Summer is the perfect time for kids to learn while playing outside! These activities not only keep them engaged but also help them explore nature, develop new skills, and enjoy the sunshine. Here are three diverse examples of summer outdoor learning activities for kids that are fun, educational, and easy to organize.
This activity is ideal for all ages and can be done in your backyard, a local park, or a nature reserve. A nature scavenger hunt encourages kids to observe and interact with their environment in a fun and engaging way.
Gather your kids and create a list of items found in nature, such as different types of leaves, rocks, flowers, insects, or animal tracks. You can either prepare a printed list or have them draw pictures of what they need to find. Set a timer and let them explore! As they find each item, they can check it off their list or collect small samples in a baggie. This promotes not only observation skills but also teamwork and communication among participants.
For a twist, you can include a photography element where kids take pictures of the items they find instead of collecting them.
Notes/Variations: You can theme your scavenger hunt based on colors, shapes, or even sounds! For younger kids, consider using pictures instead of words for the scavenger hunt list to make it more accessible.
Create a small garden area or use pots to explore basic gardening concepts with your kids. This hands-on activity teaches them about plant life cycles, responsibility, and the science behind growing food.
Start by discussing what plants need to grow: sunlight, water, soil, and nutrients. Let the kids choose easy-to-grow plants, like herbs (basil, mint) or vegetables (radishes, carrots). Have them help prepare the soil, plant the seeds or seedlings, and water them.
Keep a garden journal where they can document the growth of their plants over time, noting changes and drawing pictures. This will help them learn about patience and the importance of caring for living things. You can also incorporate lessons about the food chain and how plants contribute to the ecosystem.
Notes/Variations: If space is limited, consider creating a vertical garden or using recycled materials like plastic bottles for planting! You can also host a mini farmers’ market day once the plants are ready to harvest, allowing kids to sell their produce to family and friends.
This fun and educational activity teaches kids about renewable energy and the science behind solar power, all while making a tasty treat!
To create a DIY solar oven, you’ll need a pizza box (or any cardboard box), aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and black construction paper. Start by cutting a flap in the lid of the pizza box and covering the underside with aluminum foil to reflect sunlight. Line the bottom of the box with black construction paper to absorb heat. Finally, cover the opening with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect.
Once your solar oven is set up, place s’mores ingredients (graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows) inside and close the lid. Position the oven in a sunny spot, adjusting the flap to catch the sunlight. As the sun heats the oven, kids can watch the s’mores melt and eventually enjoy their delicious creations!
Notes/Variations: Experiment with different foods such as nachos or pizza to see what works best! You can also have discussions about solar energy and its impact on the environment during the activity.
These examples of summer outdoor learning activities for kids are not only enjoyable but also offer valuable lessons. Encourage your children to explore, discover, and learn through play this summer!