10 Outdoor Play Ideas to Connect Kids with Nature

Here are 10 fun outdoor activities to help kids connect with nature:

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
2. Build a Nature Fort
3. Leaf and Bark Rubbings
4. Nature Art Projects
5. Birdwatching for Beginners
6. Nature Journaling
7. Insect Safari
8. Outdoor Obstacle Course
9. Cloud Watching and Storytelling
10. Family Nature Walk

These activities:

• Get kids moving and exploring outside
• Teach about plants, animals, and natural environments
• Spark creativity and imagination
• Build problem-solving and observation skills
• Create positive memories in nature

Activity	Key Benefits
Scavenger Hunt	Observation, exploration
Fort Building	Creativity, problem-solving
Nature Art	Imagination, fine motor skills
Birdwatching	Patience, identification skills
Insect Safari	Curiosity, gentle handling
Obstacle Course	Physical activity, coordination
Cloud Watching	Relaxation, storytelling
Nature Walk	Family bonding, exercise

Spending time in nature helps kids grow physically, mentally, and emotionally while fostering care for the environment. Try these simple activities to get your kids excited about the outdoors.

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What is Nature Play?

Nature play is when kids play freely outdoors using things they find in nature. It's different from planned outdoor activities because children lead their own play and use their imagination.

Here's what makes nature play special:

Feature	Description
Where it happens	Outdoors in places like forests, parks, or backyards
What kids use	Natural items like sticks, leaves, rocks, and water
How it's done	Kids choose what to do without set rules
What it's about	Kids explore, get creative, and use their senses

Nature play helps kids grow in many ways:

1. Body Health: Kids move more and get better at physical skills

2. Feeling Good: Being outside can make kids happier and less worried

3. Brain Power: Kids learn to solve problems and make choices

4. Getting Along: Kids work together and talk to each other while playing

5. Caring for Nature: Kids learn about the outdoors and why it's important

Studies show that nature play is good for kids. For example, researchers Scott Duncan and Charlotte Jellyman found that more than 80% of children look at screens for over two hours each day. This time could be better spent playing outside in nature.

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

A nature scavenger hunt is a fun outdoor activity that helps kids explore and learn about their surroundings. It's a great way to get children interested in nature and help them use their senses.

What You Need

To set up a nature scavenger hunt, gather these items:

Item	Use
Hunt list or printable	Tells kids what to find
Small notebook	For writing down findings
Pencil	For writing and drawing
Small bag or basket	To hold found items
Binoculars (if you have them)	To see things far away
Magnifying glass (if you have one)	To look at small things closely

What Kids Learn

Nature scavenger hunts help kids grow in many ways:

1. They learn to look closely at things around them
2. They figure out how to find specific items
3. They move around and get exercise
4. They use their senses to explore
5. They learn about plants and animals in their area

How It Connects Kids to Nature

A nature scavenger hunt helps kids feel closer to the outdoors:

• Kids touch and see nature up close
• They use their senses to learn about the outdoors
• They start to understand how important plants and animals are

2. Build a Nature Fort

Building a nature fort is a fun outdoor activity for kids. It helps them use their imagination and learn new skills while playing outside.

What You Need

Here's what kids can use to build a fort:

Item	What It's For
Sticks and branches	Making the fort's frame
Leaves	Covering the fort
Rocks	Keeping things in place
String (if you have it)	Tying things together

What Kids Learn

Making a fort helps kids grow in many ways:

1. They come up with new ideas
2. They figure out how to fix problems
3. They feel proud of what they make
4. They learn to work with others

How It Connects Kids to Nature

Building a fort helps kids feel closer to nature:

• They look around to find what they can use
• They learn to be careful with plants and animals
• They see nature up close
• They use their hands to touch and smell natural things

When kids build forts, remind them to be nice to nature. They should only use things that have fallen on the ground and not hurt any plants or animals. This fun activity helps kids enjoy and care about the outdoors.

3. Leaf and Bark Rubbings

Leaf and bark rubbings are a fun outdoor activity that helps kids learn about nature while making art. This easy project lets children see and feel different tree textures up close.

What You Need

Item	Use
Paper	To make rubbings on
Crayons	To rub on paper
Clipboard	To hold paper steady
Tape (optional)	To stick paper to trees
Plastic wrap (optional)	To keep leaves flat

What Kids Learn

Making leaf and bark rubbings helps kids:

1. Look closely at nature
2. Use their hands better
3. Make art from what they see
4. Ask questions about trees and leaves

How It Connects Kids to Nature

This activity helps kids feel close to nature by:

• Looking at different kinds of trees
• Touching and feeling tree bark and leaves
• Seeing how many types of plants there are
• Making happy memories outside

To start, go for a walk and find trees with interesting bark or leaves. Feel the bark with your eyes closed. For bark rubbings, put the paper on the tree and rub with a crayon. For leaf rubbings, put a leaf under the paper on a hard surface and rub over it.

