- Plant a garden in a small patch of soil to teach children about the environment, science, and nutrition.
- Introduce nature-inspired design elements to homes, such as wall murals, watercolors, photographs of wildlife, reclaimed wood shiplap walls, and organic furniture.
- Set up a nature corner with magnifying glasses, binoculars, journals, and field guides to observe natural objects.
- Use natural materials such as sticks, pebbles, clay, or yarn for crafting activities.
- Add potted plants for an eco-friendly touch and teach children about caring for living things.
As a parent, you want your children to appreciate the world around them, develop a sense of wonder and curiosity, and connect with nature. However, with many indoor distractions, digital devices, and urban landscapes, it can be challenging to make nature part of your kids’ daily lives.
Fortunately, you don’t have to venture far from home to expose your kids to the beauty, diversity, and benefits of nature. In this blog, you will learn about a few practical tips that any homeowner can use to bring nature closer to their kids at home. Whether you have a small balcony, a backyard, or a dedicated garden, these ideas will inspire you to create a natural learning and play area that your kids will enjoy all year round.
Plant a garden.
One of the best ways to expose your kids to nature is to involve them in gardening. Whether you plant some herbs, flowers, vegetables, or fruits, gardening is a fun, educational, and empowering activity that encourages children to learn about the environment, science, and nutrition while keeping them active and engaged.
You can start a garden in a small patch of soil, a raised bed, or some pots on a balcony and let your kids participate in every step of the process, from planning to harvest. You can also use gardening books, videos, or online resources to teach your kids about soil, seeds, pests, and weather.
Add nature-inspired design elements to your home.
If your outdoor space is limited or you are looking for ways to bring nature indoors, consider adding some nature-inspired design elements to your home. Here are a few great examples:
Add nature-inspired art.
Art such as wall murals featuring natural scenes, watercolors of flowers, photographs of wildlife, or prints of grasses can bring a natural element to your home. These pieces create a calming, beautiful atmosphere and can also inspire your kids to develop an appreciation for nature.
Incorporate natural materials.
Using natural materials in the design of your home can bring a sense of grounding and connection to nature indoors. Installing a barnwood shiplap wall, for example, can provide a stunning backdrop for your home and create an atmosphere of tranquillity.
This type of wall is also great for kids, as it’s a natural material that will make them feel connected to nature even if they are indoors. Not to mention it’s also made of renewable resources, so it’s an eco-friendly choice.
Add organic furniture.
Organic furniture made with sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, hemp, and bamboo can help keep your home environment healthy and provide a natural touch to any room. They are also durable and eco-friendly, making them an ideal option for busy families with kids.
Add a few potted plants.
Potted plants are a great way to bring nature into your home. Not only do they look beautiful and provide fresh air, but they can also teach your kids about caring for living things. Choose easy-to-care-for options such as succulents or herbs, and let your kids help water them and watch them grow.
By adding nature-inspired design elements inside your home, you can bring the outdoors in and help your kids stay connected to nature even when they are stuck indoors.
Create a nature corner.
Another way to bring nature closer to your kids is to set up a nature corner in your home or backyard. This can be a small area dedicated to observing, collecting, and learning about natural objects such as rocks, leaves, feathers, shells, or insects.
You can provide your kids with a magnifying glass, binoculars, a journal, and some field guides to encourage them to explore, identify, and document the different species they encounter. You can also add some bird feeders, birdhouses, or a butterfly garden nearby to attract wildlife and enhance the learning experience.
Introduce nature-inspired crafts.
Crafting is another way to connect with nature and unleash your kids’ creativity and imagination. You can use natural materials such as sticks, pebbles, clay, or yarn to create nature-inspired artwork such as leaf prints, animal masks, or wind chimes.
You can also use recycled materials such as egg cartons, plastic bottles, or cardboard to make bird feeders, insect hotels, or mini gardens. You can find some tutorials, ideas, and inspiration on Pinterest or other crafting websites.
By following the tips shared in this blog, you can bring nature closer to your kids and help them appreciate their environment. Planting a garden, introducing crafting activities with natural materials or recycled items, adding organic furniture and art pieces to your home decor, and creating a nature corner outside or indoors – these are all great ways for parents to encourage children’s exploration of the outdoors and foster an appreciation for nature. With some creativity and dedication, it is possible to make any outdoor space inviting as well as educational for kids!
