Made Bird Feeder Wreath.

Turn a gourd or small pumpkin into a bird feeder. Check out Kitchen Counter Chronicles for this pretty project.

Don’t forget to keep track of all your feathered friends with a Bird Watching Journal!

Bird Watching Journal.

You can record your frequent visitors and make note of those times when you see a bird you don’t normally see. Or you can take it along on a trip and record the birds you find that are different than the ones you normally see at home.

There are so many ways to use a Bird Watching Journal.

Do you love watching birds? Record all the birds you see in this DIY bird watching journal. It's simple to make and a fun place to write about birds.

You can certainly use a plain notebook for your Bird Watching Journal. But, wouldn’t it be fun to have a fun, pretty, and personalized Bird Watching Journal?

Of course it would! Let’s get started.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for more details.

Supplies Needed:

2 Coloring Pages of your choice (I used this one)
Sharpies (or coloring tools of your choice)
Composition Notebook
Mod Podge
Paint Brush
Scissors
Small Piece of Cardstock

Pick a coloring page

You know what fun about this project? You get to start by coloring. Fun, right? Pick out 1 or 2 fun adult coloring pages for your notebook and spend a pleasant evening coloring. I found the one I used at this link.

If you really, really don’t want to color 2 different coloring pages. Pick your favorite and color it with bold colors. I used Sharpies on mine. Once you’re done, take it to a color copier and make a copy. (And, I’ll confess, that’s exactly what I did because I wanted the front and back of my composition notebook to be identical.) No matter what you choose, you need two coloring pages.

Make your bird watching journal

Trim your pages a bit and position them on your composition notebook.

Position your coloring page so that it fits flush against the black binding and overlaps on the top and bottom and side.

Brush an even coat of Mod Podge with a paint brush over they entire front of your notebook. Carefully place your coloring page on top and smooth out your wrinkles. Mod Podge gives you a bit of time to tweak your cover so you have it covered correctly.

Let it dry a bit, then turn your notebook over and repeat the process on the back cover.

Once everything has dried (I found it took a couple of hours on my notebook), trim the overlapped edges. I cut right up to the edge of my notebook.

If you find sections of your coloring page that did not stick, reapply some Mod Podge and let it dry.

Use your Mod Podge to glue your small piece of cardstock to the front of your notebook.

Once dry, label it however you wish. I went with the simple, yet effective “Bird Watching Journal.” Simple always works, right?

Now that your Bird Watching Journal is ready, it’s time to start recording.

Use the journal to record date, time, location, and type of bird. Make a bucket list of birds you would like to see. Create a special list of birds that love your backyard.

I’m sure you’ll come up with tons of ways to use your Bird Watching Journal. Just have fun with it!

Do you love watching birds? Record all the birds you see in this DIY bird watching journal. It's simple to make and a fun place to write about birds. #journal #CreativeFamilyFun

More bird activities you may love:

Family Bird Watching Club

After School Fun – Hummingbird Suncatchers

All About Birds Scavenger Hunt at Inspiration Laboratories

Family Bird Watching Club

Does your family have any shared interest or hobbies? Do you all love to watch and play baseball? Or maybe hiking is your thing? Or do you spend the winter skiing and snowboarding? Whatever it is, a shared hobby is a great way to spend quality time together.

If you don’t already have a shared interest, have you thought about trying something new together?

It doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t have to be expensive.

I’ve got a crazy idea for you. Start a Family Bird Watching Club.

Begin a hobby together with your whole family by starting a family bird watching club. You'll learn together and have fun together.

I know what you’re thinking. “Isn’t that something only old people do?”

Hear me out. Why is bird watching a good idea?

It’s simple. You may already have all the supplies you need. You can do it all over the world all year round. It gets the family outside enjoying nature. You can plan fun trips around this hobby. Anyone at any age can do it. Plus… birds are just plain fun.

How do you get started?

First, you’ll need to gather a few supplies.

1. Find a good bird field guide. We’ve had the field guide pictured above for a long, long time. It’s still very useful and we use it all the time to identify birds. Birds (A Golden Guide from St. Martin’s Press) is an updated version of our book. I also love the field guides from National Audubon Society, such as the National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds: Eastern Edition. Find a field guide that will work for your area of the world.

2. Get some binoculars. You won’t always be able to see birds close-up. A good pair of binoculars is crucial to being able to see and observe birds. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, an inexpensive pair will get the job done.

3. Add a bird watching journal. You’ll want to record all the cool birds you find, so you’ll want a simple Bird Watching Journal. Get a nice notebook (like a Moleskine) or follow our tutorial for a simple and colorful DIY journal (you can find the tutorial here).

4. Find a basket or container. This isn’t necessary, but it’s a nice addition. Find a basket to keep all your bird watching supplies contained. Keep it by a window (it it’s a window near a bird feeder – even better), and you’ll have easy access for everything you need.

You’ve got the supplies, now what?

1. Learn about the birds that visit your own backyard. If you’re going to try bird watching, you probably want to make sure your yard is bird-friendly. Add some feeders (and keep them full) and maybe a bird bath. Try to put a feeder near a window, so you can observe the birds from inside and not disturb them.

2. Plan some trips to watch birds. You don’t have to go far. Visit a local park, pond, or nature center. Don’t forget your binoculars.

3. Keep our eyes and ears open everyday. Birds are everywhere! Once you start noticing the birds, you’ll find them all over the place. Use your field guide once you get home to identify the birds you saw.

Don’t forget these important tips!

1. Don’t get too close! Stay a distance away – that’s what the binoculars are for. Let the birds go about their day without disturbing them or even trying to touch them. And, while we’re on the subject of touching, don’t try to disturb or touch a bird’s nest either.

2. Birds like it quiet. Sometimes even a little noise will scare away a bird. While observing a bird, keep it quiet and you’ll see all kinds of fascinating things.

3. Use your ears. Often you’ll hear a bird before you see one. If you hear a bird, stop, and look around. You may get lucky and find the bird you hear. If not, can you identify the bird by it’s call?

Are you ready to start a new family hobby yet? Give bird watching a try once. You never know, you may find a new source of family activities.

Bonus Tip: The book Backyard Birding for Kids: A Field Guide and Activities by Fran Lee is a great starting point for bird watching. You’ll find common birds, places to go, and activities to make your own yard bird-friendly.

More bird activities you may love:

Family Bird Watching Club

Bird Watching Journal

After School Fun – Hummingbird Suncatchers

All About Birds Scavenger Hunt at Inspiration Laboratories

Coastal spotter

Be a nature detective! Can you tick off any of these?

DOWNLOAD THE SHEET

Jellyfish spotter

Be a nature detective! Can you tick off any of these?

DOWNLOAD THE SHEET

Marine animals spotter

Be a nature detective! Can you tick off any of these?

DOWNLOAD THE SHEET

Go on a litter pick up

Keep animals safe by clearing up rubbish that they could get trapped in or eat.

GET STARTED

River bird spotter

Be a nature detective! Can you tick off any of these?