Kids can keep their rubbings in a nature book. They can write down what they saw and learned about the trees and leaves. This is fun to do all year long, and kids can see how trees change with the seasons.

4. Nature Art Projects

Nature art projects help kids be creative while learning about the outdoors. These fun activities let children make art using things they find outside, which helps them care more about nature.

What You Need

Item	Use
Leaves, flowers, twigs	Main art pieces
Paper or cardboard	Base for artwork
Glue or tape	Sticking things together
Paint (if you want)	Adding color
Scissors	Cutting

What Kids Learn

When kids do nature art, they get better at:

• Being creative
• Using their hands
• Looking closely at things
• Solving problems
• Understanding nature

How It Helps Kids Love Nature

These projects help kids feel close to nature by:

1. Making them look around outside
2. Showing them how pretty nature is
3. Teaching them about different plants and animals
4. Making them want to take care of the outdoors

Fun Nature Art Ideas

Here are some easy nature art projects kids can try:

Project	How to Do It
Nature circles	Make round designs with leaves and flowers
Leaf prints	Press leaves onto paper with paint
Nature faces	Use leaves and sticks to make funny faces
Stick sculptures	Build small statues with twigs and rocks
Natural paintbrushes	Paint with leaves or flowers instead of brushes

These projects are fun ways for kids to play outside and make art at the same time. They'll learn about nature while being creative!

5. Birdwatching for Beginners

Birdwatching is a fun outdoor activity that helps kids learn about nature and birds. It's easy to do in your backyard, parks, or nature areas.

What You Need

Item	What It's For
Binoculars	Seeing birds up close
Bird book or app	Finding out bird names
Notebook and pencil	Writing down what you see
Comfy clothes	Staying comfy outside

What Kids Learn

When kids watch birds, they get better at:

• Looking closely at things
• Being patient
• Listening carefully
• Writing down what they see

How It Helps Kids Like Nature

Birdwatching helps kids care about nature by:

1. Getting them outside more
2. Teaching them about where birds live
3. Showing them how birds act
4. Making them feel happy about nature

Tips to Make Birdwatching Fun

Here are some ways to make birdwatching more fun for kids:

Tip	How It Helps
Start with common birds	Makes it easier to learn
Use a bird ID app	Helps find bird names quickly
Make a bird game	Turns watching into a fun game
Go to different places	Lets kids see many kinds of birds
Keep a bird book	Kids can draw and write about birds

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6. Nature Journaling

Nature journaling is a fun outdoor activity that mixes exploring with writing and drawing. It helps kids look closely at nature and write down what they see and feel.

What You Need

Item	What It's For
Small notebook	Writing and drawing
Pencils or pens	Writing and sketching
Colored pencils	Adding color to drawings
Magnifying glass	Looking at small things
Glue or tape	Sticking things in the notebook

What Kids Learn

When kids do nature journaling, they get better at:

• Looking closely at things
• Being creative
• Asking questions
• Writing
• Being patient

How It Helps Kids Like Nature

Nature journaling helps kids care about the outdoors by:

1. Getting them outside more
2. Making them notice what's around them
3. Helping them remember fun times outside
4. Making them want to learn more about nature

To start, find a quiet spot outside. Tell your child to look around and use all their senses. They can draw what they see, write how they feel, or stick small things like leaves in their journal. There's no wrong way to do it - the main thing is to have fun and enjoy nature!

7. Insect Safari

An insect safari is a fun outdoor activity where kids can look for bugs in their backyard. It helps them learn about insects and enjoy nature.

What You Need

Item	What It's For
Bug net	Catching flying bugs
Magnifying glass	Looking at bugs up close
Clear jar with air holes	Holding bugs for a short time
Bug book or app	Finding out bug names
Notebook and pencil	Writing down what you see

What Kids Learn

When kids go on an insect safari, they get better at:

1. Looking closely at things
2. Being patient
3. Naming different bugs
4. Being gentle with small animals
5. Asking questions about nature

How It Helps Kids Like Nature

An insect safari helps kids care about nature by:

• Making them look in different places outside
• Showing them why bugs are important
• Letting them see many kinds of bugs
• Making them want to learn more about nature

To start your insect safari, look around your yard or a park. Check under rocks, on trees, and near flowers. Use your net to catch flying bugs gently. Put them in the jar to look at them closely, then let them go where you found them. Remember to be nice to the bugs and their homes.

8. Outdoor Obstacle Course

An outdoor obstacle course is a fun way to get kids outside and moving. It helps them learn new skills while playing in nature.

