Enjoying nature with kids can happen in any outdoor space – big or small! It doesn’t always have to be hiking or exploring somewhere (although it is fun!).
Nature Play in Small Spaces
If you have a small outdoor area, you might think it’s difficult to find activities to keep your kids engaged and entertained through the summer. But little do you know that there are plenty of outdoor adventures you can enjoy with your kids without going too far from home. Here are some fun and easy activities to do in nature with kids in your small backyard.
Plant a Garden
Planting a garden is a brilliant way to engage your kids in nature. You can grow vegetables or flowers, or even potted herbs if you don’t have a garden patch. For small spaces (or low maintenance gardening in general!), I highly recommend this type of set up! Planting a garden will teach your kids about the wonders of our environment, the importance of taking care of our precious nature, and how plants grow.
Have a Picnic
Take a blanket and some sandwiches, and have a picnic in your backyard. Encourage your kids to spot plants and insects, and ask them to share what they know about them. This is a fun and easy way to introduce the love for nature and spending time in the outdoor with your kids.
Make a Nature Collage
Collect fallen leaves, flowers, and twigs from your backyard, and glue them together to make a lovely nature-inspired collage. This activity allows your kids to be creative while observing and appreciating what nature has to offer. One alternative to glue is using clear contact paper to stick your findings on. We often then stick our collages to windows!
Set up a Bird Feeder
You can read more about our hummingbird feeder here! Hang up a bird feeder and watch the different types of birds your backyard attracts. You can grab a bird guidebook (this one is great!) to help you and your kids identify them. This activity can be fascinating and educational, and it also makes for a great opportunity to teach your kids about the importance of feeding birds in the winter months.
Make Your Own Outdoor Fort
Gather sticks and twigs and help your kids build their own outdoor fort. This activity allows your kids to get creative while learning about how the natural world can be used in fun and exciting ways. And if there aren’t sticks and twigs around, just build a blanket fort outside with some chairs and a large sheet! The fresh air will do everyone good.
Spending time in nature with your kids fosters a deep connection with the natural world and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Remember to be creative and imaginative, and to let your kids lead the way. So turn off those electronic devices and get busy with these unbelivable outdoor activities!