DOWNLOAD THE SHEET

Astronomy and Star Gazing

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Astronomy and Star Gazing is the pleasure of gazing up at the heavens above and looking at the stars and planets. Skills – Strength: 1, [Read More…]

Animal Parks, Wildlife Parks and Zoo Visits

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Go wild and treat yourself to a trip to the zoo. There is more than one type of place to see animals. Zoos are becoming [Read More…]

Fall or Autumn

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Outdoor Sensory Play: Leaf Pile Scavenger Hunt

CREATING FAMILY Outdoor Sensory Play: Leaf Pile Scavenger HuntKat / November 11, 2020 / 0 CommentsParents everywhere have started to understand the benefits of sensory play but it isn’t always easy to get inspiration. We all see those beautiful sensory bins that some parents share on social media…READ MORE

Leaves and Seeds: Nature Activities for Kids

Our theme for this week is Leaves & Seeds – exploring trees during autumn is a great nature and science activity!

Make sure to check out our Theme Week posts on Apple Activities & the Autumn Equinox.

Tree ID Scavenger Hunt {w/free printable clues!}

Learn which trees are growing in your yard with this tree identification scavenger hunt using leaves, tree seeds & free printable clues! Do you know the saying “A picture’s worth a thousand words”? If that’s the case, I’m going to tell you that a hands-on science activity answers 1,000 questions 🙂 Giving kids a fun …

Zoo Scavenger Hunt for Kids {free printable!}

Are you a big fan of zoo visits? We love going to observe the animals and see their funny (and interesting) antics and activities.

This week, we’re highlighting (and asking you to share!) ideas for Zoo Visits & Wild Animal Activities on the Discover & Explore linky.

5 Awesome Activities at Nature Centers Near Me

Tips on finding local nature centers and nature activities near you! When I first started to stay home with our kids full-time, I knew that we HAD to get out of the house each week. While I’ll be the first to admit that there are so many fun ways to learn at home, kids quickly …

7 Classic Lawn Games for Your Backyard

Introduce your kids to some amazing classic backyard games this summer! We love to encourage families to get outside & enjoy their own backyards — whether it’s doing a few backyard science experiments or having a camp-out at home, there are so many easy ways to connect — and playing a game is one of …

30 Games & Activities to Play at the Park

Enjoy these fun games & activities kids can play at the park this month! Spring is here which means Summer is not far behind so it’s time to hit the great outdoors. And you know how much we LOVE getting outdoors and exploring so we’re helping the National Trust to celebrate Kids to Parks Days …

Leaf Hunt Books & Leaf Activities for Kids

Enjoy these gorgeous kids books about leaves — perfect to pair with favorite Fall activities this Autumn or to take with you on a leaf scavenger hunt! One of the best things about Autumn (next to the pumpkin bread, of course) are the beautiful leaves! I love to go on long drives to see the …

18 Leaf Science Experiments & Projects for Fall

Try a few of these easy Fall leaf science experiments, projects and activities using real leaves! Autumn is definately the season for some outdoor Fall science activities! And you know me — I’m all about EASY when it comes to projects — what’s easier than walking out your door and rounding up a handful of …

Fall Nature Activities for Kids: Autumn Equinox

Explore the Autumn Equinox and seasonal changes with these easy Fall science activities for kids! Fall is a wonderful season to explore the outdoors. learn a little science and dive into why the seasons change. Kids can learna LOT about nature through their skills of observation and discovery. Fall Nature & Science Activities: …

Leaf Activities

1) Make a leaf tile, bowl or decoration out of salt dough or clay - the perfect gift! Watch our video to find out how.

2)Thread and paint some leaves:

Muddy Faces’ threading leaves
Muddy Faces’ leaf art with pens

3) Make a leaf tree collage:

Rain or Shine Mamma’s tree craft

4) Create some leaf animals using some glue (plus pens and paper if you wish):

Mother Natured’s snake
Mother Natured’s butterfly
Watch the Scout’s leaf animals video

5) Have a go at the ancient art of Hapa Zome (also known as leaf bashing or printing).

For this you will need:

Some white cloth (like a bit of old sheet or a tea towel) or some thick paper
A hammer, mallet, smooth stone, thick stick or rolling pin
A selection of leaves and/or petals

See:

Sussex Wildlife Trust’s How to do a Hapa Zome
Muddy Faces’ Hapa zome- leaf-bashing

Magic!

1) Make a fizzing, frothing, bubbling magic potion using common household ingredients - watch our video to find out how.

2) Have a go at creating other petal potions and perfumes:

Mother Natured flower petal potions
Muddy Faces’ Rose petal perfume

3) Fashion a crown.

These can be made out of leaves, flowers, feathers or sticky weed. See:

Mother Natured’s 18 delightful nature crowns
Rain or Shine Mamma’s leaf crown
Learning Through Landscape’s sticky crown

4) Conjure up a magic wand.

Attach a leaf by it’s stalk to the end of a straightish stick with masking tape or sticky tape.
Wind string or wool around the stick to cover up the tape and on other sections if you wish.
Using glue or double-sided tape, stick leaves and petals to the stick and to the large leaf at the top.For more inspiration, see:
Muddy Faces’ autumn leaf wand and magic wodland wand

Treasure hunts, trails and games

1) Design and run your own treasure hunt.

Treasure hunts are great way to get everyone moving about and exploring the house and/or garden!
Watch our video for four fantastic ideas - a picture trail, a symbol trail a cryptic trail and a treasure map trail.

2) Three other trails to try are a feather trail, a compass trail and a rope trail.

See: Muddy Faces’ feather trail, Learning through Landscapes’ compass treasure hunt and Creative Star Learning’s rope trail

3) Have a go at making your own memory games.

Watch how to play Kim’s game here and an outdoor version of pairs here.A similar activity is a blindfold sensory challenge - read about it here.

4) Set up an un-nature trail.

This is when a number of different human-made objects are hidden in an area, and the children need to look for and then remember what they saw. To find out more, click here.

Stick Activities part 2

1) Make a stick rattle using some bottle tops, wire, a pipe cleaner or some string.

2) Whilst on a walk in your local green space or even during a trip around your garden, make a journey stick by trying the natural items you come across to the stick. Read these how to guides:

3) Make a God’s Eye from 3 sticks and some wool. Watch Red Ted Art’s how to video here

4) Build a mini raft to float in your bath, paddling pool or just a large bowl! See:

The Scouts teeny tiny twig rafts video
Wildlife Watch’s build a mini raft instruction sheet

5) Build a stick tower. Challenge your family members to a contest - who can build the tallest one in 10 minutes? You could use just sticks or combine them with string or tape. Make sure everyone has an equal number at the start!

6) Create mini teepees for little play people, and decorate with wool or ribbon.

For lots more stick activity ideas, see Childhood 101’s20 Ways to Play with Sticks.

Water Activities

1) Make some really muddy water look clean again, using a home-made water filter.

2) Make your own paint.

Gather together various natural materials like grass, leaves and petals. (If using petals, only take a couple from each flower and don’t pick whole flowers, especially if there aren’t many - save them for the bees!)
Find a flat surface on which to make your paint. This could be a plank of wood, a chopping board or a paving stone.
Using a strong stick or a stone, crush the leaves / petals together, adding a little bit of water. Then create to picture with your ‘paint’!

3) Make natural dyes out of onion skins, nettles, grass and other natural materials. Click here to download the sheet.

For an in-depth guide, see the Muddy Faces web page

Tree Activities

1) Make a bird’s nest (watch our ‘how to’ film)

2) Choose a tree which will be your special tree. This could be on your street, in a local green space or in your garden.

