Because you can’t love what you don’t know. And you won’t protect what you don’t love. We believe every stick fort and nature journal brings kids one step closer to caring for the world around them.

So, here you'll find 24 easy, fun (and hopefully not too clean!) ways to get your kids engaged and enjoying themselves in nature. 

No fancy equipment needed, no elaborate planning required, just simple, spontaneous fun.

We understand - sometimes it can be hard to convince kids to head outside. We know that as parents, often we feel like we don't have the time to dedicate to outdoor play, or maybe making a 'special effort' just feels like another thing that's there to overwhelm you.

But if we don't instill a love of outdoor activity, and of adventure and learning from nature, it's unlikely kids will ever develop these habits or skills on their own.

We'd love outdoor play to be something kids look forward to and can make memories that last well beyond their childhood.

Here's the good news - every little bit helps form those good habits, and we've got some great ideas, tips and simple, inexpensive (and very child-centric) activities to make outdoor play as habitual as brushing their teeth (just with more dirt involved!)

Click below to find our '24 things to do outside' free download to give your daily outdoor play routine a kick start.

We love that this simple download not only provides play strategies, but can also be a great way to start conversations with your children about being outdoors - what they like to do, what things really ignite their interest, and talking about how they feel they're benefiting, and what they are learning.

You can also use the download as a mini family challenge. Print it out and get the kids to set a number of activities they want to do that coming week. They can then cross off each one when done and see if they can reach their goal.

Their reward? A week filled with fun, playing games, doing crafts, and exploring in nature!

Some inexpensive craft supplies, and some foraged and found natural bits + pieces -

Sticks

- make hopscotch squares with sticks or rope to play in (Wild Child)

- make stick people (Wild Imagination)

- make a stick star (Wild Celebrations)

-decorate a hiking stick ( Wild Projects For Families)

Mud + Clay

- get mum or dad help you make a mud kitchen (Wild Projects For Families)

- Make gooey mud 'cakes' (Wild Imagination)

- make a clay tree face (Wild Imagination)

- create a clay dish imprinted with a leaf (Wild Craft Club)

Flowers + Leaves

-make your own wrapping paper with leaf printing (Wild Celebrations)

- make a light catcher with leaves, twigs, and petals (Wild Child)

- fashion a leaf mask out of leaves and petals (Wild Imagination)

Here's some activities that require literally no equipment at all - just fresh air, a little space, and keen kids!

- go on a bug hunt

- climb a tree

- do some outdoor yoga on the lawn or deck

- play under the sprinkler or hose

- lie on your back and watch the clouds. How many shapes can you find?

- have a picnic in your garden

- go on a foraging excursion to collect nature for your next craft project!

Looking for more inspiration?

Find our best selling 'Nature Craft' bundle at a special price here ↓

Did you know that we have a growing library of free downloads, templates and printables that make incorporating nature play into your day even easier?

When you subscribe to the free Wild Club, you receive a link with access to our library of over 35 kid friendly, nature inspired downloads.

We regularly add free downloads, so if you're already a Wild Club subscriber, don't forget to check your emails to be in the know when a new freebie drops!