Want to show your kids how to connect with nature without leaving the house? Great news—there are countless fun and creative nature activities for kids that you can enjoy right in your own garden! Whether it’s observing the wildlife, planting flowers together, or setting up a scavenger hunt, your outdoor space is brimming with opportunities!
What are the benefits of playing outside for children?
What are some of your fondest childhood memories? Chances are, many of them involve playing outside! Encouraging children to spend time outdoors is one of the greatest gifts we can offer.
The benefits are truly far-reaching, boosting physical and mental health, alongside emotional resilience. Kids are naturally curious about the world, and outdoor play fuels that curiosity, sparking a love for learning, exploration and adventure.
As an essential part of childhood, here’s why it’s so important:
Boosts physical health
Firstly, it gets kids moving! Physical activities help develop gross motor skills, build strength, and improve cardiovascular health. Plus, exposure to natural sunlight helps boost vitamin D production—essential for healthy bones and immunity. In the UK, many children, particularly those aged 1–4 years and babies, are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, regular outdoor play is fantastic to help them meet their vitamin D needs while also promoting physical fitness.
Encourages creativity and imagination
Nature is a limitless playground. For instance, a stick can become a sword for a brave knight, or a hidden corner might transform into a secret fort. Outdoor activities encourage kids to tap into their creativity, inventing stories and adventures. Unlike phones or tablets, these experiences help children think outside the box, developing imagination and problem-solving skills through active play.
Improves emotional well-being
One of the biggest benefits of playing outside is its calming effect on children. A 2023 GOV.UK study found that 88% of children and young people agreed with the statement ‘being in nature makes me very happy.’ The sights, sounds, and smells of nature help reduce stress and anxiety, making kids feel more relaxed. Plus, the freedom to run, shout, and explore triggers serotonin production, the “feel-good” hormone that boosts mood and promotes happiness.
Boosts cognitive skills
Exploring the garden provides endless, hands-on learning opportunities. Exp[eriences such as watching ants march in a line or observing the life cycle of a plant promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and observation skills, which are essential for intellectual development. Children like to engage with their environment, asking questions and making predictions, all of which stimulate cognitive growth.
Teaches responsibility
Finally, one of the key benefits of playing outside is that it helps children develop a sense of responsibility. It fosters an appreciation for the environment and encourages kids to understand the importance of caring for it. Activities like gardening, taking care of animals, or even picking up litter teach children about the impact of their actions on the world around them.
6 Nature activities for kids
We’ve explored some of the key benefits of playing outside, helping children physically, mentally, and emotionally. Now let’s dive into the top 6 nature-inspired garden activities that your kids can easily enjoy at home!
1. Camping
Camping is one of the best garden activities for kids, allowing them to experience the joys of nature without leaving home. Set up a tent in your garden, bring out some comfy blankets and pillows, and enjoy an evening outdoors. Wait until night time and your kids can marvel at the magnificent starry skies above!
If you don’t have a tent, encourage your kids to build their own den with sticks, blankets or garden furniture. Not only is this a fun and creative way to spend time outside, but it also teaches resourcefulness and problem-solving.
What you’ll need: Tent (or materials for a den), blankets, pillows, outdoor chairs, and a torch or lantern.
2. Find wildlife in your garden
Your garden will have so much wildlife to explore! Encourage your kids to go on a mini-expedition to see how many insects, birds and small animals they can find. You can make it a fun challenge by asking them to keep a tally of what they discover, drawing pictures or writing notes about the creatures they spot!
It’s one of the best things to do with kids in the garden, teaching them all about different species that live in their garden and the importance of environmental conservation.
What you’ll need: A notebook or journal for recording observations, a magnifying glass (optional), and perhaps a guidebook on local wildlife.
3. Go on a scavenger hunt
A scavenger hunt is always an exciting adventure! Set up a list of things for your kids to find in your garden—whether it’s a specific colour, shape, or natural item like a pinecone, a feather, or a particular flower. It encourages them to explore, observe, and appreciate the environment. Plus, scavenger hunts can be adapted for different ages and skill levels, making it an inclusive and fun activity for all.
What you’ll need: A scavenger hunt list (which you can create yourself), a basket or bag to collect items, and maybe a camera to take pictures of what they find.
4. Enjoy a family picnic
There’s nothing like enjoying a sunny day with a family picnic right in your garden! Grab a basket, pack up sandwiches, snacks, drinks—maybe even some homemade treats—and then head outside! As part of your picnic, you can play some outdoor games together, such as frisbee or tag, to make it even more enjoyable.
A family picnic is an ideal way to unwind, bond, and enjoy the fresh air. It’s one of those simple garden activities for kids that brings everyone together!
What you’ll need: A picnic blanket, a basket of food, outdoor games (optional), and maybe some music to add atmosphere.
5. Play in the rain
When it rains, many of us head indoors to stay dry. But why not embrace the rain and make it part of the fun? This is one of the most exhilarating nature activities for kids, giving them the chance to jump in puddles, run around, and even search for creatures that only emerge during a downpour, like slugs and worms. Equip your kids with waterproofs, boots, and umbrellas, and watch the joy in their faces as they splash around!
What you’ll need: Waterproof clothing, rain boots, and maybe a towel for afterwards.
6. Create Nature Art
Your garden is full of items that can be used to spark creativity in kids. Encourage your little ones to gather sticks, leaves, flowers, and other items to create their own outdoor artwork. Whether it’s making a leaf crown, arranging stones into patterns, or creating a nature collage, this is a wonderful way to incorporate nature into artistic expression. It’s one of the most imaginative garden activities for kids, offering an opportunity to explore both the natural world and their artistic talents.
What you’ll need: Natural materials (leaves, twigs, flowers, rocks), scissors, glue, paper or canvas, and maybe some paint.
Discover epic nature activities for kids with PGL
At PGL, we have plenty of nature activities for kids at camp, including Survivor, Burn Walk, Tree Climb and more! So now you know how to connect with nature at home, why not check out our outdoor adventure camps for your kids?
We have a range of adventure-filled camps over the school holidays, including multi-activity holidays, Aqua Explorer, Cooks Academy, Bushcraft, and more. Our camps have been running for over 66 years so we know a thing or two about providing enriching adventures. If you’re ready to give your child a lasting experience, take a look through our fun-filled children’s adventure holidays.
We also have plenty of other camps running throughout Easter, May half term, Summer and October. So, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today or book direct on our website.