3) Find out what species (what type) your tree is:

Download the Woodland Trust’s ID sheet or dial
Use the Woodland Trust’s free Tree ID app

4) Investigate your special tree further by finding out what lives in it, by drawing it and by taking a leaf and bark rubbing:

Download the My Street Tree sheet
Use our My Special Tree sheet for your drawing and rubbings.
To take a leaf rubbing, put the leaf on a flat surface with the veins (lines) facing upwards. Put the paper on top of the leaf and use the long side (not the tip) of the crayon to rub over it. Similarly, for the bark rubbing, put the paper on top of the trunk of the tree and run the crayon over the top.

5) Find out the age and height of your special tree - download our tree investigation sheets:

How old is my tree sheet
How tall is my tree sheet

6) Write a poem about your special tree

Adapt the poem Tree of Life by Mia Ocean to describe your tree:

This tree
Is not only a tree
It is a friendly tree,
that is always watching over you.
This tree
Is not only a tree
It is a magical tree.
That makes miracles happen,
Hopes become realities,
And nevers become alwayses.
This tree
Is not only a tree,
It is where everything started.
It is the tree of life.

Download the poem template

7) Decorate your tree. This is usually done in winter as part of a tree dressing festival. But there’s no reason why you can’t honour your tree in this way now!

Download the decorate a tree sheet

Colour and Texture Activities

1) Go on a colour and/or texture hunt

Create your own colour line, wheel or rainbow and then see how many natural objects you can find to match those colours. Or, download a colour wheel from Mother Natured
Watch a short film on the Rainbow Chips gamehere
Download our texture hunt sheet here

2) Have a go at wild weaving by making a natural loom

3) Try some other wild weaving ideas:

Wooden disc weaving

Outdoor and photo frame looms

4) Make a natural colour collage / colour palette

Use parts of the natural materials collected during the colour hunt to make a collage.

Cut a small piece of card and (if you have it) put a strip of double-sided tape along the middle and peel back the protective strip. Or smear a thick line of glue along it.
Stick small pieces (the size of a fingernail) to the strip.

5) Create a Land / Natural Art masterpiece

Use natural materials like sticks, leaves and stones to make a natural land collage or sculpture.

For inspiration:

Land Art for Kids
Lots of photos of art inspired by artist Andy Goldsworthy on Pinterest
Another natural artist, James Brunt’s work here

Mud Activities

1) Make a Mud Face

A nice, thick consistency is best, so don’t add too much water.
Mix the mud and water with a stick or spoon.
Then use your hands to squash the mud ‘dough’ together.
Stick to a tree, wall or the floor.
Use stones / sticks / leaves / petals for the eyes, mouth and hair etc.

For more inspiration: LtL - Tree Faces and Muddy Faces - Mud Faces

2) Mix some Mud Paint

This needs to be a thinner consistency but not too runny or it will look feint and run off the page.
Use a paintbrush or feather to make marks on paper or on a stone floor.More inspiration: Rain or Shine Mamma

3) Do the Mud Splat!

Make a bucket of mud paint and use it to splat /sling at a wall, large piece of paper or an old sheet. Lots of fun!

See: Muddy Faces - Mud Slinging

4) Set up a Mud Café

Save some plastic and foil pots from the recycling bin to use as containers.
If you have any spare, cupcake cases also work well.
Download our Mud Café menu and design some fabulously appetising dishes.
Give them some enticing names. Mud Milkshake, Sloppy Slime Stew and Petal Pudding anyone?!

For more inspiration: Mother Natured Muddy Faces - Mud Rain or Shine Mamma

Stick Activities part 1

1) If you have either of these books – read The Stick Man by Julia Donaldson or Stanley’s Stick by John Hegley. OR watch the animated version of The Stick Man on the BBC here:

2) Go on a stick hunt using our spotter sheet

3) Make a stick butterfly

4) Make some stick people:

Materials required

One stick with a fork in it (or “Y” shape at the end)
One straight stick
Leaves or scraps of material
Pipe cleaners or masking tape / other tape and felt tip pens

Method: The forked stick provides the legs and body, the straight stick the arms. Join the two together by either wrapping a pipe cleaner around them or using a few lengths of masking tape. Give the person hair and or clothes using bits of material, leaves or other natural materials stuck on with masking tape. If desired, draw on a face using felt tip pens.

5) Download paper-based Stick Man activities here

10 Best Outdoor Science Tools for Kids

We love outdoor explorations!

Getting to know nature and being a backyard detective are activities my kids have enjoyed for years.

And having great science tools takes outdoor exploration to a whole new level!

Autumn Scavenger Hunts for Kids

I don’t know about you, but I always want to get outside on a beautiful fall day to look at the colors and enjoy the crisp cool air.

These fun autumn scavenger hunts are the perfect family activity to get you and your kids outside.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Autumn Scavenger Hunts for Kids

Are you ready to have some fun?

These scavenger hunt ideas are all so much fun! You can hunt for the makings of a nature sensory bin or look at all the colors around you.

All of these ideas are perfect for exploring fall treasures and will get your family outside, exercising, and having fun.

Autumn Scavenger Hunts for KidsGet outside and explore this fall with this fun selection of autumn scavenger hunts for kids.

This fall scavenger hunt has 33 items which makes it perfect for a group activity.

Scarecrow Hunt with FREE Printable

Hide the pieces of a scarecrow around the house and let your kids find them to put together with this great idea for a scavenger hunt craft.

Forest Scavenger Hunt

Go on a scavenger hunt on a hike in the forest with this fun idea.

Nature Color Wheel Printable Scavenger Hunt

Explore the colors of fall with this fun nature color wheel scavenger hunt.

Create Pinterest Pin

Signs of Autumn Fall Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Search for the signs of autumn with this fun scavenger hunt.

Fall Scavenger Hunt List

Go on a simple fall scavenger hunt with this list that would be perfect for a trip to the park or nature center.

Create Pinterest Pin

Search for Autumn Printable for Kids

Search for autumn and sketch your finds in this fun printable mini booklet

Nature Scavenger Hunt

This simple fall nature scavenger hunt is perfect for your toddler or preschooler.

Nature Hunt Cardboard Hearts

Make your own nature hunt on these fun cardboard hearts.

Nature Sensory Bin Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Collect items on a nature hunt to make your own sensory bin with this fun idea.

Fall Camping Scavenger Hunt

Go on a fall scavenger hunt at the campground with this fun idea!

Enjoy the outdoors this fall with one of these fun Autumn Scavenger Hunts for kids. Your family will have so much fun exploring fall treasures.

More Family Outdoor Activities

10 Fun Family Exercise Ideas

Discover a New Playground for Outdoor Family Fun

Has it been raining?! Grab your gear and get splashing!

GET STARTED

Mark and recapture snails

Get to know these special slimy creatures!

GET STARTED

Autumn leaf spotter

Be a nature detective! Can you tick off any of these?

DOWNLOAD THE SHEET

Fungi spotter

Be a nature detective! Can you tick off any of these?

DOWNLOAD THE SHEET

Woodland spotter

Be a nature detective! Can you tick off any of these?

DOWNLOAD THE SHEET

Make a bird feeder

Make a bird feeder and see who comes to visit your garden!

GET STARTED

Make a bug hotel

Bugs and insects love little holes and dark places to hide in!

GET STARTED

Make an insect hotel

Your insect hotel will create habitats for bees, spiders, woodlice and more.

