It is really difficult in the present situation to keep children occupied as so many of the usual activities that we rely on are closed or unavailable. We are so lucky that nature never fails to deliver and getting out of the house on a walk together to blow away the cobwebs can be one of the most rewarding family activities. Best of all it’s completely free, the family gets some essential exercise and being out in the natural world always lifts the spirits.
Keep little ones engaged by looking out for things to collect. We’ve made a little pictorial checklist that you can print out and stick onto a paper bag to make collecting things really fun. In addition to picking up treasures in the park, the countryside or in the woods there’s a few suggestions for things to look out for. Mushrooms and fungi are fun to spot but best to be left untouched as they are very tricky to identify, and some can be poisonous. Don’t forget to encourage children to listen out for birds’ calls when they are out so they are using all their senses!
Little ones can do some craft projects with the treasures when they get home too – ideas include making a collage or an illustrated nature poster or even curate their own little natural history museum display. We hope that you manage to get out and about in the natural world this Autumn – it really is one of the best times of the year for exploring. Don’t forget to wrap up warm, take some waterproofs and wellies for the tinies. Have fun!
