As a parent, I know how important it is to keep my kids active and engaged, especially after a long school day. There’s nothing quite like watching them run freely, climb trees, dig in the dirt, and explore the world around them. It’s in these unstructured outdoor moments that I see them truly thriving—curious, confident, and full of energy.
When my children were younger, I worried about keeping them entertained in ways that didn’t involve screens or sitting indoors for too long. That’s when I started incorporating more nature-based afterschool activities into our routine. The benefits became clear almost immediately—fewer meltdowns, better sleep, and a newfound appreciation for the outdoors.
If you’re looking for ways to get your child moving, learning, and loving nature, here are some tried-and-true outdoor activities that have worked wonders for my family.
1. Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts: A Simple Yet Exciting Adventure
One of my favorite things to do with my kids after school is take them on a nature walk. It doesn’t have to be a big hike—even a stroll through our local park or neighborhood works wonders. To keep things interesting, I often turn it into a scavenger hunt.
I make a simple checklist of things to find, like:
✅ A bird’s feather
✅ A smooth or bumpy rock
✅ A flower in bloom
✅ A buzzing bee
The best part? My kids get so excited about “finding” nature that they don’t even realize they’re learning. It’s also a great way to unwind and reconnect after a busy school day.
2. Gardening: Teaching Responsibility and Patience
Gardening has been a game-changer for my kids. At first, they weren’t too thrilled about digging in the dirt, but once they saw their plants start to grow, they were hooked!
Here’s what worked for us:
🌱 Letting them pick their own plants (they loved growing cherry tomatoes and sunflowers)
🌱 Giving them “gardening jobs” like watering or pulling weeds
🌱 Teaching them about composting and why worms are our friends
Gardening isn’t just about growing food—it’s about teaching patience, responsibility, and care for the environment. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing more exciting than watching your child proudly pick their first homegrown vegetable!
3. Outdoor Art and Nature Crafts: Creativity Meets Exploration
I’ve learned that art doesn’t always have to happen indoors. One day, my kids started collecting leaves and sticks on our walk, and before I knew it, we had a full-blown nature craft station in our backyard.
Some of our favorite outdoor art projects include:
🎨 Leaf rubbings – Just place a leaf under paper and rub with crayons to reveal its intricate patterns.
🎨 Rock painting – Smooth stones become mini works of art with bright colors and fun designs.
🎨 Building fairy houses – A few twigs, some moss, and a little imagination can turn into a magical forest hideaway.
These activities spark creativity, encourage exploration, and create lasting memories—plus, there’s no mess to clean up inside the house!
4. Exploring Wildlife: Encouraging Curiosity About the Natural World
One of the best ways to nurture a love for nature is to encourage kids to observe and interact with wildlife. My children have become little nature detectives, always on the lookout for interesting bugs, birds, and critters.
Some easy ways to start:
🔍 Birdwatching – Provide binoculars and a simple bird guide to identify local species.
🔍 Bug hunting – Grab a magnifying glass and see what tiny creatures are hiding under logs or leaves.
🔍 Pond exploration – Spotting frogs, fish, and dragonflies makes for an exciting science lesson.
I love seeing my kids get excited about the little things in nature—it reminds me to slow down and appreciate them, too.
5. Adventure-Based Activities: Encouraging Confidence and Independence
If your child loves a challenge, activities like hiking, climbing, and biking are fantastic ways to help them build confidence, endurance, and resilience.
In our family, we’ve tried:
🥾 Mini hiking trips – Even a small hill or nature trail can feel like a big adventure.
🌳 Tree climbing – Nothing beats the joy of reaching that perfect branch.
🚲 Biking through parks – A great way to combine fun and fitness.
These activities help kids push their limits in a safe environment, making them feel strong, capable, and independent.
6. Building and Creating Outdoor Play Spaces
One of the best ways to keep kids engaged outside is to let them take ownership of their outdoor space. We’ve had so much fun creating:
🏕️ A backyard fort – Old sheets and sticks transformed into a magical hideout.
🔦 An obstacle course – Jump ropes, cones, and logs turned our yard into an adventure zone.
🏹 A DIY bow and arrow – (made from safe materials, of course!) for target practice.
By giving kids the freedom to design and build, they learn problem-solving skills, teamwork, and creativity.
7. Visiting Farms and Gardens: Hands-On Learning in Nature
There’s something magical about taking kids to a farm, orchard, or botanical garden. The first time we went apple-picking, my kids were amazed to see where their food actually comes from.
Farm visits also provide real-life lessons about:
🐄 Animal care – Feeding goats and watching how cows are milked.
🌾 Sustainability – Learning about how farmers grow food.
🍎 Seasonal changes – Understanding how fruits and vegetables grow in different seasons.
These outings turn learning into an exciting adventure—and let’s be honest, they make for some of the best family memories.
For more ideas on nature-based activities that support kids’ development, check out this article:
Nurturing Kids with Nature: Outdoor Afterschool Activities for Active and Healthy Development.
