Nature activities are one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to encourage children to spend more time outdoors. Whether you're exploring a local park, wandering through woodland, visiting the beach or simply enjoying your own back garden, there's always something new to discover.

If you're looking for even more inspiration, take a look at our guide to What's in My Child's Forest School Bag?, where we share the essentials for outdoor adventures, whatever the season.

As a proudly Welsh family brand, we always look forward to Wales Nature Week. This annual celebration encourages families, schools and communities to appreciate the incredible wildlife and green spaces right on their doorstep. The 2026 theme, 'In Your Neighbourhood' (Yn Eich Cynefin), is a wonderful reminder that you don't need to travel far to experience the magic of nature.

To help inspire your next outdoor adventure, we've put together ten easy nature activities that children of all ages will love. Best of all, many of these ideas can be enjoyed throughout the year, whatever the weather! Before you head out, make sure everyone is dressed for the weather. Our range of children's waterproof jackets, waterproof trousers, puddlesuits and wellies are designed to keep little explorers warm, dry and comfortable, so nothing gets in the way of your family adventure.

1. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt

Turn an ordinary walk into an exciting adventure by creating a simple nature scavenger hunt.

Challenge children to spot items such as a feather, pinecone, ladybird, wildflower, bird, butterfly or interesting-shaped leaf.

Not only does this encourage observation skills, but it also helps children slow down and really notice the world around them.

Nature hunts often lead children through long grass, muddy paths and woodland trails, so a lightweight waterproof jacket and wellies can help keep them comfortable whatever the weather.

2. Create Nature Art

Nature provides endless inspiration for creativity. Collect fallen leaves, sticks, petals, stones and pinecones to make beautiful nature pictures, leaf crowns, stick people or colourful nature mandalas. Remember to leave living plants and flowers where they are for others and wildlife to enjoy.

3. Build a Bug Hotel

Mini beasts play an important role in our ecosystems.

Using

  • Old bricks
  • Sticks
  • Bark
  • Bamboo canes
  • Leaves and so much more

Children can help create a cosy home for insects such as ladybirds, solitary bees and beetles.

It's a brilliant activity that combines crafting with learning about wildlife.

Building bug hotels can get wonderfully messy! Waterproof dungarees or waterproof trousers are perfect for kneeling on damp grass and muddy ground.

4. Listen for Birds

Sometimes the best nature activities involve simply stopping and listening. Find a quiet spot and spend five minutes listening for birdsong. How many different sounds can you hear? Older children may enjoy trying to identify common garden birds using a bird guide or app.

5. Go Mini Beast Hunting

After a rainy day is often the perfect time to search for worms, snails and other fascinating creatures.

Carefully lift logs or stones and gently replace them afterwards to see what wildlife is hiding underneath. Remember to observe without disturbing their habitats.

Heading to Forest School? Our Official Forest School Kit List has everything your child needs to stay comfortable while exploring nature in all weather conditions. Mini beast hunting is often best after a shower of rain, making waterproofs and sturdy wellies a must for curious little explorers.

6. Plant Something for Wildlife

Whether you have a large garden, a small patio or even a windowsill, planting flowers that attract bees and butterflies is a fantastic way to support local wildlife. Watching seeds grow into colourful blooms also teaches children patience and responsibility.

7. Explore a Woodland Trail

Woodlands are full of adventure.

Look for unusual tree shapes, search for fungi, balance on fallen logs and see if you can spot squirrels or birds high in the canopy.

Every visit offers something different, making woodland walks one of our favourite family nature activities.

Looking for somewhere new to explore? Our Top 10 Woodland Staycations for Families features some of our favourite woodland escapes across the UK, perfect for making nature-filled memories together. Woodland paths can quickly become muddy, even in summer. Dressing in layers with waterproof outerwear means children can focus on exploring instead of worrying about getting wet.

8. Start a Nature Journal

Encourage children to draw what they see, press fallen leaves, write about wildlife they've spotted or record the changing seasons. Over time, a nature journal becomes a wonderful keepsake and helps children build a stronger connection with the outdoors.

9. Embrace Rainy Day Adventures

Nature doesn't stop when it rains, and neither should outdoor fun!

Pull on your waterproofs and head outside to splash in puddles, watch raindrops on leaves or search for worms and snails that appear after a shower.

Some of the best family memories are made in the rain.

Rain doesn't have to stop the fun! You'll find even more inspiration in our 10 Rainy Day Activities That Kids Will Love, packed with ideas for making the most of wet weather. Rainy days often create the best adventures. Splash through puddles, search for worms and watch raindrops race down leaves. With the right waterproof clothing, there's no reason to stay indoors just because the weather has changed. We love pairing one of our Rain Sets with Bubble Boots for complete puddle-jumping protection.

10. Finish with a Nature Picnic

After a morning of exploring, find a peaceful spot for a picnic. Whether it's sandwiches in the park, fruit on the beach or a flask of hot chocolate in the woods, taking time to relax outdoors helps children appreciate the sights, sounds and fresh air around them.

Celebrate Nature Every Day

As a proudly Welsh family brand, we're especially excited to celebrate Wales Nature Week each year. Its message couldn't be more fitting, nature really is all around us, whether that's in your local park, on a woodland trail or even in your own garden. We hope these simple nature activities inspire your family to head outside, explore somewhere new and discover just how much adventure can be found close to home.

If you give any of these activities a try during Wales Nature Week, we'd love to see your adventures. Tag us on social media and share your favourite wildlife discoveries, muddy walks and outdoor moments with us!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best nature activities for children?

Some of the best nature activities include nature scavenger hunts, bug hunting, building bug hotels, woodland walks, bird watching, nature journaling and planting flowers for wildlife. They're simple, inexpensive and encourage children to connect with the outdoors.

What is Wales Nature Week?

Wales Nature Week is an annual celebration of Wales' wildlife, landscapes and natural environment. It encourages families, schools and communities to explore and appreciate the nature found in their local area. The 2026 theme, 'In Your Neighbourhood' (Yn Eich Cynefin), celebrates the wildlife and green spaces that can be found close to home.

Why are nature activities important for children?

Spending time outdoors helps children develop confidence, curiosity and creativity. Nature activities also encourage physical activity, improve wellbeing and give children opportunities to learn about wildlife and the environment through hands-on experiences.

Do you need to travel to enjoy nature activities?

Not at all! One of the key messages behind Wales Nature Week is that nature is everywhere. Whether you're visiting a local park, exploring your neighbourhood, playing in your garden or walking to school, there are plenty of opportunities to discover wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.

What should children wear for outdoor nature activities?

Children should wear comfortable clothing that's suitable for the weather. Waterproof jackets, trousers and wellies are ideal for muddy walks and rainy-day adventures, while layers help keep children comfortable throughout the year.