3 things to take on a nature walk with kids
It's amazing what you can find just around the corner from where you live! Even in the most urban of settings there is nature to be found. Tiny ants scurrying about. Pigeons finding scraps of food. Spiders making webs. Plants squeezing their way up through stones. The other day, we went for a walk at our local park to see what we could find! If you didn't catch the Livestream of our walk you can check it out plus lots of other great content in our Facebook group.
Kids love to get up close to nature. To make your next walk in the park - or anywhere - even more exciting, take these 3 things along...
A Stick Frame
Tying 4 sturdy sticks together gives you the perfect frame for so many activities while you’re out and about. Be sure to use string that is reasonably thick, and has some grip to it. Natural hessian is perfect.
Hang it from a tree for photo opportunities.
Place it on the ground to see what nature you can find in the square.
Place natural treasures that you find inside it.
Homemade binoculars
These are so easy to make and so much fun! Simply stick or tape 2 lengths of cardboard tube together (15 - 20 cm lengths work well). Pop a couple of holes on the outside edge at the ends. Thread through a short piece of string to make a handle. And there you have it! For super-duper decorated ones, try sticking on leaves or colouring with your own design.
Kids have a great time using their very own binoculars to ‘spot’ local birds or spy things in the distance.
Identification book
I never go anywhere without at least one nature identification book. Truth be told, I also have a couple of handy phone apps too! Kids want to know the names of what they find - what plant is that? What's the name of that bug? The other day some kids we met were fascinated by sap pouring out of a tree and were keen to know why. Taking a book with you, on plants, or birds, or bugs, or trees, starts engaging children early on with field research skills. They are thrilled to find a picture in a book of something that they have discovered.
Most of my identification books have been collected in second-hand book stores, and your local library will have a range relevant to the wildlife in your area. Choose a small book on a specialised topic that's easy to carry and one with lots of pictures. Trust me, it helps!
Want to join us for our next Livestream? We take a weekly walk in the woods in our Facebook group. We would love to see you there!
We have lots more ideas and activities in our online membership too. Specifically designed with educators in mind.