Adults and kids can enjoy many fun nature activities together in their backyard. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Go on a scavenger hunt: Make a list of items commonly found in nature, such as a pinecone, a feather, or a rock. Then, explore your backyard together and see who can find the most items on the list.
- Create a birdfeeder: You can make a simple birdfeeder using a plastic bottle, some twine, and some bird seed. Cut the plastic bottle in half, punch holes in the cap and bottom of the bottle, and thread twine through the holes to hang it up. Then, fill it with birdseed and watch as your feathered friends come to feed.
- Plant a garden: Planting a garden is a fun and rewarding activity that can provide you with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. You can start small with a few pots of herbs on your windowsill, or go big and create a full-fledged vegetable garden in your backyard. More on this below-
- Observe the stars: On a clear night, head outside and look up at the sky. See if you can spot any constellations or shooting stars. You can use a star chart or an app to help you identify the different stars and planets.
Getting kids involved
Gardening
Gardening is becoming increasingly popular among people young and old alike, but it’s especially great for kids because it allows them to get their hands dirty while also learning about plants and nature. If you have a big enough backyard, consider planting a vegetable garden for your family—it will provide fresh food for everyone as well as teach your child about where food comes from. If you don’t have enough space for a vegetable garden, try planting some flowers instead—this can help attract pollinators like bees which will help further increase biodiversity in your area. Gardening is also great because it encourages kids to spend more time outdoors while also teaching them patience (with all those weeds!).
Insect Observation
Yes, even bugs can be fun! Insect observation is a great way to get close up with nature without having to leave your own backyard. You don’t need any fancy equipment or special skills; just grab yourself a magnifying glass or microscope and start looking around! This is an excellent activity for kids because it helps them understand how important insects are in our ecosystem and why we should respect them instead of fearing them. Plus, who knows? Kids may even discover some insect species they never knew existed before!
Birdwatching
Birdwatching can be a wonderful way to engage with nature right outside your doorstep. All you need are some binoculars and a bird book or smartphone app. There are numerous species of birds in most parts of the country, so it’s easy to find something new and exciting every day. Once you’ve identified a bird, take some time to learn more about them—like why they look the way they do, where they migrate during certain times of the year, or what its songs sound like. It’s amazing how much information you can find just by observing these creatures!
These are just a few examples of the many fun nature activities adults and kids can enjoy together in their backyard. You can let your imagination run wild and create even more creative and engaging activities to explore the natural world around you.