# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We have hundreds of outdoor activities to explore, from simple, fun, less-than-an-hour arts and crafts, to more complex projects that'll keep you going for a few hours or even weeks; plus a range of themed inspiration pages, technical guides and video demonstrations.

There is something for everyone in our activities section.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We have hundreds of outdoor activities to explore, from simple, fun, less-than-an-hour arts and crafts, to more complex projects that'll keep you going for a few hours or even weeks; plus a range of themed inspiration pages, technical guides and video demonstrations. There is something for...

# data[].attributes.body
Students create their own nature journals to document observations, sketches, and reflections about local flora, fauna, and natural phenomena. Upper grades can include scientific names and detailed ecological relationships, while younger students can focus on simple drawings and basic descriptions. Materials needed: notebooks, colored pencils, and basic field guides appropriate for age level.

# data[].attributes.body
Students create self-contained ecosystems in clear containers. Younger students can make simple terrariums, while older students can create more complex systems with multiple layers and organisms. This helps demonstrate concepts of water cycle, photosynthesis, and interdependence. Materials: clear containers, soil, small plants, and other materials appropriate for the complexity level.

# data[].attributes.body
Students build and maintain a class weather station. Lower grades can record basic observations like temperature and precipitation, while higher grades can analyze patterns and make predictions. Includes making simple weather measurement tools and maintaining a data log. Materials: thermometers, rain gauges, wind vanes, and record-keeping materials.

# data[].attributes.body
Students create maps of local plant and animal species on school grounds or in nearby natural areas. Younger students can focus on basic identification and location marking, while older students can include habitat analysis and population studies. Materials: local area maps, field guides, and mapping tools.

# data[].attributes.body
Students observe and document the lifecycle of various organisms. Lower grades might focus on butterflies or plants, while upper grades can study more complex organisms or multiple species simultaneously. Includes maintaining observation logs and creating lifecycle diagrams. Materials: appropriate containers, observation tools, and specimens.

# data[].attributes.body
Students create artwork using natural materials collected from outdoors. Young students can make simple collages, while older students can create more complex sculptures or installations that demonstrate ecological concepts. Materials: collected natural items (leaves, seeds, stones), adhesives, and display materials.

# data[].attributes.body
Students analyze different soil types and their properties. Lower grades can compare basic characteristics, while upper grades can conduct detailed analysis of soil composition, pH levels, and ability to support plant life. Materials: soil samples, testing kits, and recording materials.

# data[].attributes.body
Students track and study bird migration patterns. Lower grades can identify local birds and their seasonal presence, while upper grades can analyze migration routes, timing, and environmental factors. Materials: binoculars, field guides, and tracking charts. Birds can be logged into this website on a yearly event.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Birds are everywhere, all the time, doing fascinating things!Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count for four days in February to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds. People from around the world spend these four days in their favorite places, connecting to the birds around their homes and in their community. Whether you see one bird or hundreds over the weekend, we want to share in your joy of watching birds and connecting to nature. Count the birds you see for as little as 15 minutes on one of the four days. Then, submit your bird list to be part of a global movement to better understand how bird populations are doing. Your participation matters. Il est important que vous participiez! Tu participación importa. Your participation connects you to the beauty that lives around you while helping scientists better monitor and protect birds around the world. Work with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. We look forward to spending this fun, special event with you. Join us! Únete a nosotros! Soyez des nôtres!

End of Transcript

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Birds are everywhere, all the time, doing fascinating things!Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count for four days in February to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds. People from around the world spend these four days in their favorite places, connecting to the birds around their homes and in their community.

# data[].attributes.body
Students conduct water quality tests on local water sources. Younger students can observe basic properties, while older students can perform chemical analysis and study environmental impacts. Materials: water testing kits, collection containers, and safety equipment.

# data[].attributes.body
Students study natural disasters and their environmental impacts. Lower grades focus on basic safety and prevention, while upper grades analyze causes, effects, and mitigation strategies. Includes creating emergency response plans and studying local geographical features. Materials: maps, safety equipment, and research materials.

# data[].attributes.body
Students explore renewable energy sources through hands-on projects. Younger students can build simple solar ovens, while older students can create more complex wind or solar power demonstrations. Materials: solar cells, small motors, and construction materials appropriate for age level.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Outdoor learning is a great way to connect with nature and have fun. Forest School activities can incorporate art, craft, science, sensory play, and so much more! Through forest school children are given an opportunity to get outdoors and learn new skills.

There are so many fun and interesting activities that can be done outdoors, such as collecting nature items or starting a fire.

We've rounded up 23 different forest school activities, so you can introduce your child or local group to this hands-on method of learning outdoors! We have included a variety of forest school activities from fun outdoor learning ideas to nature activities to forest art and craft activities.

