Outdoor storytelling sessions are a wonderful way to blend the magic of storytelling with the beauty of nature. These activities not only spark children’s imagination but also encourage them to explore and connect with their surroundings. Below are three diverse examples of how you can conduct outdoor storytelling sessions that are both educational and fun.
This storytelling session is perfect for a sunny day in a park or backyard. It encourages kids to observe nature while weaving their imaginative tales.
Gather the children in a circle under a big tree or a shaded area. Ask each child to think about a specific element of nature they can see, such as a bird, a tree, or a flower. Then, they will create a short story about that element and share it with the group.
To start, you might say, “Today, we’re going to create stories inspired by nature! Look around and pick something that catches your eye. What kind of adventure could it go on?”
Encourage them to be as creative as possible, and if they’re shy, you can help by prompting them with questions about their chosen element: What does it like to do? Does it have any friends?
Ideal for a small group, this activity combines art and storytelling. You’ll need some flat stones and paint or markers.
Before the session, collect smooth stones and paint simple images or symbols on them (like a sun, a tree, an animal, etc.). During the session, spread the stones out on a blanket or a picnic table. Each child takes turns picking a stone and creating a part of a story based on the image they selected.
For instance, if a child picks a stone with a butterfly, they might say, “Once upon a time, a butterfly named Bella wanted to find the biggest flower in the world…” Each child adds to the story, building on what the previous child said, encouraging collaboration and creativity.
This session turns storytelling into an exciting scavenger hunt, making it perfect for larger groups or families.
Before heading outdoors, create a list of items or themes for the children to find – like a feather, a round stone, or something that makes a sound (like a rustling leaf). Once outside, let the kids explore while gathering items that inspire them. After they’ve collected their treasures, gather around to share stories based on what they found.
For example, a child who found a feather might say, “This feather belonged to a magical bird that could sing the sweetest songs. It lived in a hidden valley…”
These examples of outdoor storytelling sessions highlight how nature can enrich children’s learning and creativity. So grab some friends, head outside, and let the stories unfold!