GET STARTED

Woodland spotter

Be a nature detective! Can you tick off any of these?

DOWNLOAD THE SHEET

Grazing mammal spotter

GET STARTED

Wild blackberry crumble

Find out when blackberries are in season and get baking!

DOWNLOAD THE SHEET

Winter

Outdoor play doesn’t have to stop in winter. Just because it’s cold out does not mean that you have to stay indoors. There are a lot of benefits to getting outside in winter,…READ MORE

100+ Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids • RUN WILD MY CHILD; Opens a new tab

We've put togehter the ultimate list of 100+ outdoor winter activities for kids to keep them outside, entertained and active all winter long.

Winter is a wonderful time to learn about COLD. We have 11 cold science experiments for kids to explore the cold temperature. Why polar pear is not afraid of cold? How animals stay warm during the winter?

In most area, you can make ice outside without a refrigerate in winter. You will definitely want to try these 8 amazing ice experiments with kids. Growing ice always amazes me. Have you tried burning ice?

If you ever get some snow, here are 6 Fun Snow Science Experiments for Kids. Have you noticed the special features for the snowflakes? Do you what is inside snow?

There are usually a lot pine cones laying on the ground through out the winter. If you can find some, try these 8 Pine Cone Science Experiments. Do you know you can use pine cones to predict weather? Do you know how pine trees spread their seeds?

When it is too cold to go out, you can still do many science activities at home. We have over 150 science activities for kids that can easily do right in your kitchen, with simple materials like salt, pepper, water.

We also have 9 Christmas tree themed science activities for kids. It is very easy to replace the Christmas tree with something else, if it is not Christmas time, or if you don’t celebrate Christmas.

Similarly we collected several science activities in our Welcome New Year with STEM. It is definitely fun to do these activities with the New Year theme, but it is also easy to switch the themes to other occasions.

Try Backyard Snowshoeing

by Debi Huang

Welcome to Day 26 of 31 Days of Backyard Nature Fun, a month-long series offering simple ways to get outside exploring the natural world. To see activities from earlier this month, head here.I promised those of you with snow on the ground outside a couple more posts this month just for you. Today, I’m making good on that promise.Or perhaps I should say Amelia is. She’s another … [Read more...]

February Nature Fun for Kids

by Debi Huang

Even though January’s 31 days of backyard nature fun is over, it doesn’t mean I won’t be sharing plenty of simple ways to get outside in February and beyond. I’ve got a lot of new ideas coming your way this month. Consider today’s post a sneak peek of what’s ahead. I know winter has been cold and brutal to more than a few of you so far. February might not be much better. … [Read more...]

20+ Outdoor Snow Activities for Kids

Check out these 75+ winter activities for kids: crafts, art projects and science experiments

I put together a list of my own favorite snow and ice activities that I could do with my young boys and students. I hope you will also enjoy them.

20+ Outdoor Snow Activities for Kids

Create colorful ice blocks – via Meet the Dubiens.

Paint the snow with real paint – via Happy Hooligans.

Make giant colorful ice marbles – via Growing a Jeweled Rose

Paint snow with water mixed with food coloring – via Really Quite Lucky

Blow bubbles and watch them freeze – via Fireflies and Muddle Pies

Create a snow kitchen – via Sun Hats & Wellie Boots.

Create a snowy obstacle course for kids – via The Inspired Treehouse

Paint a snowman – via How Does She?

Make snow lanterns – via Little Green Fingers

Make ice lanterns – via Practically Functional

If you live up North where you have lots of snow, make a snow maze – via Lifewith More Babies

Make an ice garland – via Peek-a-Boo Pages

Build a colorful ice sculpture – via Small Potatoes

Make a winter sun catcher – via Hub Pages

Make a rainbow ice ring – via Design Mom.

Use nature elements for ice decorations – via Artful Kids

Combine bird seeds and cranberries in these beautiful ice ornaments -via Hello Glow

Make a snow volcano – via Growing a Jeweled Rose

Make potato head snowmen – via Happy Hooligans

Exercise your patience in building colorful icicles – via Housing a Forest

Colorful ice bowls – via Non-Toy Gifts

Get out and explore those things that are unique to winter. You won’t even notice the cold.

Exploring Nature During Winter

1. Feed the birds.

Use existing bird feeders or make your own, like our simple bird feeders. Put the bird feeders close to a window and provide small notebooks, binoculars and a bird book. See what kind of birds live in your neighborhood in the winter. (Special note: if you do decide to feed the birds, please continue to feed them until spring comes and they are able to find their own food.)

2. Explore ice.

What are its properties? When does it melt? Try to break it. Mama Smiles recently spent some time exploring ice. Check out all the fun they had!

3. Learn to read an outdoor thermometer and check the temperature outside.

Use the opportunity to learn a little about weather and the characteristics of winter in your area.

4. Learn about snowflakes.

Look at them up close with a magnifying glass. What do you see? Teach Preschool shows you how to catch snowflakes on black paper so you can examine them up close.

5. Explore rocks.

It doesn’t matter the season, rocks are always in abundance. Have fun exploring and learning about rocks. Or, you can do like Kitchen Counter Chronicles and make rock art.

Even when the world is covered with snow, there are many fun ways to explore nature in winter with kids. Bundle up, go outside, and learn about snow, ice, and other things that are unique to winter.

6. Look for signs of life.

Winter is the time of year when many plants are dormant. But, not everything! Go exploring and see if you can find any signs of life. If you need inspiration, Rainy Day Mum recently went searching for fairy homes (aka mushrooms).

7. Give your kids a camera and see what they can find.

Go on a photo walk with your kids. What do you notice? See the beauty in the details. Here are some great tips from Peanut Blossom for going on a photo walk.

8. Read a book about winter animals and look for signs of wildlife.

Try finding foot prints near a wooded area. Learn about which animals hibernate and which ones need to forage for food in the winter. Animals in Winter (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science) by Henrietta Bancroft is a great resource for this activity.

You can also find some great Winter Nature Books here that will encourage you and your kids to get out and explore.

9. Bring it inside.

If it’s too cold to go outside and explore, bring some nature indoors. Set up a nature table with all the nature treasures you’ve collected throughout the year. Or, you can do like Mama Smiles did and bring some snow indoors to play. You don’t always have to be outside to explore nature!

10. Make art.

Get creative. Use the natural items that you find and make beautiful art. The Chocolate Muffin Tree made this beautiful snowy land art for Valentine’s Day.

10 Ways to Play with Snow

10 Ways to Learn About Animals

Ice Experiments and Play Ideas for Preschoolers

Start a Rock Collection

by Debi Huang

Welcome to the final day of 31 Days of Backyard Nature Fun, a month-long series offering simple ways to get outside exploring the natural world. To see activities from earlier this month, head here. We made it! Thirty-one days in a row, each featuring a different idea for backyard nature fun. Phew! If you’ve been playing along, I hope you’ve come to realize that helping … [Read more...]

Fun Friday: Glow Stick Walk

by Debi Huang

Winter’s shorter daylight hours come with at least one benefit: The chance to go exploring outside in the dark before bedtime. There are all kinds of fun ways to explore nature at night, like going on a glow stick walk. (If you don’t have a glow stick, don’t worry. Try a flashlight walk instead.) Before you head out, make sure everyone is dressed for the weather. Layer up … [Read more...]

