Free Printable - Outdoor Activities for Children with Seven-Day Planner

Children have a natural curiosity and sense of wonder that can be sparked and nurtured through hands-on experiences in nature. By incorporating educational elements into outdoor activities, children can learn valuable life skills while also having fun and connecting with the natural world around them. Let’s explore the benefits of outdoor learning that can be facilitated with our seven-day prefilled planner to help you get started with fun and engaging educational outdoor activities for your children.

Must every outdoor experience be deemed “educational”? Not necessarily. In my personal experience, incorporating learning activities that children typically encounter in a classroom setting outdoors can be highly effective, enjoyable, and advantageous for both the child and the educator.

My husband and I have chosen to homeschool our children, a decision that has led us to embrace outdoor adventures such as hiking, exploring national parks, and immersing ourselves in nature whenever possible. Regularly engaging in guided learning activities in nature with my children has been a priority for our family.

Spending time in nature provides children with a plethora of benefits, including physical exercise, fresh air, a sense of freedom, and the opportunity to engage in spontaneous risk assessment. The developmental advantages of immersing kids in nature are vast, encompassing improvements in physical health, mental well-being, and cognitive development. Exposure to nature fosters a connection with the natural world, nurtures curiosity and wonder, and instills a deep love and respect for the environment.

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Through guided activities in nature, children have the chance to develop new skills and essential life abilities. Participating in hands-on endeavors like scavenger hunts, nature walks, and shelter-building fosters problem-solving capabilities, creativity, effective communication, and teamwork. Guided activities also facilitate learning about ecology, the environment, and scientific concepts.

By merging the benefits of outdoor exploration with structured activities, children can engage with nature in a purposeful and organized manner. This approach ensures that they are actively learning and developing skills while relishing the serenity and beauty of the outdoors. Ultimately, offering guided activities in nature helps children forge a profound connection with the natural world and equips them with valuable skills that will serve them well in the future.

As a parent and educator, I understand the importance of exposing children to the wonders of nature. That’s why I wanted to share what one day of nature schooling looks like with my three children, who range in ages from 3 to 8. While I may not be a biologist, I know that making learning naturalistic may not fit every child’s interest. That’s why I aim to make our nature schooling experience broader and touch on various curriculum subjects, while also relying heavily on my children to guide me in the right direction.

On a typical day, I plan and prepare for three activities, but leave the rest up to my children to decide. One activity we always enjoy is drawing from observation. Each of us takes a turn to share what we observe while using watercolors, pencils, pens, or crayons to capture the most interesting details in our paintings.

Another favorite activity is weaving, where we create a weaving frame using sticks and string, and then search for natural objects to weave into the frame. This not only teaches older children how to make knots, but also results in a beautiful piece of decoration for our home.

We also love to create leaf prints. This activity is perfect for younger children, as they can collect different shaped leaves, paint them, and make prints on paper. It’s a simple yet engaging way to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Spending time in nature is not only refreshing for the mind and body, but it can also provide a great boost of energy and learning opportunities. While many people may think that learning only happens indoors, there is a growing shift towards taking education outdoors. Schools are opening their classrooms to nature, homeschool coops are venturing outdoors, and parents are seeking ways to incorporate outdoor learning into their children’s education.

My daughter’s experiences at Natureweavers Forest School in Australia have been particularly impactful, and now all of my children regularly enjoy nature play and discovery. To make the task of outdoor learning easier for educators and parents, I have created a seven-day planner with outdoor explorations that offer engaging hands-on ideas for children to enjoy in nature.

By embracing the beauty and wonder of the natural world, we can provide our children with a rich and fulfilling learning experience that complements and extends their understanding of the world around them. It’s amazing what a day in nature can do for a child’s curiosity, creativity, and overall well-being.

Not only does spending time outdoors promote physical health, it also enhances cognitive abilities and fosters a sense of wonder. With this in mind, I have thought of three activities a day that you can plan and prepare to do with your students in nature. These activities are not only fun, but also help brush up on a few curriculum subjects. Download the outdoor activity planner today and start planning your next outdoor adventure with your children.