Use these ideas as inspiration, but have fun adapting them to follow your child's own interests and ideas.

What is Forest School?

Forest school is a term used for outdoor education that takes place in a forest or woodland area. It is a way to get children away from their computer screens and interacting with the natural world. Forest school is a hands-on way of learning and is often child-led. This nature-based stye of outdoor learning is great for children of all ages and can help to develop confidence and self-esteem.

Outdoor Learning Forest School Activities

We have plenty of fun nature activities to try, whether you're planning on doing forest school with a group or just with your own children. From super fun nature scavenger hunts to making clay faces on trees and learning about the butterfly stages, you'll find lots of engaging and interesting outdoor activities here.

Fairy Nature Art

Use gathered pieces of nature and a fairy outline to create your own Fairy Nature Art. You can do this outdoors or you can take your collection of nature back indoors to complete your artwork. This would work for any outline, or you could even draw your own picture and fill it with nature.

More Forest School Outdoor Learning Activities for Kids

Nature Fairy Houses

Build some Nature Fairy Houses out of only items from nature like these featured on Red Ted Art. Grasses, stones, pieces of bark, fallen branches, sticks, flowers, and more are all excellent building materials.

We hope that this post has inspired you to start exploring the world outside with your kids. It's a great opportunity for them to learn new skills, get some fresh air, and have some fun!

If you're looking for more ideas on how to introduce children or groups of youngsters to fun outdoor learning activities, be sure to check out our roundup of 27+ nature crafts.
Related - Leaf Crafts and Activities for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Outdoor Learning Forest School Activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Outdoor learning is a great way to connect with nature and have fun. Forest School activities can incorporate art, craft, science, sensory play, and s

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Outdoor learning activities and games are trendy among children, especially during the summer holidays. Children benefit a great deal from spending time outside exploring and adventuring in the green outdoors.

Getting kids outside and active is important, and luckily nature offers a wealth of fun activities for them to enjoy. Hiking trails, observational scavenger hunts, and camping trips are all great ways to get kids outside and teach them about the environment.

For younger children, consider exploring local parks to search for different types of leaves, rocks, and insects. Children can also participate in planting their own garden, bird watching, or building a fort. Additionally, activities like bug catching, fishing, and doing nature-related arts and crafts can be both educational and enjoyable.

There are endless possibilities for fun hands-on activities in nature for kids. Some ideas include building a fort using branches and leaves, creating a nature scavenger hunt, making mud pies or sculptures, creating leaf rubbings, planting a garden, collecting and identifying rocks and shells, learning to tie knots with rope, building a birdhouse or bird feeder, going on a nature photography scavenger hunt, and making outdoor art with found materials like sticks, pinecones, and leaves. The options are endless, and getting outside and exploring nature can provide a great opportunity for kids to learn and have fun at the same time.

Maria Montessori, founder of the Montessori Method, believed in the importance of nature for a child's development. She once said, "The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth." Montessori also believed that nature can foster a child's curiosity and love for learning, stating, "The study of the science of nature at once awakens this feeling of reverence and provides an outlet for it." She emphasized the need for children to be connected to the natural world, as it can inspire creativity, imagination, and a sense of wonder.

The Montessori approach believes that nature and outdoor experiences are essential for children's development. It fosters children's connection with their environment, providing opportunities for exploration, observation, and appreciation of natural phenomena. The outdoor setting allows children to experience a sense of wonder, awe, and curiosity, which in turn stimulates their cognitive, emotional, and spiritual growth.

Montessori schools incorporate nature-based activities, such as gardening, hiking, and camping, as part of their curriculum, helping children develop a sense of responsibility for the planet and a positive attitude towards sustainability. Overall, nature is seen as a rich source of learning and inspiration for children in Montessori education.

Montessori schools emphasize nature-based activities that foster children's love and respect for the environment. These activities include exploring the woods, gardening, hiking, bird-watching, and observing insects. Children learn about animal habitats, plant growth, natural cycles, and the importance of conservation. Children also participate in activities that encourage them to use their senses, such as smelling flowers, touching leaves, and listening to bird calls. These activities promote children's physical, intellectual, and emotional development, and help them connect with the natural world. Through nature-based activities in Montessori schools, children become responsible and knowledgeable citizens.

Nature's classroom is fascinating and incredibly diverse. These ideas will inspire you to spend some fun and meaningful time with your child outdoors.

Fine motor activities - supply threads, a needle, and nature objects (dry berries, chestnuts, flower buds) and invite the children to thread them to make garlands or natural decorations for the child's playroom or classroom.