Toddler-Style Winter Beach Play

by Debi Huang

If you don’t live in Southern California (or Hawaii or maybe Australia), it might be hard to imagine 70 plus degree temps and sunny skies that go on forever. But that’s what winter has served up for us SoCal folks so far and I’m lucky enough to have spent last week vacationing in Oxnard, a beachside community about an hour north of Los Angeles. This was the first time my … [Read more...]

30 Ideas for Winter Backyard Nature Fun

by Debi Huang

This blog’s most popular post by far remains one of its simplest: 50 Ways to Explore Nature in Your Own Backyard. I’m glad to know that so many people are looking for ways to spend time in nature right outside their own homes.Since that post remains a hit, I thought it might be helpful to compile a list of ideas for backyard fun for every season – starting with winter.This list … [Read more...]

50 Ways to Connect with Nature This Winter (With or Without Snow)

by Debi Huang

In a perfect world, getting outside would be as easy as heading out your back door and following your kids’ lead. But for those days when you need a little more inspiration, here are a slew of ways to connect with nature this winter – with or without snow. And don’t forget that on the worst of days, there are plenty of ways you can connect with nature inside, too. 20 Things … [Read more...]

Fun Friday: 2014 Winter Nature Photo Hunt

by Debi Huang

The nature photo hunts I create each season continue to be a big hit around here. So I apologize for the delay in getting this winter’s list together. Without further delay, I am pleased to announce that the 2014 Winter Nature Photo Hunt is now ready! (If you live in the southern hemisphere, you’ll want to check out the summer version instead.) Here’s how the winter … [Read more...]

Day 24: Take a Winter Nature Walk

by Debi Huang

Welcome to Day 24 of 31 Days of Backyard Nature Fun, a month-long series offering simple ways to get outside exploring the natural world. To see activities from earlier this month, head here. One of the most common ways we get in our green time on busy weekdays is by taking walks around the neighborhood. Even though our walks don’t take us through lush forests or alongside … [Read more...]

A Playful Parenting Guide to Winter Break

by Debi Huang

Just a few more days and the kids are on winter break. For three weeks. That's right - three weeks! For many parents in these parts, that's a terrifying idea. But around here, I'm getting pretty excited. No, I'm not crazy. I'm just not worried about how I'm going to occupy my kids 24-7. Because you know what? I don't have to! And you don't, either. In fact, you can even … [Read more...]

The Kids Winter Handbook

by Debi Huang

Winter seems longer than the other seasons, doesn’t it? I’m thinking that in spite of all the stellar ideas I shared in 50 ways to connect with nature this winter, you might be feeling a little uninspired about heading outside right about now.Which is why I’m sharing a resource that might come in handy. The Kids Winter Handbook is billed as “the official book of wintertime,” … [Read more...]

5 Winter Weekend Getaways in Nature

by Debi Huang

The Christmas holidays have come and gone. And spring break feels like it’s a lifetime away (even though it’ll be here before we know it). Instead of settling in to the winter doldrums, there’s no time like the present for a little winter weekend getaway in nature. When it comes to weekend getaways, we have a few simple rules we abide by: Go somewhere close to home (say, … [Read more...]

Fun Friday: Winter Nature Adventures at the Beach

by Debi Huang

While not everyone is lucky enough to have ready access to the beach, it’s one of the perks of living in Los Angeles. In fact, spending time at the beach is one of our favorite ways to connect with nature during the winter. Have a look-see at some simple ways to enjoy a winter nature adventure at the beach. Climb sand dunes. Guess what animal made tracks in the … [Read more...]

Ideas and Tips for a Winter Picnic
in the Snow

A recent article in my local paper touted a few local shopping malls as great destinations to get exercise in the winter. Whatever happened to getting fresh air? Exercising and window shopping may appeal to some, but I’m guessing a couple times around my mall would only leave me hankering for a Starbucks, — and six new pairs of shoes.

We’ve had a mild winter so far, and if you dress for it, the cold does much more help than harm. Brilliant sunlight, crisp cool air, and a peaceful blanket of white snow – now that is the mix for an invigorating, yet calming work out. We’ve been getting outdoors every day out of sheer necessity; it’s far too easy to go bonkers when you’re snowed in! Sometimes we go sledding, sometimes skating, but all the kids really need is a snow bank to have fun.

My niece & a friend sharing hot chocolate in Northern British Columbia. Photo by Laura Hols.

Try a Winter Picnic for a change

In summer we practically eat everything outdoors, but winter confines us to the dining room table three times a day, and quite frankly, that gets old. Why not plan a winter picnic to change things up?

With proper planning and an adventurous spirit, a snow picnic can be easily executed and every bit of fun -if not more- than a summer picnic! You’ll see, it will be one meal of the season that your children will remember for years to come.

Here are my tips to keep everyone happy on a winter picnic in the snow – both parents and children!

Tips for a Picnic in the Snow

START SIMPLE

A thermos of hot cocoa and homemade cookies are a good place to start. Don’t attempt an entire meal on the first try, lest you get discouraged. Instead, pack some cookies or other favorite treats in a waterproof container, fill a thermos (I like the Kids Konserve Insulated Stainless-Steel Thermos because it’s BPA-free, portable, and keeps food hot for hours) with hot chocolate, and be on your way.

We probably do this 2-3x a week when Noah gets home from school. An afternoon snack enjoyed in the quiet of the forest after a long day in a classroom is my idea of letting my five-year-old unwind.

DRESS THE PART

You wouldn’t show up at a pool party wearing a parka, would you? In order to enjoy the winter picnic experience, dress to the nines. When we head out, everyone is outfitted from head to toe in warm gear, and while it may not be matching or brand name, it keeps us snug and that’s enough. Don’t forget to wear an extra pair of socks!

Tip: If it is a particularly sunny day, and you’re planning on being out for a few hours, you may want to apply a thin layer of sunscreen on little faces before you get bundled up. The snow reflects the sun’s rays and sunburn in winter is a possibility.

WATCH THE WEATHER

Make sure you have a good idea of where the weather is headed. Gently falling snow makes for a fun setting, but much more can be trouble. If there is a chance it may turn into freezing rain, then either stay very close to home, or wait for another day.

GRAB THE GEAR

This is one picnic you can leave the bug spray at home! We don’t bring much more than food (the essentials!), but here are a few items you may want to toss in a backpack to be prepared.

Camera. Snap a few photos and share them with us on our Flickr group!
Blanket. We sit right in the snow or on a fallen log in our snow pants, but you may want a woolen blanket to spread out.
Flashlight. Bring a small one if you are going far from home. Night falls quickly!
Kleenex. Inevitably, someone’s nose always needs a wipe.
Matches. If you’re rural enough to be able to build a fire.
Small plastic trash bag. You know the motto, right? Leave no trace.

Cousins and a winter campfire in Northern British Columbia. Photo by Josh Wimbush.

GET OUT OF TOWN

The winter slush in a city is no fun. If you can, hop into a car and make tracks to a local orchard, farmer’s field, or even a golf course.

If staying in town is the only option, try and head for the biggest park near you and bushwhack off the trail. Find a nice perch with a view and ideally some sunshine.

No matter where you are, make the outing more of an adventure for the kids by pretending you’re in a favorite storybook. My boys like to play Royal and Almanzo from ‘Farmer Boy’. We hunt a lot of ‘panthers’ when we’re tromping through the snow.

