- Start a garden with your children to teach them about plants, sustainability, and how to care for them.
- Create an outdoor living space with comfortable cushions and blankets where you can spend time with your children outdoors.
- Bring nature indoors by adding plants, a terrarium, and nature-inspired décor.
- Go birdwatching together and learn more about the different species that visit your home.
- Make DIY nature crafts, such as a leaf mobile or flower press, to bring nature indoors.
As parents, you want your children to experience nature, the great outdoors, and all the amazing things the natural world offers. Even though life can get busy, there are plenty of ways to teach your children about nature while still enjoying all the comforts of home. You want them to learn, explore, and appreciate the beauty of nature, so why not start with a few activities you can do together? Here are some of the best ways to expose your children to nature at home.
1. Start a Garden
Starting a garden is a fun and educational activity for the whole family. Not only will your children learn about different plants and how they grow, but it will also teach them about the importance of sustainability. You can start with a small herb garden or a few small vegetables in pots. Encourage your children to get involved in the process, from planting to watering and harvesting their crops.
Ensure they wear protective gear like gloves and long sleeves when handling dirt and fertilizer. You don’t want them to get too close to the plants or get dirt in their eyes. You might even want to get them their own gardening tools so they can take ownership of the project.
2. Create an Outdoor Living Space
Spending more time outdoors can be a great way to expose your children to nature. Create an outdoor living space where your family can relax, read, and enjoy the fresh air. To make it more inviting, add some comfortable cushions and throw blankets. This will be a great place to spend time with your children and show them the beauty of nature.
You can also build a patio for outdoor meals if you have the budget. This will be a great way to encourage your children to explore their surroundings while enjoying good company and delicious food! Ensure to work with reliable patio suppliers who can provide quality materials that will last many years. They should be able to suggest the best materials for your outdoor living space and provide you with a lasting, beautiful patio.
3. Bring the Outdoors Inside
Bringing nature indoors is a great way to expose your children to the different plants and animals they may not have the chance to see otherwise. Consider adding a few indoor plants or a terrarium to your home. You can also incorporate nature-inspired décor to create a calming atmosphere and spark your child’s curiosity. And don’t forget to open up your curtains and let the sunshine in, as natural light has many benefits for adults and children.
4. Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a fun and easy way to explore the natural world from your home. You can purchase a bird feeder and hang it outside your window to attract various birds. Encourage your child to identify the species that visit and keep a tally of how many you see. You can also make this activity educational by learning more about the different birds together and their unique behaviors and habits
5. DIY Nature Crafts
Crafts are a fun way to bring nature indoors and teach your child about the environment. Using various items you can collect from outside, like leaves and twigs, you can make all sorts of nature-inspired crafts. Get creative and create something unique together. Here are some ideas:
a. Leaf mobile
Use leaves and twigs to make a leaf-shaped mobile. You can hang it in your home and admire the natural beauty.
b. Bird feeder
Create a bird feeder by using an old yogurt container or a mason jar. Fill it with birdseed and hang it outside your window so you can watch the birds come to feed.
c. Nature collage
Gather objects from nature like leaves, feathers, and stones. Arrange them on a piece of paper to make a beautiful collage.
d. Flower press
Collect some flowers, press them between two pieces of paper, and frame them to make a unique piece of art. This is a great way to decorate your home while also preserving nature’s beauty.
Exposing your children to nature is integral to their education and personal growth. By incorporating nature-based activities into your daily routine, you and your family can learn about the world around you while fostering a love and appreciation for all the fantastic creatures and environments in the natural world. Start small and gradually incorporate nature-based activities into your family’s daily life. Doing so will create happy memories and give your child a sense of wonder and discovery they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
