Nature Activities with Children

One of the most beautiful gifts we can offer children is the freedom to explore the natural world with curiosity and joy. You don’t need fancy equipment or expensive outings—just a willingness to slow down, be present, and enjoy the moment with your little ones. Nature has a magical way of sparking creativity, developing cognitive skills, and deepening the connection between children and their environment. Here are a few of my favorite ways to help kids experience the wonder of nature—without spending a dime.

1. Scavenger Hunts with a Twist

A nature scavenger hunt is one of the easiest and most engaging outdoor activities for children. Invite them to collect items like sticks, rocks, acorns, or blades of grass. But don’t stop there—get creative! Add things like “a sound that makes you smile,” “a puffy white cloud,” or “something that smells sweet” to encourage them to use all of their senses.

You can even end with a little show and tell: ask your child to describe what they found and what they liked most about the experience. This opens up conversation and helps reinforce observation and language skills in a fun, natural way.

2. Bring the Outdoors In

For toddlers and babies, you can create a simple sensory station indoors using materials gathered from outside. Fill a few bowls with pine cones, pebbles, dried leaves, or flower petals and let them explore.

Ask open-ended questions: “How does it feel?” “What colors do you see?” This not only supports fine motor development but also strengthens cognitive processing and sensory awareness. Plus—it’s completely free and endlessly customizable.

3. Story Walks

Nature walks are a fantastic way to get moving and spark conversation. Before heading outside, read a children’s book about the natural world. Pick something with colorful illustrations and simple themes about plants, animals, or weather.

As you walk, talk about the book together: “Did that flower remind you of the one in the story?” “What do you think that squirrel is up to?” Children learn best through stories and repetition, and this kind of back-and-forth is wonderful for language development and memory. Shop children's nature books.

4. A Garden of Their Own

If you’re up for a little project, consider giving your child a garden bed (or just a planter on the windowsill) to call their own. Let them choose what to plant and encourage them to get messy in the soil.

This is not about perfect rows or tidy beds—it’s about process over product. Let them see what happens when you plant a seed and take care of it. Watching something grow from nothing is powerful, and it teaches patience, responsibility, and a sense of wonder.

Let Nature Be the Teacher

Nature is the best classroom. It teaches kids to observe, to question, to care. When we allow them space to be outside, to use their imagination, and to interact with the world around them, we’re giving them something truly lasting.

And let’s be honest—adults could use a little nature play, too. Don’t let the kids have all the fun. Explore with them. Get silly. Ask big questions. You might just be surprised by how much joy it brings you, too.

I hope these ideas inspire you to step outside, connect with your little ones, and embrace all the magic nature has to offer.