GRUB THAT’S GOOD

Yes, the word ‘picnic’ generally conjures up images of watermelon, egg salad sandwiches and cupcakes, but I don’t recommend any of those for a winter outing. Instead pack non-messy, easy to eat foods that warm the tummy and don’t require any on-site assembly.

Thermos. Ideal items for a thermos would be Chili, stew, lentil soup, or macaroni & cheese.
Foil-wrapped. Many summer camping foods can be adapted to suit a winter picnic. Simply prepare and cook the food at home, keep well wrapped and warm in aluminum foil, and bring them along for the picnic. Try Beef Stew Packets, Campfire Burritos or even just easy baked potatoes.
Cold. Wraps, sandwiches, and simple finger foods are another easy route for keeping little tummies happy. Homemade granola bars are sure to please, and no one can turn down a freshly baked muffin. Don’t forget a thermos of hot apple cider to help warm the hands up.

As opposite to a summer picnic, food tends to take a back seat in a winter picnic. Eating is secondary when there are snow forts to build and tunnels to dig.

FYI- PBJ’s work if the kids want to help make lunch.

Have you had a picnic in winter before?

Winter Backyard Astronomy for Kids

by Debi Huang

With winter’s shorter days come more opportunities to explore nature at night. Heading outside and looking up at the night sky for a few minutes is one of the simplest ways for you and the kids to make a nature connection right in your own backyard. Photo by Jonas Wiklund Don’t panic if astronomy isn’t your thing (it’s not mine). You don’t have to have all … [Read more...]

A collection of over 40 of our favorite kids winter outdoor play activities! | via barley & birch

50 of the Best Outdoor Winter Play Activities

Over the years I’ve shared quite a few winter projects and activities, but while reviewing my posts last week I noticed a gaping hole in my collection – where were the outdoor winter play ideas?! I grew up in New York where winters can be fairly snowy and cold, and most of our free time was spent playing outside – no matter the temperature. When winter hit, my sister and I would jump at the chance to bundle up for nearly any outside diversion, whether it was shoveling the driveway with dad or plodding over to the sledding hill at the end of the block.

Though quite a few of the activities involve snow or ice, I made sure to include just as many seasonal play suggestions for our warmer-winter readers. And even if you don’t think of your family as the outdoor types, consider trying a few…you might just become outdoor winter regulars!

HOW TO PREP FOR SAFE OUTDOOR WINTER PLAY

Winter play outside comes with its own specific challenges. Here are a few ideas to help you make your kids’ outdoor winter playtime safe and enjoyable for everyone…

Keep an eye on the weather. Especially during winter, it’s a good idea to be aware of the forecast, keep an eye on the sky, and watch for changing conditions or winter temperature drops.
Dress for the temps. The number one rule for dressing in winter (no matter the age)? Layer up! Waterproof outer layers and boots are best if playing in the snow, and remember to keep extremities covered up too – hand warmers can be an especially helpful accessory (you can DIY your own set from scrap fabric!).
Play near home and stay out of the street. Though not necessarily always a reason to stay inside, heavy snowfall, deteriorating conditions, and icy water or roads can present winter play hazards. When in doubt, keep the fun relegated to your own backyard or neighborhood.
Check on warmth regularly. When kids are distracted by play, they can easily lose track of how cold they feel. Teach little ones to become aware of their bodies and their surroundings with a quick warmth check-in every now and then.
Take warm-up breaks. Chattering teach or frost-nipped cheeks are good signs it’s time for an indoor break. Who can resist a warm mug of hot cocoa?
Hydrate. Cold dry winds and heated rooms mean hydration is just as important in the winter months as in the summer. Filling a kid-sized water bottle with the day’s water and letting kids sip throughout the day will keep them hydrated with water that’s warmed to room temperature.

Four outdoor winter play activities for kids

BACKYARD SNOW AND ICE PLAY

Snow day! When the flakes start flying, try one of these fantastic activities for snow play...

Make rainbow snow castles, (top left)
Try rainbow ice snow painting. (top right)
Make DIY spray bottle snow paint. (bottom left)
Make frozen outdoor winter ice sculptures. (bottom right)
Make creative snow creatures.
Make painted ice lanterns.
Mix up a bowl of snow ice cream.
Try these 9 ways to have fun with snowballs.
DIY your own set of cardboard Abominable Snowman tracks.
Decorate trees outside with homemade colored ice ornaments.
Blow frozen bubbles.
Design and freeze an ice suncatcher.
Grab a muffin tin and make mud kitchen ice cakes.
Combine snow with colorful or scented winter nature finds at a winter potion-making station.
Invite friends over for an outdoor tea party!
How to Build a Snow Castle with Your Kids

OUTSIDE WINTER SCIENCE PLAY

When exploring science concepts, I’ve always been a fan of hands-on learning, and I can’t think of anything more fun than taking experiments outside! Here are a few of my favorite backyard winter STEAM suggestions…

OUTDOOR WINTER NATURE OBSERVATION

The winter season presents a unique seasonal nature experience for kids. In addition to being a wonderful time opportunity to slow down, observe, and reflect, these ideas foster a deep appreciation for winter wildlife. And a plus for those of you in warmer environments: none of these winter nature play ideas require snow!

Shovel paths in the backyard to create your own discovery trails.
Go birding around your neighborhood, make mini frozen bird feeders, and observe winter bird behavior.
Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count.
Learn about hibernation and build a hibernaculum.
Track wildlife.
Collect winter nature treasures.
Adopt a sapling.
Go howling.
…or owling!
Spend an evening stargazing and keep track of the winter moons.
Learn to identify trees without leaves.
Make hot chocolate or cinnamon rolls in an orange peel over a campfire.
Find a family sit spot and observe the winter solstice!

NEIGHBORHOOD WINTER GAMES

Winter: the season for reindeer games! Keep kids’ outdoor winter play fun with one of these game ideas, guaranteed to warm up your kiddos and keep them moving all winter long…

Use colored ice cubes for a unique winter scavenger hunt.
Perfect your aim with a snowball target throw.
Go on a winter scavenger hunt in your neighborhood.
Go ice bowling.
Play igloo, or tree branch fort-building games.
Take sledding to the next level with sled relay races and sled pulls.
Go on an icy treasure hunt outside!
Challenge your kids to a race with a set of DIY snowshoes.
Make a snow or ice block maze.
Organize a backyard winter obstacle course.
Turn shoveling into a game with driveway snow shovel races.
Hold your own winter Olympics.

Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids

Wondering what you can do with your kids outside in the cold? There are so many fun outdoor winter activities for kids to keep them entertained and busy all winter long. There is no reason to stay stuck indoors with cabin fever on cold & snowy days.

These activities are a great way to get the kids outside and off their electronics to enjoy playing in the snow and exploring the many outdoor activities.

Plus the fresh air and outdoor play will help you forget the cold weather. Well, kind of but at least you’ll be having fun.

If winter has your whole family spending too much time indoors use our list of fun things to do in the winter with kids to get you motivated to go outside and enjoy the outdoors together.

Fun Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids at Home

Let’s get you ready with a list of fun things to do in the winter with your kids. The best part is most of the outdoor winter activities on our list are free. The activities mostly use items you have at home already or cheap things to do in your area on winter days.

The article is broken up by Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids at Home and Things to Do in Winter Near You. This will give you tons of options of fun activites to try this winter with your kids.

