Fun Nature Activities for Families

It’s amazing how many things live in and on rotting logs. In this activity, kids become familiar with some of those organisms by observing fallen logs. They’ll gain an understanding of how decomposition takes place and a better appreciation for microhabitats and communities.

In this activity, children will take a closer look at leaves and find out more about leaf characteristics and how leaves can be used to identify plants.

One way to learn about tree growth is to look at annual rings. Tree rings show patterns of change in a tree’s life as well as changes in the area where it grows. In this activity, you can trace environmental and historical changes using a cross section of a tree, or “tree cookie.”

Trees come in various shapes and sizes. In this activity, children will measure trees in different ways and become familiar with tree scale and structure. They will also learn the importance of standard units of measure and measuring techniques.

In this activity, children will focus on the many shapes that are found in both natural and built environments.

By way of neighborhood trees and a mystery box, children will explore their sense of touch and discover different shapes and textures in nature.

Evergreen trees offer a sensory overload! Through these experiences, children will touch, smell, see, hear, and taste the season of winter. Consider trying these experiences year-round in areas with our without snow.

Children are often surprised to learn how many different products we get from trees. Use
this activity to help children learn just how much we depend on trees in our daily lives.

In this activity, children "adopt" a tree, deepening their awareness of individual trees over time and encouraging a greater understanding and appreciation of their local environment.

From their leafy branches to their tangled roots, trees provide a habitat for a host of plants and animals. In this activity, children will inventory the plants and animals that live in, on and around trees, discovering how plants and animals depend on trees in many ways.

In this activity, students will discover the value of camouflage as they pretend to be birds in search of colored worms.

A plant is a living system. It needs sunlight, water, air, nutrients, and space to function and grow. In this activity, children design an experiment to test those requirements.

In this activity, children will learn about food webs, discovering the many ways that plants and animals of a forest are connected.

All children, no matter their age, have an idea of what a tree looks like, but many are unfamiliar with the actual structure of a tree. In this activity, children will go outdoors to take a closer look at trees and their parts.

In early spring, the tiny, bright green leaves of many trees burst forth. Where do the leaves come from? How do they form? In this activity, children will find the answers to these questions through observation and research.

In this activity, students explore differences in soil types and composition.

In this activity, children look for signs of autumn. They observe the annual change of seasons, and investigate why leaves of deciduous trees change color in the fall.

Students will discover that trees have a lifecycle that is similar to that of other living things.