Enjoy a nature walk as you discover the hidden treasures of trees. Kids can explore a forest area by searching up high in the branches, behind tree trunks, and under piles of leaves on the ground. Have fun exploring!

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You can provide outdoor experiences for kids by taking walks outside together. If you have a walking trail nearby, it can be a natural playground, and a wealth of information and inspiration. But you can also observe nature in a more limited outdoor space such as a backyard or deck.  Kids will benefit from paying attention to the world around them wherever they are.

Whether walking around the neighborhood or hiking a forest trail, kids get to use all their senses as they explore and discover the world around them.

Take the time to pause and listen for sounds familiar and new, to smell the air and plant growth, to spot different colors of foliage or insects.

Books about trees

Nature walk activities

A nature walk is an important way to provide hands-on exploration and learning. Kids can observe plants and insects in natural surroundings.

Be sure to take necessary precautions when going on nature walks or field trips with children. Do you need bug spray, sun screen, water bottles or protective clothing? 

We are fortunate to have a well-worn trail at the back of our yard that leads through a wooded area to a shallow brook. 

You might be surprised to see tiny flowering plants growing in crowded spaces. Yellow dandelions look so pretty.

Shadows on the ground that reveal how sunlight is filtered through the tree branches. Both shade and sun are necessary for the healthy growth of a variety of plants and insects.

Search for moss around the trunk of a tree. Gently move twigs and leaves to uncover the soft, spongy moss.

Stand next to small evergreens for a measuring activity. Is one taller than you, smaller than you?

Find large spreading branches you can stand under like umbrellas.

Can you spot a bird's nest in the branches of a maple tree?

Observe the layers of bark on a tree trunk or fallen log. Watch out for tiny insects that might be nesting under the leaves.

Find pine cones lying on a bed of needles under a pine tree. 

Exploring natural surroundings with kids helps them understand and appreciate the importance of natural habitats.

Find more fun activities on our Outdoor Play Pinterest board.

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