Brilliant garden based activities to do with kids

If you need some inspiration and ideas of things to do in your garden or in a safe open space with the kids whilst you’re at home, then we’ve come up with a great list below!

Nature activities

????Go on a bug and mini beast hunt
????Go cloud spotting. Make some pictures afterwards based on what you’ve seen
????Build a bug house
???? Make bird feeders

Creative activities

???? Find some pebbles and stones and decorate or paint them
???? Get some wax crayons and do some bark or leaf rubbing
???? Have fun with bubbles
???? Make a telephone paper cups – all you need is some string, two cups and a pencil

Games in the garden

????Make a trail for your family to follow
????Build an obstacle course
????Create an alphabet scavenger hunt
???? Fly a kite. You could even make one if you don’t have one!
????Walk like animals – hop, jump, crawl, slither, pause sloth-like or pounce!
????Build a den. Use some old sheets, spend as long in outside as you can. Take some books, picnic or toys into your den.
????Play ball, catch, football or tig
????If you’ve got a dog, get them involved and teach it some new tricks
????If you fancy a snack why not try apple bobbing or donuts on a string!

Activities for when it’s dark

???? Attract moths to a torch
???? Do some star gazing and learn about constellations
????Draw your own constellation pictures
???? Going on an evening walk with head torches – there’s a good owl population this year

Educational outdoor activities

????Draw a map of your local area or garden
????Use a camera or phone to write and photograph a picture story of your outside discoveries

Growing & gardening

????Plant some cress heads – the recent McDonald’s Mr Men cups are perfect
???? Press flowers or blossom
???? Plant up some  hanging baskets, or pots – create a colourful garden

Have fun even if it’s raining

☔️ Dance in the rain
☔️ Puddle jump
☔️ Get rain suits and wellies on and go out to get wet and muddy

Fun outside beyond your garden

???? If you live nearby to a stream then try to build a twig raft with twigs and string
???? Play Pooh sticks
???? Identify trees
???? Find some blossom and learn about Japanese celebrations

????????????Let us know if you have any more garden and outside ideas to share! ????????????

Thank you to fellow North Leeds Mumbler Claire Horn for the above ideas, check out Claire’s page What wood Claire Do? , she makes some lovely bespoke woodwork products.