Nature walks are a great way to encourage kids to get outside and explore the natural world. These walks provide an opportunity for children to learn about the environment, observe wildlife, and get some exercise. This list of 25 inventive activities can be incorporated into a nature walk to make it educational, fun, and engaging for kids. Whether it’s observing the different types of trees and plants, collecting leaves, or playing games, they are sure to make learning enjoyable!
1. Scavenger Hunt to Connect With Sounds of Nature
This outdoor sensory scavenger hunt includes a list of items or experiences to find or feel, such as a soft leaf, a bumpy rock, or the sound of a bird. It’s a great way to help children develop their observation skills and can be done in a park, backyard, or any outdoor space.
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2. Create a Nature Collection
Kids are sure to enjoy exploring and using their colorful bags to collect items from nature such as leaves, flowers, stones, and sticks. This hands-on activity promotes mindfulness, and appreciation for nature while developing observation skills.
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3. Take Deep Breaths While Enjoying a Mindful Multi-Sensory Experience
The sit spot is a designated area in nature where kids can sit and practice mindfulness. This grounding activity is a wonderful way to encourage them to focus on their breathing and the sensory experiences in their surroundings, such as the sound of birds or the rustling of leaves.
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4. Nature Journals
Nature journaling encourages children to observe, draw, write, and reflect on the plants, animals, and landscapes they encounter, fostering a deeper connection to their environment. This simple yet meaningful activity can also improve their creativity, writing skills, and critical thinking abilities.
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5. Cardboard Nature Craft
This nature walk flower craft involves creating a unique vase using cardboard and natural materials collected during a nature walk such as flowers, leaves, and twigs. The end result is a personalized and eco-friendly decoration that showcases the beauty of nature.
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6. Create Mandala Designs in Nature
After collecting natural items such as leaves, sticks, and stones, kids can let their imaginations run wild to create beautiful and symmetrical mandala designs. This activity combines art with the appreciation of nature, promoting creativity and mindfulness.
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7. Bark Art Project
Take kids on a nature walk to collect some birch bark! They will be delighted to see how this natural canvas creates beautiful paintings as the texture of the bark adds depth and dimension to their artwork.
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8. Colorful Leaves Activity Idea
Grab some pretty and colorful leaves, glue, and some paper. Arrange the leaves into a collage design before gluing them down. Now you have a beautiful autumn masterpiece to show off!
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9. Make a Beautiful Nature Frame
Have kids arrange leaves, sticks, and stones they find on their nature walk in a decorative pattern before gluing them down to the wooden frame. Hang the frame on your wall or display it on a shelf to show off their creativity and love for nature!
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10. Clay Nature Sculptures
Begin by rolling and shaping the white clay into a mountain or tree before adding texture with rocks and twigs. Finally, place small objects of your choice such as acorns and branches of trees on the sculpture to create a wintery scene. Let it dry and enjoy your creation!
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11. Look for The Signs of Spring
This nature scavenger hunt for the signs of Spring includes finding flowers blooming, listening to bird songs, spotting new leaves and buds on trees, finding baby animals, and feeling the warmer temperatures. Encourage kids to use all their senses to find as many signs as they can!
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12. Hands-on Science Lesson
For this fun science activity, have kids hunt for different living creatures such as plants, insects, and animals, and compare them to non-living things like rocks, sticks, and leaves.
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13. Fun Nature Walk Activity
Encourage kids to observe the animals, plants, and other elements of nature around them, before asking them to think of characters and a plot. Why not use the elements of nature around them as the stage?
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14. Fun Idea With Pine Cones
Have kids collect pine cones on their nature walk before adding googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and other materials to add details and bring your pine cone pets to life. These unique creations are perfect for displaying on shelves, desks, or even in gardens.
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15. Collect & Craft
Have kids arrange their acorns, twigs, and seeds in a balanced pattern and use string or wire to attach them to a central point. Make sure each item is securely attached, and hang the mobile from a hook or tree branch.
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16. Make a Flower Crown
Have kids gather materials such as flowers, leaves, twigs, and other natural items of their choice. Arrange them in a circular pattern and secure them with green florist tape or a thin wire. Measure and adjust the crown to fit the child’s head, and tie a ribbon at the back for a secure fit.
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17. Follow the Leader
In this classic game, the leader chooses the path and makes decisions on where to go and what to do, while the others follow and mimic their actions. This game promotes teamwork, leadership skills, and exploration in nature.
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18. Try Geocaching
Kids use a GPS device to find hidden containers filled with trinkets and logbooks. This adventure encourages them to explore the outdoors and learn about nature while improving their navigation and problem-solving skills.
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19. Play a Game of I Spy
For this classic game, one player starts by saying “I spy with my little eye something that is (color, shape, texture, etc.).” The other players then take turns guessing the object. It’s a fun way to promote critical thinking while enhancing children’s observational skills.
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20. Nature Walk Bird Sound Hunt
This colorful checklist includes common birds found in most areas, such as robins, sparrows, and blue jays, along with illustrations and descriptions to help children recognize them.
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21. Nature Writing Frame
A seasonal writing frame activity such as this one for summer allows students to explore the natural world and document their observations through writing. As an extension activity, why not have them use their notes to write a descriptive paragraph about their experience?
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22. Nature String Walk
Blindfolding kids and leading them on a nature walk while following a string creates an exciting and immersive sensory experience. As they walk, they will have to rely on their senses to explore their surroundings, learn about the environment, and connect with nature in a unique way.
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23. Leaves Bracelets
Have kids collect leaves, flowers, twigs, and stones to create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that reflects the beauty of nature. Each bracelet is unique and showcases the creativity of the young artists who made them.
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24. Nest Nature Hunt
Kids will be delighted to go hunting for nests while learning about the different types of birds that live in their area. Make sure to use binoculars and field guides to identify the nests and the birds that made them!
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25. Build a Forest Home
Have kids gather sticks, branches, and other natural building materials to construct a small shelter along their nature walk. They will learn about using resources in the environment, teamwork, and creativity while building their own unique structure.
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