Gather leaves and other natural loose parts to create a craft.

Magic wands with sticks and woolen threads. Gather different color woolen threads. Invite the children to cut strings and wrap sticks in different color woolen threads.

Leaf art. Gather acrylic paints, threads, a needle, and brushes. Invite the children to gather leaves and paint creating various patterns. After drying, invite the child to thread leaves to make garlands.

Building fortress with sticks. Invite the child to gather sticks and build a fortress.
Colour Hunt In Nature - Montessori Outdoor Explorations by Montessori Nature
Help the environment. Gather garbage bags and rubber gloves. Head to the popular public outdoor spaces and invite the child to hunt for loose papers and plastic bottles to help clean up.
Outdoor Activities for Children with Free Seven-Day Planner by Montessori Nature
Gather old pans and pots along with measuring cups and scooping tools. Allow access to mud and water. Invite the children to dig and make their hands dirty to have sensory play outdoors.
Sensory Explorations Outdoors - Touch With Nature Hunt Printable by Montessori Nature
On a windy day, gather kites for the children to run kites outdoors.
Montessori Inspired Explorations At The Beach by Montessori Nature
More Inspiration for Outdoor Learning and Play
Rain Cloud In a Jar Science Experiment Plus Types of Clouds Printable by Montessori Nature
We began an outdoor nature colour hunt by brainstorming possible colours we might find along the way and made the chart. My role was to remind what colours were on our list to help the child to stay on task. Attention to detail is a great skill to teach young children. The magnifying glass does a great job when it comes to that. Looking at different colours of blooming trees and flowers was a perfect opportunity to reflect on the previous week's topic - parts of the flower.
"Build a Nest" Scavenger Hunt [Printable Spring Nature Activity for Kids!] by thecrazyoutdoormama.com
I have to admit, it is not always easy to come up with engaging hands-on ideas children would enjoy doing outdoors that complement and extend their learning about the outside world. I've got a solution I hope will make educators' and parents' task of taking learning in nature a lot easier - my seven-day planner with outdoor explorations.
Diy Paint Brush - Natural Paint Brushes Even Kids Can Make! by applegreencottage.com
On a gorgeous sunny day, we took a trip to a local park to do sensorial explorations using hands and learn more about touch. It was a great way to extend preschooler's vocabulary knowledge and experience textures using natural materials.
Exploring Sunography: Making Sun Prints by intheplayroom.co.uk
Taking Montessori classroom outside creates great opportunities for hands-on learning using minimum materials and effort. Sun, fresh salty air, the sound of crashing waves - what a perfect setup for fun explorations for kids. We headed to the beach to do fun Montessori activities as a part of the preschool homeschool program.
Exploding Mud Nature Science Experiment by thimbleandtwig.com
This Rain Cloud in a Jar Experiment is a great way to engage your children aged 3-6 in conducting a simple science experiment before heading outdoors. Looking up in the sky on an overcast day can be quite relaxing and entertaining.is Rain Cloud in a Jar Experiment is a great way to engage your children aged 3-6 in conducting a simple science experiment before heading outdoors. Looking up in the sky on an overcast day can be quite relaxing and entertaining.
Nature Play Ideas by redtedart.com
I've made a fun printable scavenger hunt + instructions that can actually be turned into a sort of "scavenger satchel" (don't worry, you'll get it when you see the pictures!) so that the nest process is fun for everyone involved.
How to Make a Terrarium During Your Preschool Gardening Theme byteaching2and3yearolds.com
Making your own DIY paintbrush is easy, fun, and free! It will get you and your kids out in nature and kids will have a blast collecting natural materials - And pine needles make fantastic homemade paintbrushes!
Outdoor learning color matching game by nurturestore.co.uk
Making sun prints is a perfect outdoor art activity for summer. My kids found the process fascinating and there is lots to learn while experimenting, about how photography works and how we can replicate this with sun light.
Fairy gardens for children outdoors by communityplaythings.co.uk
If you're homeschooling at the moment - you'll love this Mud Nature Science Experiment that's easy to do at home in your garden or any outside space. We've had a lot of fun with the kids making these mud exploding monster!
Making Mandala Art with Kids by playfullearning.net
Many of these nature play ideas can be "built" on one home and when you can add a dab of paint or a piece of string or glue. But, all of these ideas work "just as they are", nothing but nature needed for lots of different play ideas.
An alphabet by flickr.com
Inviting young children to make small terrariums is a fun addition to the preschool gardening theme. They are fun to assemble, and it's a great way for kids to learn how to take care of plants.
Finding Symmetry in Nature (Outdoor Math Activity for Kids) by buggyandbuddy.com
This color matching game is very easy set up and lets you explore lots of different natural materials for some sensory learning. Begin by using chalk to draw some color blocks on the floor. We made a kind of hopscotch grid, but circles or a rainbow are good too.
Leaf People Fall Craft by fantasticfunandlearning.com
Childhood is a time of imagination. Every child needs to be given time and space to play out what they envision in their minds. Children's literature is full of woodland folk - dwarves, elves, fairies, pixies and gnomes. Take these imaginary creatures into your outdoor play and allow children uninterrupted time to build fairy gardens for woodland folk using natural materials. Building a fairy garden will absorb a child's whole being, maximizing his or her attention span, imagination and creative skills.
Nighttime Vacation Activities by everystarisdifferent.com
Over the last few months I have been exploring creating art with a circle formation or mandala art. Creating mandalas is a delightful, beautiful and easy activity which you can do almost anywhere and at anytime. All you need is a small collection of materials - I prefer natural found objects such as shells, pine cones, driftwood and sea glass. You can use any collection you have be it coins, sticky notes, hair clips, or cutlery!

