Fitting Little Ones Into the Great Outdoors

[vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_ctation ctaction_background=”#6CC8FC” ctaction_background_hover=”#6CC8FC”]April isn’t just about Earth Day but full of national celebrations of all things outdoors. From being National Garden Month and National Keep America Beautiful Month to including National Find a Rainbow Day and National Wildlife Week, April is all about discovering the magic that awaits us outdoors.[/ultimate_ctation][/vc_column][/vc_row]

So how can you take advantage of the outdoors with your little ones this month? That’s a great question, and we have some great ideas to share with you!

1. Nature Walks

Take your little explorers around the yard or the neighborhood on exciting nature walks! You might find local trails and parks to do more exploring in as you walk. On your journey, encourage your kids to keep an eye out for things that peak their interest. Invite them to ask questions and get hands-on with nature to find answers and deepen their understanding of the natural world.

2. Nature Scavenger Hunts

Make the previous activity even more thrilling by turning it into a scavenger hunt! Instead of having kids simply observe nature, provide them with a list of items to find in nature, such as pinecones, flowers, rocks, leaves, etc. This is a fun way to get them engaged with the wonders of nature while boosting their observation skills.

3. Wildlife Watch 

Start by having kids name some of the animals they see right in their backyard. This may be birds, squirrels, foxes, etc. If available, provide your kids with binoculars and animal identification guides. Discuss how your backyard is the natural habitat for the animals you see. Then allow kids to make specific observations about the different animals like what they eat, how they interact, and more. Kids will practice patience and observation skills as they gain an appreciation for wildlife and the world around them.

4. Beginner Gardening

Encourage your kids to get their hands dirty by planting and tending to their own vegetable garden or flower patch. You can start small with a wooden planter that grows one or two vegetables, walking kids through planting seeds and watering them. Learning about the life cycle this way is great for kids, and it also teaches them responsibility.

5. Texture Exploration 

Have kids spend a few minutes gathering different items around the yard, such as stones, sticks, leaves, flowers, etc. Then lay all the items out and have the children explore the different textures. Discuss which textures are similar and which are different. Invite children to categorize the items to build math and science skills.

6. Backyard Camping

This classic activity never gets old! There’s nothing cooler for kids than setting up tents and building a campfire right in their own backyard. You can end the evening stargazing in the grass with your little ones before snuggling up in your sleeping bags. Help kids brush up on some basic survival skills and have a fun night together.

7. Outdoor Art 

Art is meant to get messy so what better place to make real art than outdoors? Start by collecting natural materials like leaves, rocks, and sticks. Then encourage kids to create art pieces that incorporate these in some way. Maybe that means tracing a rock or gluing leaves together. Watch their creativity shine as they make nature-inspired art and smiles.

8. Outdoor Science Stations

Turn the backyard into a science lab with stations for kids to explore different concepts. Maybe include a magnifying glass and flower petals at one station, binoculars and an observation journal at another, and water and dirt in the last to make mud pie! Such simple science experiments go far in helping kids foster curiosity and get excited about learning.

9. Imaginative Adventures

Dramatic play is a big part of kids’ worlds. And usually, it happens indoors at a pretend kitchen set or by a dress-up bin. Taking dramatic play outside and giving kids a chance to go on imaginative adventures like being explorers in the wilderness, pirates searching for treasure, or magical creatures living in a forest enhances storytelling and literacy skills along with social skills.

10. Yoga and Exercise

Kids love to move, and they’ll love moving outdoors where there is plenty of room to run, stretch, and jump around. Try outdoor yoga to add a bit of serenity and peace to your outdoor time as you guide kids through gentle relaxation exercises and visualizations.

The outdoors shouldn’t feel like an unfamiliar place or an intimidating setting. There are plenty of ways to get children outside for time that both you and the kids will enjoy!

Discover even more to love about the outdoors with kits like these!

Dirt Pie Cups Kit!

Earth Day Kit!

Find more cool kits here!