Walking, playing, and spending time with children give you the opportunity to build unbreakable, strong bonds for a lifetime. Staying outside with kids is not only a way for the child to have fun, but also to strengthen immunity and get a portion of vitamin D.
You certainly want your child to be dexterous, brave, independent, determined, and full of self-confidence. Nature walks are an opportunity for your kids to see, hear, learn, and try many useful things. Let them run, climb, descend, turn, crawl, and roll on the grass.
But what to do when you suggest a walk to your child, and he would rather play games or watch cartoons? Nature may seem less exciting than a video game, but in reality, it activates multiple senses. The child can see, hear, taste, smell, and touch the external environment.
Mother Nature has provided us with an abundance of fascinating organisms that will keep children engaged – with a little invention. Try some of our suggestions and turn your nature walk into adventure and fun.
Plant Jewelry
Girls enjoy this activity more than boys. Nevertheless, it is very useful because knitting trains fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. You can knit necklaces, bracelets, wreaths… Toddlers especially enjoy fashion shows, wearing “jewelry” that is unique and that they put a lot of effort into.
Place a flower crown on your child’s head and make them become king or queen of the magical world of imaginative play.
Pebble Games
It is a well-known old game that has many variations. In particular, you can collect stones that are similar in shape, color, and size. Or you can curl them up, and when you get home draw on them, make a mosaic, color them and learn colors.
Children find it interesting when human figures are drawn on the stones, so they can use them instead of dolls. With slightly older children, you can make your own little “Stone-city”.
Bring Magnifying Glass
Bring a magnifying glass or loupe and look at small things (insects, seedheads, flowers, etc) up close. Point out the fascinating patterns in nature, and observe the symmetry and the beauty of the shapes nature grows in.
Plant a Plant
The action itself is very simple, so the child can do a lot of it independently, with you. You can plant whatever plant the child wants (flowers, vegetables). This activity holds attention for a long time and is also very useful and educational. When you plant a plant, the child can water and care for it every day.
Herbarium
Collecting plants has always been fun for children. You can classify them by size, shape, color, and the like. By pressing the plants, you will prevent them from disappearing, and at the same time, after a few months, you will have a whole collection that you have met by then.
The herbarium allows you to collect them when you travel, but also in your area, as well as during different seasons. Thus, you will be able to see chestnut, dandelion, cherry, and rose blossoms at the same time throughout the year, which is impossible in nature. After a certain time, the child can do this activity independently.
Treasure Hunt
Organize a search for lost treasure! Fill the box with sweets or new toys that will make your child happy and bury them somewhere in nature. Then create a map that will lead the little ones to the hidden gifts. This way, not only will your kids spend time outside, but they’ll also be using their smart heads to decipher the map! These skills will serve them well in future challenges.
Now the worry of carrying extra bags due to more stuff related to kids can be forgotten and we can focus on spending more time with our champs and making them feel good.