This series of photographs is a tribute to my students of the PCV course: this year they were asked to work on alphabets. Since childhood, I have always felt profoundly unfair that the teachers assigned tasks that they have never played in person.

We turned a recent walk in the forest into a lesson on symmetry- such a fun, hands-on way for kids to learn math! We searched for symmetry outside and even created our own symmetry art using nature we had found on our walk!

If you are collecting items outdoors this fall, this is a fun and easy leaf craft kids of all ages can create. It's one of those "classic" activities that has become one of our fall traditions.

During the day it was easy to keep the kiddos entertained on our vacation last week. There was the shore, the beach, busy bags, and so much more. At night I knew it would be a little more difficult. In preparation for the trip I came up with a few activities to have on hand just in case. They proved to be fabulous!

Free Printables for Learning about the Natural World from the Resource Library

Nature hunt and quest activities encourage children to observe and explore the natural world around them, fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder. They promote outdoor play and physical activity, allowing children to engage with their environment and develop gross motor skills. By searching for specific items or completing tasks in nature, children also enhance their problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. Nature Hunt and quest printables stimulate language development as children communicate and articulate their observations and findings. Engaging with nature has been linked to improved mental health and well-being in children, promoting a sense of connection and appreciation for the natural world.

l;'

Other Printables for learning about nature you might find helpful in your classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Outdoor Learning Activities with Free Printables - Montessori Nature Printables

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Outdoor learning activities and games are trendy among children, especially during the summer holidays. Children benefit a great deal from spending time outside exploring and adventuring in the green outdoors. Nature's classroom is fascinating and incredibly diverse. These ideas will inspire you to spend some fun and meaningful time with your child outdoors.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Forest School fun and activities – check out what we have been up to recently

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are lucky enough to have a few outdoor play groups locally including Forest schools. Our favourites have been Wild Ones and Forest Folk Play. Wild Ones started us off on our journey into Forest …

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
9 Korean Vegetables to Grow in Your Garden This Spring

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
9 Korean vegetables to grow in your garden or in pots this spring. From herbs, cucumbers to cabbages - growing these veggies will make everything tastier!

# data[].attributes.body
Once a year, students can be involved in a global bird count to watch local birds, identify them and log them into this website

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Birds are everywhere, all the time, doing fascinating things!Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count for four days in February to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds. People from around the world spend these four days in their favorite places, connecting to the birds around their homes and in their community. Whether you see one bird or hundreds over the weekend, we want to share in your joy of watching birds and connecting to nature. Count the birds you see for as little as 15 minutes on one of the four days. Then, submit your bird list to be part of a global movement to better understand how bird populations are doing. Your participation matters. Il est important que vous participiez! Tu participación importa. Your participation connects you to the beauty that lives around you while helping scientists better monitor and protect birds around the world. Work with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. We look forward to spending this fun, special event with you. Join us! Únete a nosotros! Soyez des nôtres!

End of Transcript

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Birds are everywhere, all the time, doing fascinating things!Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count for four days in February to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds. People from around the world spend these four days in their favorite places, connecting to the birds around their homes and in their community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Outdoor Nature Games for Kids - Project Nature

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Getting your kids outside can sometimes be a bit of a struggle. Challenge your kids to play some nature games outside and before you know it, they’ll be begging to play more outdoor games. Most of these games require little preparation and few supplies while a few require some planning ahead. All will be a … Continue reading “10 Outdoor Nature Games for Kids” »

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Earth Cubs - The most important education in the most engaging way - Earth Cubs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Climate, sustainability, and environmental learning for 3-11 year olds. Interactive resources, stories and games that inspire kids to love and learn the world!