Backyard Nature Fun

Exploring nature with kids doesn’t have to mean hitting the trail, heading to the mountains or going camping (though those are all fine ideas). Connecting with nature is as easy as heading out the back door.

I hope this blog will give you some ideas to make exploring nature simple and fun.

Since starting this blog, I’ve amassed more than 100 posts featuring ways to explore nature right in your own backyard.

Click on any of the categories below for a complete list of posts; I’ve featured the top three reader favorites in each category here. Happy exploring!

Gardens/Flowers/Trees
Neighborhood and backyard gardens, flowers and trees are a great place to connect with nature.

• Backyard Field Guide 
• Explore a Flower
• Grow a Sweet Potato Plant

Give a Kid a Camera
The monthly Give A Kid a Camera blogger link-up features photos of nature taken by children.

• Pictures of Nature 
• Photo Safari
• Signs of Spring

Holiday Activities
The holidays are the perfect time for families to come together, get outside and into nature.

• 10 Christmas Nature Activities for Kids 
• Magic Reindeer Food
• Our Nature-Inspired Valentine

Idea Lists
I like making lists. All kinds of lists. Which is a good thing, because they seem to be pretty popular around here.

• 50 Ways to Explore Nature in Your Own Backyard 
• 32 Ideas for Spring Backyard Nature Fun 
• Your A-to-Z Guide to Summer Backyard Nature Fun

Imaginary Play
One part magic, one part imagination, this is where nature and imaginative play come together.

• Build a Fairy House 
• Create a Fairy Garden 
• Mix Up a Fairy Potion

Nature Crafts
I make no claims to be crafty, but The Big Explorer is a huge fan of crafts, so I do my best.

• Wind Streamers 
• Handprint Tree 
• Make a Pinecone Birdfeeder

Nighttime Nature Activities
Sometimes it’s fun to explore nature when the sun goes down. Here’s what we’ve tried.

• Take a Flashlight Walk 
• Backyard Campfire
• Nighttime Neighborhood Walks

Rainy Day Fun
Wondering what to do when it’s pouring outside? Glad you asked!

• 10 Ideas for Getting Outside on Rainy Days 
• Rain Art 
• 11 Ideas for Rainy Day Outdoor Fun

Scavenger Hunts and Nature Walks
Here you’ll find plenty of ways to turn an everyday walk around your backyard, neighborhood or local park into an adventure in nature.

• Winter Nature Scavenger Hunt 
• Spring Nature Scavenger Hunt 
• Take a Color Walk

Simple Pleasures
It doesn’t take a lot for kids to have hours of fun outside. A little dirt, a little sand, a little water – and your permission to get dirty.

• Backyard Beach 
• Paint (& Splash) Outside 
• Make Mud Prints

Snow Play
Admittedly, we have little experience in this area. But once in a while we do see the white stuff.

• First Snow 
• Building Snow Animals 
• Build a Snowman

Sun/Sky/Wind
Short on time? Sometimes connecting with nature is as simple as taking a look up.

• Watch a Sunset 
• Shadow Play
• Cloud Watching

Wildlife Watching
Even our urban backyard is teeming with wildlife – birds, bugs and more.

• Build a Roly-Poly Terrarium 
• Create Your Own Bug World
• Backyard Wildlife Watching