What You Need

Item	What It's For
Tires or hula hoops	Jumping or stepping through
Wooden planks or logs	Walking on for balance
Ropes	Climbing or swinging
Cardboard boxes or PVC pipes	Crawling under
Cones or small hurdles	Jumping over

What Kids Learn

When kids do an outdoor obstacle course, they get better at:

1. Moving their bodies
2. Thinking about how to solve problems
3. Knowing where they are in space
4. Remembering things
5. Using their senses

How It Helps Kids Like Nature

An outdoor obstacle course lets kids:

• Play in their backyard or a park
• Use things from nature like logs and rocks
• Have fun outside
• Learn to like being active outdoors

To make a course, use things you find outside or items from home. Set up different tasks for kids to do, like jumping over logs or crawling under branches. Let them try it out and have fun!

Benefits	How It Helps
Gets kids moving	Makes them stronger and healthier
Teaches problem-solving	Kids learn to think about how to do tasks
Helps with balance	Kids practice moving in different ways
Makes outdoor time fun	Kids enjoy being in nature more

9. Cloud Watching and Storytelling

Cloud watching and storytelling is a simple outdoor activity that helps kids connect with nature while using their imagination. It's easy to do and fun for kids of all ages.

What You Need

Item	Use
Blanket or grassy spot	To lie down and look at the sky
Cloud guide (optional)	To learn about different cloud types

What Kids Learn

When kids watch clouds and tell stories, they get better at:

1. Using their imagination
2. Thinking and solving problems
3. Talking and explaining things
4. Noticing details
5. Feeling calm and relaxed

How It Helps Kids Like Nature

This activity helps kids care about nature by:

• Making them slow down and look around
• Teaching them about clouds and weather
• Helping them enjoy the sky and outdoors

How to do cloud watching and storytelling:

1. Find a comfy spot outside on a cloudy day
2. Lie down with your child and look at the sky
3. Take turns pointing out shapes you see in the clouds
4. Ask your child to describe what they see and make up stories
5. If you want, teach them about basic cloud types (like puffy or flat clouds)

Cloud Type	What It Looks Like
Cumulus	Big, puffy cotton balls
Stratus	Flat, gray blanket
Cirrus	Thin, wispy strands

This easy activity helps kids use their minds while enjoying the outdoors. It's a fun way to spend time together and learn about nature.

10. Family Nature Walk

A family nature walk is a simple way to get kids outside and help them enjoy nature. It's good for everyone's health and brings families closer together.

What You Need

Item	Why It's Useful
Good walking shoes	To walk comfortably and safely
Water bottles	To drink water during the walk
Binoculars (if you have them)	To see far-away things better
Magnifying glass (if you have one)	To look at small things up close
Nature book (if you have one)	To learn about plants and animals you see

What Kids Learn

When kids go on nature walks, they get better at:

1. Looking closely at things around them
2. Moving their bodies and getting stronger
3. Talking with family members
4. Asking questions about what they see

How It Helps Kids Like Nature

Nature walks help kids care about the outdoors by:

• Giving them a break from TV and computers
• Letting them find cool things outside with their family
• Showing them how nice nature looks and sounds
• Making happy memories of being outside together

To make your nature walk fun:

1. Pick a place that's good for your family
2. Let kids lead the way sometimes
3. Ask kids what they see, hear, or smell
4. Stop to look at interesting things
5. Play a game like "I Spy" or make a list of things to find

Nature walks are an easy way to spend time outside as a family and learn about the world around you.

Conclusion

Playing outside in nature is good for kids in many ways. Here's how outdoor activities like scavenger hunts, building forts, and family walks help children grow:

Area	How It Helps
Body	Kids get stronger and healthier
Mind	Kids learn to solve problems and be creative
Feelings	Kids feel happier and less stressed
Friends	Kids learn to work with others
Nature	Kids learn to care about the outdoors

When kids play outside, they:

• Move more and get stronger
• Learn new things about the world
• Feel better and less worried
• Make friends and talk to others
• Start to care about plants and animals

It's important for parents to help their kids play outside often. This helps children grow up healthy and happy. It also helps them learn to love nature.

Here are some easy ways to get kids outside:

1. Go for walks in the park
2. Play in the backyard
3. Visit a nearby forest or beach
4. Have picnics outside
5. Do outdoor projects like gardening

FAQs

How can we engage children with nature?

Here are some ways to help kids enjoy nature:

Activity	Description
Nature sensory bin	Fill a box with sand, soil, rocks, leaves, and pinecones for kids to touch
Nature playdough	Add flowers and twigs to playdough for a nature-themed activity
Sensory walks	Take kids outside to touch, smell, and listen to nature

These activities help kids learn about nature using their senses. They make kids want to know more about the outdoors.

What are the 5 senses outdoor activities?

Here are outdoor activities for each of the five senses:

Sense	Activity
Sight	Look at clouds and find birds in trees
Sound	Listen to leaves moving in the wind and birds singing
Touch	Play in sand and step over logs
Smell	Smell flowers and fresh air
Taste	Try safe plants (with a grown-up's help)

These activities are more than just play. They help kids grow and learn to like nature.