Backyard Nature Activities for Kids

Our family loves getting outside as much as we can – no matter the weather. Instilling a love of nature – and the science of our natural world – is perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.

As Rachel Carson says in A Sense of Wonder:

Play, incorporating animistic and magical thinking is important because it:
Fosters the healthy, creative and emotional growth of a child;
Forms the best foundation for later intellectual growth.
Provides a way in which children get to know the world and creates possibilities for different ways of responding to it.
Fosters empathy and wonder.

By suggestion and example, I believe children can be helped to hear the many voices about them.  Take Time to listen and talk about the voices of the earth and what they mean—the majestic voice of thunder, the winds, the sound of surf or flowing streams.

 

Because I love to inspire others to get out and discover what nature has to offer, I’m thrilled to have signed a contract with Page Street Publishing to bring your kids a fantastically photographed book of 100+ backyard nature science activities.

Don’t worry, you can do them together if you want to let your children lead you on the best adventure you’ll ever find… right in your own backyard.

In the meantime, since you have to wait until Spring 2017 to get your hands on the book, I’ll be sharing backyard nature activities – experiments, crafts, games, and explorations – each week. I’ll add the links to this page each time a new one is published. You might want to pin it so you have easy access to it.

Let’s kick this off with some seasonal nature-themed fun. For the next week you can find awesome Valentine’s Day inspired crafts and activities. Your kids will wow their friends with nature-themed and FREE printable Valentine’s Day cards. They’ll perform nature-y acts of kindness in the neighborhood, and even spread some kindness to the critters who come to visit your yard this season.

Backyard Nature Activities | Valentine’s Day

Love Bug Themed FREE Printable Valentine’s Day Cards

Nature Collection Collage Heart

Nature Art | Hearts in the Neighborhood

Cheerios Birdfeeders | Heart-Shaped Nature Garland

You Rock, Valentine! FREE Printable Valentine’s Day Cards