Nature Observation Activities

Earthworm Observation

Dig around in the garden to find and observe some wriggling worms. Your kids will love getting their hands dirty and inspecting these little creatures.

Materials:

• Spray bottle & clean water
• Optional: Magnifying glass

Approximate Time to Complete: 30 minutes-1 hour
Ages: 2-8
Location: Outside

For the full activity, click here.

Adopt-a-Tree

This long-term activity is a great way for your child to independently observe and build connections with nature!

Materials:

• Attached PDF
• Writing and/or drawing utensil

Approximate Time to Complete: Multi-day
Ages: 3+
Location: Outside

Have your child choose a nearby tree and complete the activities found here.

Scavenger Hunt

The outdoors can provide ample opportunities for discovery, but nature can be overwhelming sometimes. Promote outdoor observation and learning through this structured activity.

Materials:

• Attached PDF
• Writing utensil
• Clipboard/something hard to write on

Approximate Time to Complete: 30 minutes
Ages: 4-8
Location: Outside

For the full activity, click here.

Sound Mapping

Mapping out different sounds heard in the backyard or a place in nature helps kids develop awareness of their surroundings.

Materials:

• Drawing utensils
• Clipboard/something hard to draw on

Approximate Time to Complete: 30 minutes-1 hour
Ages: 6+
Location: Outside

For the full activity, click here and head to page 81.

Nature Journal Activities:

Field Journal Activity

Have your little one record the animals and animal tracks they’ve seen, things they’ve smelled, or plants they’ve noticed while observing nature. They can draw pictures to accompany the notes if they’d like!

Materials:

• Nature journal
• Attached printout
• Writing and/or drawing utensils

Approximate Time to Complete: 30 minutes-1 hour
Ages: 7+
Location: Outside

For the activity printout, click here.

A Bit About Bites

Print out this worksheet and glue it into your little one’s nature journal to learn a bit about animal eating habits.

Materials:

• Attached PDF
• Writing utensil
• Clipboard/something hard to write on

Approximate Time to Complete: 30 minutes
Ages: 8-13
Location: Inside or outside

For the activity printout, click here.