Getting kids outside can be a challenge – especially with TikTok and Roblox vying for their attention. But for parents who grew up making mud pies and riding bikes until the streetlights came on, we know the magic of the outdoors. The good news? There are plenty of creative ways to inspire your kids to ditch the couch and embrace nature.

Here are 10 fun, kid-approved ways to make the outdoors their favorite hangout:

• Seasonal Scavenger Hunt: Tailor scavenger hunts each season. In fall, search for leaves and acorns. Winter’s perfect for spotting snow shapes, spring brings blooming flowers, and summer features critters and berries.
• Leaf Maze: Rake up leaves into a maze or winding path. Kids will have a blast navigating it – and you’ll tick off yard work too.
• Nature Journal: Encourage kids to sketch or write about their observations, like falling leaves or blooming flowers. It’s a calming way to connect with nature.

• Rock Painting: Turn smooth stones into colorful art with acrylic paints. These creations can also brighten up your garden.
• Crayon Tree Rubbings: Use crayons and paper to capture bark patterns during a hike. Simple and magical!
• Start a Nature Collection: Gather rocks, shells, or leaves to create a mini museum. Teach kids to respect nature by leaving some treasures untouched.
• Build Nature Faces: Use sticks, leaves, and pinecones to create faces in the dirt. It’s a great way to blend creativity and outdoor play.

• Wildflower Seed Bombs: Make seed bombs to toss into bare patches of soil. Check back later to see flowers and bees thriving.
• Pollinator Garden: Plant wildflowers or milkweed to attract butterflies and bees. It’s educational and adds beauty to your backyard.
• Litter Pickup Race: Turn cleanup into a game by challenging kids to collect the most trash in five minutes. It’s fun and helps the planet!

Whether crunching through fall leaves, chasing snowflakes, or marveling at spring blooms, these activities make nature exciting year-round. They’ll build lasting memories—and might just outshine the latest screen trend.

Sources

Mommy Poppins, “30 Outdoor Activities in Nature for Kids for Hands-on Outdoor Learning.” PBS Kids, “Observing Nature.” – Active for Life, “20+ nature activities for kids.”