Top 5 Summer Nature Activities with Kids
Summer holidays are in full swing now, and if you are anything like me, then you have planned a few days out, maybe some holiday clubs and possibly a scattering of playdates for good measure.
But, if the last 18 months has taught us anything…
It. Has. Taught. Us. To. Slow. Down.
…take in the little things, and never under estimate the power of getting back to nature. So, while those big days out will be fun; sure, they will make great memories to look back on, never forget what is in your back garden!
Humble Mother Nature.
She was there for us when we needed her most last year, and she is still there now, albeit slightly buried under a rug of FOMO, expensive days out and social media envy.
I have compiled my top 5 activities that will inspire you and your children to get into nature, hands on with flowers and create some real memories this summer holidays. And importantly for some, these activities will not cost you anything:
Homemade Perfume
The classic floral activity that many of you may have memories of yourself as a child. Homemade perfume. You can make this as simple or as complicated as time allows. The simple version need include nothing more than a clear glass jar or bottle, and some petals and herbs.
Children will often spend hours collecting, stirring, decanting, labelling and selling these homemade bottles of perfume!
2. Flower Pressing
I have such warm memories as a child pressing flowers. I was given a flower press for my 7th birthday, but all you really need is a couple of heavy books (those unused recipe books on top of the fridge will work just fine ;-)) and some parchment paper.
Simply place some parchment paper inside the book and lay your flowers on top - this protects the flowers from sticking to the book.
Make sure the flowers are dry before pressing, otherwise they can go mouldy, and apart from being a little disappointing for your nature lovers, its more mess for you to clear away!
A couple of weeks later, you have beautiful flowers to use on birthday cards, pictures, or varnished onto large rocks.
3. Hedgerow Jam Jar
Inspired by one of our very own Lily Loves Products; the Jam Jar arrangement can be a child friendly, foolproof way to collect beautiful flowers into a table scape or given as a gift.
Encourage your children to collect some pretties from a nature walk. It is amazing how much you will notice the beauty of the hedgerow when you really look. The informal arrangement looks beautiful in a simple jam jar in the middle of the table. This activity gives children a real sense of accomplishment making something from scratch to be enjoyed by the whole family.
4. Ice Cube Petals
This is a new one to me, mainly introduced to me since my taste in alcoholic drinks evolved into expensive gins and cocktails! It got me thinking, why should the adults have all the fun when it comes to drinks?!
If your little ones are anything like mine, then having ice cubes in their drinks makes then feel very grown up. And this is the kind of grown up i can get on board with!
So grab yourselves an ice cube tray and head into the garden with some scissors. Be careful to use only edible flowers and foliage, especially for little mouths to try.
5. Sketching
My fifth and final top nature activity for children this summer is sketching. Yet another simple morning out that requires nothing more than a piece of paper and a pencil.
Give them some options of what they would like to draw; trees, leaves, river, ducks, flowers, farm animals. Then armed with your tools, a comfy blanket to sit on, something hard to lean on and a trusty snack (because lets face it, can we go anywhere without a snack?!) you’re good to go.
The few times I have done this with my three children we have received nothing but admiration from passers by. Everyone wants to talk to the children about what they have drawn, what techniques they are using, and to compliment their achievements.
The children often beam with pride explaining what the shapes on their pages are.
All of these nature inspired activities require very little equipment, most of them can be independently carried out by children, or with minimal adult supervision. They are also multi generational activities that will be enjoyed by young and old alike.
So, put down the remote control (we will be calling on you old friend when we need you most), and pick up the rucksack, a few snacks and head for the trees! Keep it simple, stress free and follow the children’s lead on this one.
I promise, you wont regret a morning submerged in the beauty of nature.
