Nature and Science Activities for Families

Outdoor Nature Activities for Preschoolers

Children love exploring nature, so here are some fun nature oriented activities to help encourage your child's explorations on your next outing.
Nature Treasure Walk
Before setting out, use a notebook to make a list of colours or shapes for your child to find, such as: 5 things that are orange, 3 triangles, etc. As you hike, have your child record in the notebook every time he or she finds an item. When you get home review what they've seen. Note: for non-readers, use images and icons to make the list and have children draw pictures of the things they find.
Photo Stories
Next time you go on a hike or spend the day at the park or museum, give your children their very own camera to document what they see. After printing the photos, have them create a photo story about the experience by arranging photos on Bristol board.
Camouflage and Seek
Have children cover their eyes. Spread a package of multi-colored pipe cleaners along the ground within a designated play area. Next, ask children to uncover their eyes and give them two minutes to collect as many pipe cleaners as possible. While bright pipe-cleaners are highly visible, the earth-toned ones are less likely to be found. Use this opportunity to teach children all about how animals use camouflage to protect themselves.
Senses Walk
Use a bandana or scarf to blindfold your budding naturalists and then carefully guide them through your backyard, a local park or on a hike. Encourage them to use their other senses to experience the trip. Guide them towards trees and have them touch the bark, leaves and branches. What do they feel like? Have them stand still and listen. What sounds can they identify? What do they smell? Now switch places and let your child guide you!
By Rochelle Strauss

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