When you get cold outdoors head inside for some fun with our indoor rainy day activities for kids. This will help create a full day of entertainment when you’re stuck at home this winter.

Snow Painting with Spray Bottles

Turn your kid’s snowmen, forts, and snowballs into something more exciting with DIY Snow Paint. Kids will love creating art out of snow using snow paint.
All you need is water, food coloring, and a spray bottle to make this easy and fun DIY Snow Paint.
Your kids will stay outside playing a lot longer if they need to build a snow structure and decorate it with snow paint. Then once they paint it they will need to play in it too!

Make a Snowman

A winter tradition for all kids is creating a snowman in your yard. Add some fun to your snowmen with snow paint and a scarf and hat.
We like to use a snowman kit which has everything you need to decorate your snowman.

Build a Snowfort

Create a Castle or snow fort in your front yard for the kids to play in this year.
To help make it sturdy we create snow bricks as our building blocks. We also dig down in the snow to create the entrance to the fort so the walls don’t need to be too high up.
Bonus our snow brick doubles in the summer as our sand brick so we can use it all year round.

Frozen Ice Balloon STEM Project

Let the kids find out what happens when you fill a balloon with water and leave it outside in the snow for this cool Ice balloon science experiment.
Add some color to your ice balloon by adding food dye to the balloon before the water freezes. We used the ice balloons last year to decorate the entrance to our snow fort and our front door.

Head to Local Parks

Visit your local park or playground on a snowy day and slide down the slide into the snow and jump off the swings into a pile of snow. The kids will love this twist on what they usually play at their local playground.
18 Fun Winter Activities for Kids

Play Sports in the Snow

Turn regular sports games into winter sports with a few fun adjustments.

Snow Baseball

All you need to do is create a bunch of snowballs to use as baseball. Have the kids use a plastic baseball bat to hit the snowballs that are pitched to them. If they hit the snowball they get to take a base if not after three swings their out.
Honestly, they’ll just have a blast hitting the snowballs and watching it explode into a snow cloud. This was my kid’s favorite activity last winter!

Snow Football

Throw the kids the football so they can catch it on a fly landing in a big snow pile. They’ll have a blast in the cushy fall.

Snow Soccer

If the snow is more packed down and hard have the kids try snow soccer. They can run and kick the ball just like a regular game with goals made out of snow at either end.

Ice Hockey

Get the kids out on the ice with a hockey stick and puck to see if they can score a goal.
Tip: if they’re a new skater the hockey stick can help them with their balance on the ice.

DIY Ice Ornaments

A fun winter craft to do with the kids is creating DIY Ice Ornaments. The frozen ornaments work as a great suncatcher in the winter months as it reflects the light.
To do this craft you will need the temperature to be freezing outside or have freezer space to place your ornament overnight.
First collect leaves, berries, small sticks, pine cones, or other small items from your yard. Use this as a time to go on a nature hike with your kids if you can’t find items in your yard.
Next, fill a plastic container or aluminum pie plate with water and add the items you found. Add a string submerged partly in the water to act as your rope to hang the ornament.
Then let it all freeze overnight outside or in your freezer. In the morning pop out your ice ornament and hang it on your tree.
Get the full directions on How to Make Ice Ornaments.

Hunt for Animal Tracks in the Snow

Take a walk around your neighborhood looking for small animal tracks. Can you find a squirrel, coyote, or bunny tracks?

Snow Obstacle Course

Create a fun obstacle course through the snow in your yard. Pull out things from your garage or build it out of snow. Some suggestions would be cones to run around, hula hoops to jump through, longboard to walk over like a balance beam.
You could also use the snow to build obstacles for the kids to run around or a big mound of snow for the kids to climb over.
Let them run through a few times for fun then if they’re up for a contest see who can run through the course the fastest.

Catch a Snowflake

Head outside when it’s snowing and see if you can catch a snowflake on your hand or tongue.
Take some time to study the snowflakes that land on your hand to examine how different each snowflake’s shape and design is from each other.

Make Snow Angels

Another great winter tradition is making snow angels. Let the kids make a bunch and then spend time decorating their angels.
You can either add snow paint to the angel, place Ice Balloons, or use the snow to decorate their angels.

Winter Bonfire

Head outside for a winter bonfire in your backyard. Let the kids roast smores and enjoys listening to the crackling fire. It would be a great time to tell stores around the fire like your camping too.

Snowball Fight

What’s winter without a family snowball fight. Break your family up into even teams and have each team create a snow base to hide behind and a mound of snowballs.
Last year we painted out snowballs so that each team has a specific color for each team to throw. The kids liked this and it kept them outside longer working on this project (:
Tip: I have found it’s a lot easier & faster to make lots of snowballs using a snowball maker.

Sand Toys in the Snow

Break out your sand toys and let the kids play with them in the snow. Use your sand trucks as construction trucks for your snow creations. Then use buckets and your sand molds to make snow castles and figures in the snow.
We love this cute Penguin mold that you can use in the sand too.

Fun Things to Do in the Winter Near you

This section has fun things to do in the winter in your area rather than at home. It’s the best places to go for entertaining winter activities for kids when you want to get out of the house.

Sledding

Head out to your local snow hill and take the kids sledding. This is always the highlight of the winter for kids so make sure not to skip sledding this year.
A really cool sled to try is a steerable sled that has a steering wheel and brakes to use on the snow hill. It’s fun for kids as young as three years old.
For Infants try a
For older kids try a snow tube they are cheaper than sleds and you can let out the air to store easier when winter is over.
The hottest trend on the snow hill is the Snow Scooter. It also folds flat so it’s easy to fit in your car or store in your garage.

Go Ice Skating

Head to your local indoor or outdoor ice skating rink and go ice skating together. If your kids are new to skating look for an introduction class to help them get started.
Save money by seeing if your local town will freeze over an area to create a free ice skating rink outdoors. Then head to a Play It Again Sports and pick up some cheap used ice skates for the kids.
You could also just use your boots on the free ice rink. When our kids were little we called it boot skating.
Tip: Bring a small throw rug to put down on the ice for your kids to step on to take a break from skating. It’s much easier to stand on than the ice and helps kids who are just starting out skating.

Winter Hiking & Scavenger Hunts

Head out to your local trail or forest preserve and go on a winter hike with your kids. Just make sure you know the trail as it might be harder to follow if there is snow on the ground.
As you walk collect small items you could use later to create your ice ornaments at home or glue them to a paper collage.
While walking keep an eye out for animal tracks in the snow or dirt paths too.
Nature Scavenger Hunts – keep the kids entertained on the walk with our Free Printable Nature Scavenger Hunt. It will give your kids a focus so they won’t think about the cold and just enjoy searching the forest.

Ice Castle

Look for a local Ice Castle to visit in your area. They’re huge ice sculptures your family can explore built with hundreds and thousands of icicles. It’s pretty cool to see.

Visit a Zoo

Head to your local zoo and see how the animals behave outside in the winter month.
Often zoos are overlooked in the winter months but it’s a great time to go when it’s less crowded. Plus most have buildings you can pop into to warm up and see more animals.
If you’re in the Chicago area check out the Brookfield Zoo or Lincoln Park Zoo.

Go Downhill Skiiing

Teach the kids to ski on a local ski hill. If you can start on the bunny hill they’ll learn more quickly and it’s less intimidating.

