It is essential that we instil a love of nature in our children from a young age. Doing so will not only teach them to respect and care for the environment but also get them excited about learning. Here are 10 easy and fun ways for parents to foster a love of nature in their children ages 5-12 years old.

10 Ideas to help your children connect with nature

1. Get Them Outside Every Day:
   Make it a priority to get your child outside every day, no matter the weather. Let them explore and play in your yard, go on walks around the neighbourhood, or visit your local park. The key is to let them experience nature firsthand as often as possible.

2. Have Them Help with Gardening Chores:
   Gardening is a great way to teach kids about the natural world while getting them some exercise too. Have them help you plant seeds, water the plants, and pull up weeds. They’ll be proud of their accomplishments and excited to see the fruits (or veggies) of their labour.

3. Take Them Camping:
   Camping is the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature for a few days. Go camping in your backyard, at a nearby state park, or even in your living room! Set up a tent, tell stories around the campfire, and sleep under the stars. Your kids will love this special bonding experience.

4. Go on Nature Scavenger Hunts:
   Scavenger hunts are always a hit with kids, so why not combine it with some time outdoors? Make a list of things they need to find such as leaves of different colours, acorns, rocks, etc. They’ll have so much fun they won’t even realize they’re learning!

5. Playing Games in Nature:
   Games are another great way to get kids engaged with nature. Play tag among the trees, have a picnic lunch in a meadow, splash around in a creek–the possibilities are endless! Not only will they have fun, but they’ll also get some fresh air and exercise too.

6. Visit A Zoo or Wildlife Preserve:
   Zoos and wildlife preserves offer an up-close look at animals that kids might not otherwise get to see. This can be a great learning opportunity for kids as they see how different animals live and interact with their environment. Plus, it’s just plain fun to watch animals!

7. Read Books About Nature Together:
   Reading is another great way to learn about nature without even leaving your house! Curl up together with some good books about animals, plants, ecosystems, or any other aspect of nature that interests your child. You might be surprised at how much they retain after just one reading session.

8. Attend A Stargazing Party:
   Stargazing parties are held at special events like city parks or planetariums where everyone can look through high-powered telescopes at stars, planets, and other celestial objects. This is always an exciting event for children because they feel like they’re discovering something new and amazing.

9. Join A Junior Ranger Program: Junior ranger programs are offered by many state and national parks systems. These programs usually involve attending ranger-led activities like hikes or Junior ranger clubs. Some clubs even go on overnight camping trips! This is an excellent way for children to learn more about nature while also meeting new friends.

10. Plant A Tree Together: Planting trees is not only good for the environment but it’s also rewarding for everyone involved. Not only will you be teaching your child about conservation efforts but you’ll also be creating lasting memories together. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy watching the tree grow over the years!

Whatever activities you choose, remember that the most important thing is that you spend time together outdoors enjoying all that nature has to offer.

By taking some time each day to connect with nature–whether it’s in your own backyard or out on a hike–you can instil a lifetime love of nature in your child. These ten ideas are just scratching the surface of all the possibilities so have fun exploring and get creative!

Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover some new hobbies along the way too!

Yours in Nature

I hope you found this blog insightful. If you have a specific question; ask away in the comments section.