One of our favorite and usually free activities to do as a family this time of year is to get outside and go for a spring family nature walk. Spring is one of our favourite seasons to do this too, there are so many things to look at and it’s a real treat for the senses. Nature is starting to wake up after a long winter sleep and new life is everywhere.
This year we have already taken in so many sights, scents, and sounds of nature. The kids have loved spotting the signs of spring in nature and they really enjoy being able to name a flower or two. I thought I would share with you some ideas of things to look for when you are out on a spring family nature walk.
Buds & Flowers
There’s something magical about those little green buds that begin to appear on bare branches. Flowers begin to blossom on trees and forest floors. Wonderful scents start to fill the air leaving no doubt that the spring season has arrived. Here are some flowers you might spot:
Wildlife
Spring mornings and early evenings are alive with birdsong, as birds return from their winter breaks and begin nesting. There’s an abundance of new life beginning and lots of wildlife to look out for. Here are some creatures you might spot:
Now you know what to look out for I also have some ideas for you that will help to make a spring family walk more fun for kids and help keep them interested.
Take Photo’s
Take a camera with you and let the kids take some snaps of anything that catches their eye. When you get home you could upload the pictures and then use a search engine to name the things you’ve snapped.
Spring Nature Scavenger Hunt
Do a nature scavenger hunt, there are loads of ideas and free printables available on Pinterest. You can either take a bag and collect all the things you find or simply tick them off as you find them. We have a box at home full of nature’s treasures that we have found on our walks. Here are some links to get you started:
20 Nature Scavenger Hunt Ideas
Fun Things to Do on a Walk with Kids
17 Spring Scavenger Hunt Ideas
Books
Invest in some kid’s books about nature and read them regularly with your kids. You could make a list of the things you want to spot while you are on your spring family walk. I’ve added a few recommendations below of the nature books that we love.
Craft Outside
You could take some paper and crayons and do some bark or leaf rubbings, or you could collect some fallen leaves, twigs, and cones and make a collage. Another fun thing to do is to take some string along with you, find some twigs, and build a mini den or even make your own stick man.
I hope I’ve given you a few ideas to get started with. There are so many things to do on a family nature walk, what activities do you like to do?
Outstanding spring blooms you shared today. I thoroughly enjoyed our walk! #MMBC
We haven’t had a spring adventure like this yet. I think we’ll try one of the scavenger hunt ideas next weekend as we need to take Herbie for his first walk and it’ll keep the kids occupied whilst I concentrate on the dog! x