Cross Country Skiing

This might be an easier way to learn to ski as there won’t be the fear of going down a hill. Often your local golf course will allow people to go cross country skiing and rent skis in the winter months.

Snow Tubbing

If your kids like speed they’ll enjoy whizzing down a hill in a snow tube. Check your local skiing area to see if they offer snow tubing as an option. They often create lanes for the snow tubes to go down and offer larger tubes so you can ride with your younger kids.

Visit Botanical Gardens

Take a walk through your local Botanical Gardens and see which plants grow in the winter months. Then head inside to the hothouses to warm up and see which plants grow in that environment.

Winter Festivals

Find a local winter festival to visit with your family. Enjoy watching ice sculptors, drinking hot chocolate, and walking around the outdoor event.

Maple Syrup Festival

Look for a local maple syrup festival and let the kids learn how people tap a tree to get Maple Syrup. It’s pretty cool to see! Then enjoy the rest of the festival. Often time they serve pancakes to eat and try the maple syrup.

Ice Fishing

If you live somewhere that gets cold enough try ice fishing with the kids this year. It’s a unique experience that kids who enjoy fishing might like to try.
When you’re done enjoying all these fun outdoor winter activities a great way to end the day is some hot cocoa and a good book or some fun indoor activities if they still have energy left.
Are you ready now to enjoy some fun family time outdoors this winter? Hopefully, you found a few outdoor winter activities your kids will be excited to try this year.
Winter Play Ideas

Winter Craft & Science: Nature Art with Ice

Enjoy this easy Winter craft that combines science, nature & art — perfect for kids of all ages! I’ll be the first to admit that once Winter sets in, looking for ways to incorpation nature into our day becomes more of a challenge. There’s always that excitement for the first snow fall when we can …

29 Ways to Have Fun with Your Kids this Winter

Those long, cold days of winter can give us all a little cabin fever so push aside all those ‘must do’s’ and just have some fun with your kids. It’s amazing how many ideas and activities we parents think of as ‘regular things’ are super cool to our kids! Helping them to build a fort, …

70+ Free Winter Printable Activities for Kids

Winter usually means more time indoors so it’s always nice to have some quick & easy ideas on hand! Print off a variety of these FREE fun & learning activities and keep them in a basket. Your kids can choose a few to do each day — it will keep them thinking, reading and writing …

Exploring Animals Tracks in Winter

My kids are not big on going for a walk unless there’s a cool reason for being outside. For example, a walk to the playground is acceptable but a walk around the block is met with some whining at our house. So in an effort to get them some additional outdoor time AND include something …

14 Wonderful Winter Activities for Kids

We’ve already had our first taste of winter and the temperatures were brutally cold! So I am ready to find a few new ideas before the next snowy day blows in from the west. Now, I’ll admit that no matter how snowy or cold the day, I do like the get the kids outside for …

30 FREE Printable Winter Games & Activities

Browse this list of free printable Winter games and activities for those days when you can’t get outside! It’s time to get prepared by having some free printable Winter activities on hand — and I’ve got your back! I’m currently sitting on our couch looking out the window at the GORGEOUS snow falling. The flakes …

FREE Winter Scavenger Hunt (with printable list!)

Grab this free printable Winter Scavenger Hunt list and get outside & hunt down clues to explore seasonal changes in nature! My kids will be the first to tell you that no matter the weather, we get some outdoor time every day. It’s definitely more of a challenge during Winter — the colder weather and …

33 Fun Things to Do in Winter: Indoor & Outdoor Activities for Kids

Get inspired with this list of 33 Fun Things to do in the Winter — indoor & outside activities plus fun things to do with or without snow! It’s always great to have some creative ideas for keeping kids entertained during bad weather months & school breaks (like these 50 FUN Things to do at …

15 Winter Olympic Activities & Lesson Plan Ideas (free printable!)

Celebrate the 2022 Winter Olympics with kids using this FREE printable challenge that can be used as a teaching resource & lesson plan guide or just for fun with your family as you enjoy the Olympic Games together! There’s so much to learn during the 2-weeks of the Olympics — it’s a great time to …

Winter Science Experiments: How Much Water is in Snow?

Winter is the perfect time for some simple science experiments — find out how much water is in snow! My family will tell you that I’m an amateur weather buff — I like to observe what Mother Nature dishes out to us. Toss in the fact that I also love easy science experiments and …

14 Winter Science Experiments & STEM Activities

Try a few of these winter science experiments that explore snow, ice and cold temperatures! As if the past ten months haven’t been historic enough, it seems that we are making history once again with one of the most brutal cold snaps in decades!! As my grandmother always told me “if life hands you lemons, …

Indoor Winter Games for Kids: Holiday Charades or Pictionary {w/free printable}

Enjoy some time inside with this holiday & winter themed charade or pictionary game for kids and families – a fun and easy printable Winter-themed game! This week, I’ve realized that winter is coming. Scratch that – winter is here (at least in most of the country) which means more time inside. The temperatures have …

Superscript

Family Fun by the Season

Recent Posts

Once something catches your child’s interest, start asking them questions.

Get them thinking about what they see.

Whatever catches their interest, get interested in yourself.

Some Examples of Child-Centered Exploration

Hiking

We stop to look at things. A lot!

In the Park/Yard

Exploring around Town

Child Centered Activities Links

Spring

Outdoor Activity Ideas for Spring

Children are Natural Scientists: Create an Invitation to Explore

Create an Invitation to Explore and Use Science Tools

More Science Explorations for Preschoolers

Going on a Bug Hunt

Begin with a book for Littles

How to make ladybug books

Explore outdoors

Benefits of bug hunts

Garden beasts spotter

EXPLORING BUGS & CRITTERS WITH KIDS

2) SET UP A HABITAT FOR A BACKYARD NATURE WATCH

4) MAIL ORDER BUTTERFLIES TO NATURE WATCH FROM YOUR KITCHEN!

Make wild Water Investigations Fun with Cool Science Tools

Cool Science Tools for Kids

Explore Underwater with an AquaScope

How to go pond dipping

Collect and Observe with Discovery Lab Pens

Learn More About Trees and Flowers with a Nature Press

Make a pond dipping net

Spring nature spotter

Amphibians spotter

Fish spotter

Baby bird spotter

Garden butterfly spotter

Countryside spotter

Garden birds spotter

Ducks spotter

Spring flower spotter

Ladybird spotter

Go on a litter pick

Ducks spotter

Make a mini pond

Wallchart: spring things

Autumn leaf spotter

Fungi spotter

Woodland spotter

Nature's music

Amphibians spotter

Make your garden insect-friendly

Summer

And More...

SummerQuick Links

Simple Outdoor Adventures for Boys {Day 6}: Catch and Release An Animal

Catch A “Wild” Animal to Observe…

Supplies:

Helpful Tips/Resources:

Have you ever had a temporary wild pet?

For the Little Kids

For the Bigger Kids

You may also like one of these fun bird activities:

Bird Watching Journal.

Supplies Needed:

Pick a coloring page

Make your bird watching journal

How do you get started?

You’ve got the supplies, now what?

Don’t forget these important tips!

Coastal spotter

Jellyfish spotter

Marine animals spotter

Go on a litter pick up

River bird spotter

Fall or Autumn

Leaf Activities

Magic!

Treasure hunts, trails and games

Summer
Quick Links