Wander & Wiggle: Outdoor Fun for Everyone

In a world full of screens and technology, it is refreshing to unplug your children and head outside for fresh air and nature inquiry. Spending quality time can bring your family closer and your children more in touch with themselves. Here are some outdoor activities that will help your family reconnect with each other and the natural world. 

Senses Scavenger Hunt

Think of your five senses and take a walk outside. Have your child find five things that match their senses. Ask them questions to inquire further. Below are some things you can look out for on your scavenger hunt and questions to spark thoughts.

What do you see, hear, and smell? Try to get closer to those things and find exactly where the sound or smell is coming from. Magnolia, lilac, and balsam fir are common trees that have a pleasant smell. Bradford pear trees are a common tree that do not smell well. Do you see any color in the trees? Are they flowers or birds? Do you hear any birds nearby? A Northern cardinal or a starling may be nearby. Keeping respect and safety in mind, find something you can touch and taste. 

Nature Bingo

Gather a paper and writing utensil and think of items you can find outside in nature. Create a bingo board and take a walk. Check off each item that you find! If ideas are needed, please use the following bingo board, it is printable!

Nature Sun Catchers

This activity will require contact paper, or even some clear tape if you have it lying around! Take a nature walk and collect some items such as flowers, sticks, leaves, etc. Make sure to be respectful of nature and do not pull leaves or flowers off of its stem. Try your best to look for things that are on the ground and do not have any bugs living on them. Using the contact paper or tape, place your items on the sticky part. Once you are finished, you can hang your sun catcher in the window!

Camouflage

This is a quick and easy game to add to any family walk and it requires no supplies! It is similar to hide-and-seek, but highlights how animals can blend into their environment. Plot a path you will be walking and select one person to be “it”. Have them either close their eyes or turn around and count to 30. While they are counting, everyone will need to find a hiding spot within that path- it can be behind a tree, bush, or anything they can blend in with. Once that person is done counting, they will start walking down the path to see if they can spot anyone. They must walk forward only and cannot turn around. The player who was not spotted by the end of the path will be “it” next. 

Laughter, mindful moments, teamwork, and stories will be experiences enhanced when out in nature. It invites us to slow down and appreciate each other and the natural world. These activities will help your child grow a connection with nature and foster a relationship with conservation.