In a world where screens often dominate our children’s attention, it’s crucial to ensure they have ample opportunities to connect with the natural world. As we enter the year 2024, the Boy Scout Great Rivers Council is thrilled to share a diverse collection of 24 nature activities for kids that will captivate and educate them. Our goal is simple: to foster a deep connection with nature, ignite a sense of wonder, and instill a lifelong appreciation for the environment.
These activities cover a broad spectrum, from classic outdoor adventures like hiking and birdwatching to cutting-edge experiences such as nature-based technology projects and community conservation initiatives. With an eye toward the future, this list encourages families, scout troops, and educators to embrace novel and exciting ways of engaging children with the natural world, cultivating a sense of stewardship for our planet and a profound connection to the great outdoors.
24 Nature Activities for Kids To Try This Year
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into our list of 24 nature-centric fun activities for kids in 2024.
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Start the year with a bang by organizing a nature scavenger hunt. Create a list of items commonly found in your local environment and encourage kids to explore, identify, and collect them. It’s a fun way to introduce them to the wonders of nature.
2. Outdoor Art Gallery
Unleash your child’s creativity by setting up an outdoor art gallery. Use natural materials like leaves, sticks, and rocks to create masterpieces. This activity allows kids to express themselves through nature crafts while appreciating the beauty of the natural world.
3. Butterfly Garden
Transform your backyard into a butterfly haven by planting native flowers that attract these beautiful insects. Kids can learn about butterfly species and their life cycles while enjoying the vibrant garden.
4. Starry Nights
Spend a night stargazing. Equip kids with telescopes or binoculars and guide them through the constellations. This activity fosters a fascination with the cosmos and a sense of wonder about the universe.
5. Nature Journals
Encourage children to keep nature journals. They can document their outdoor experiences, sketch wildlife, and jot down observations. Nature journals are a valuable tool for fostering a deeper connection with the environment.
6. Community Cleanup
Teach kids the importance of environmental stewardship by organizing a community cleanup day. Pick up litter, beautify public spaces, and instill a sense of responsibility for the planet with this activity for kids.
7. Birdwatching Adventures
Birdwatching is a timeless activity that introduces kids to the world of ornithology. Provide binoculars and field guides to identify local bird species. It’s an educational and exciting pursuit.
8. Build a Bird Feeder
Get creative by building bird feeders using recycled materials. Hang them in your yard and watch as feathered friends flock to enjoy the treats.
9. Rock Painting
Collect smooth rocks and transform them into vibrant works of art. Afterward, place them in your garden or local park as hidden treasures for others to discover.
10. Nature-Based Technology
Incorporate technology into nature exploration by using apps and gadgets to identify plants, insects, and animals. Combine the digital world with the natural one.
11. Camping Adventures
Take kids on a camping trip to immerse them in the great outdoors. Whether it’s in your backyard or a national park, camping experiences create lasting memories and a love for nature.
12. Biking
Biking is a fantastic way to explore the outdoors, promoting physical fitness and eco-friendly transportation.
13. DIY Nature-Inspired Crafts
Engage in eco-friendly crafting projects using materials found in nature. Make leaf rubbings, pinecone bird feeders, or even natural dye from plants. This is a sensory activity that is great for young children.
14. Gardening for Wildlife
Teach kids how to design gardens that attract and support local wildlife. Planting native species can provide food and shelter for birds, bees, and butterflies.
15. Nature Exploration Apps
Explore the world of educational nature apps that provide interactive learning experiences for kids. From plant identification to wildlife tracking, there’s an app for every curious young naturalist.
16. Wilderness Survival Skills
Introduce kids to basic wilderness survival skills like building shelters and starting fires (safely). These skills instill confidence and connect them with the natural world.
17. Orienteering
Orienteering is a captivating activity that combines navigation skills with adventure. It requires a compass, orienteering maps, and a good attitude.
18. Volunteer for Habitat Restoration
Participate in habitat restoration efforts in your area. Plant trees, remove invasive species, and restore natural ecosystems alongside your kids.
19. Nature-Themed Storytelling
Gather around a campfire or a cozy spot in your home and share nature-themed stories. Encourage kids to create their own tales inspired by their outdoor adventures.
20. Hiking
Hiking is a classic outdoor activity that allows kids to immerse themselves in nature. Go hiking with your children at a local state park to teach them how to navigate trails.
21. Adopt a Tree
Have kids adopt a tree and monitor its growth throughout the year. They can measure its height, observe its leaves, and record changes in their nature journals.
22. Beach Cleanups
If you’re near the coast, organize a beach cleanup. It’s a hands-on way to teach kids about the importance of protecting marine life and conserving our oceans.
23. Nature Detective Mysteries
Create nature-themed detective mysteries where kids solve ecological puzzles and learn about the delicate balance of ecosystems.
24. Wilderness Photography
Teach kids the art of wilderness photography. Equip them with cameras or smartphones and encourage them to capture the beauty of the natural world through their lenses.
In 2024, let’s make it a priority to engage our children with the wonders of the natural world with outdoor nature activities. These 24 nature activities for kids offer diverse ways to connect, educate, and inspire kids to become passionate stewards of the environment. By fostering a sense of wonder and instilling a lifelong appreciation for nature, we can ensure that the next generation grows up with a profound connection to the outdoors and a commitment to preserving our planet for future generations.
Join Scouts Today
The BSA Great Rivers Council invites you to join Scouts today and experience the beauty of nature. Join Scouts today, and together, we can nurture a generation of young leaders who not only appreciate the beauty of nature but also actively work towards its preservation.
Explore the wonders of the natural world with us, and let’s embark on a journey of discovery, learning, and growth that will leave a lasting impact on the children of 2024 and the generations to come. Together, we can make a difference, one adventure at a time.
Scouts BSA Summer Camp 2024 reservations are now open!
