5 Outdoor Learning Activities for Children

Outdoor activities are invaluable for children because they allow them to develop a range of key skills, as well as supporting their overall health and wellbeing. What’s more, children who spend time outdoors are more likely to adopt a certain level of respect for the environment, which is crucial nowadays as there is so much focus on the effects of global warming and other similar issues. With this in mind, you may be wondering what sort of outdoor activities you should consider encouraging your child to take part in. Here are some suggestions from a boys’ prep school in London.

1. Prepare a Scavenger Hunt

Put together a list of outdoorsy items you’d like your child to search for, like an acorn or a piece of bark, and head to the woods for a scavenger hunt. You could even take some of their friends along and turn it into a friendly competition so that they are able to socialise while simultaneously spending time outdoors. 

2. Grow Your Own

Gardening is a great way to spend some time outside and growing your own fruit/vegetables is very rewarding, because there’s something at the end of it. It’s a chance for your children to learn about what’s involved in keeping plants alive and encouraging them to grow, which also gives them a sense of responsibility and something to commit to. 

3. Visit a Farm

Kids love visiting farms and other rural attractions because they are usually great fun and an opportunity for them to get up close and personal with the animals. During your visit, try and teach your child about the role that farms play in our lives, such as producing eggs, milk, meat, and wool.

4. Walk in the Woods

Taking a walk through the woods is a great way for children to get some much-needed fresh air and exercise, while also allowing them to learn about different trees and wildlife. During your walk, talk to your child about the different seasons and how the woods will change month by month, as well as what types of animals might be living amongst the trees. 

5. Get Creative

If your child is interested in arts and crafts, you could search for some natural materials to incorporate in a creative project. For example, they could use twigs and leaves to create sculptures or draw with chalk on the patio. They great thing about outdoor art projects is that you don’t have to worry as much about your child making a mess. 

This is a collaborative post.