Ideas for Play- Nature Walk

Going on a nature walk and deliberately noticing things encourages children to observe with all their senses. Children can learn to focus their attention and take in the details of things around them. It can be a peaceful, reflective experience for you and your children. All you need is somewhere to walk – You can simply venture out your front door, walk around your local area, a local park or nature reserve. You could also plan a longer excursion and head to a beach or national park. Remove barriers – A nature walk can happen in all weather, just be prepared! Always wear appropriate shoes for your environment. If its sunny remember hats, sun smart clothing, sunscreen and bug spray. If it’s raining bring raincoats and chuck a towel in the car just in case there is puddle splashing along the way.

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Don’t over plan – Don’t rush. Try to let your children lead you where it is safe to do so. Watch them discover and show you things.

Noticing nature walk - Encourage your child to pay attention to the environment with all their senses. You can do this by asking questions as you go. For example:

• Seeing questions: what can you see? Look all around you, up at the sky and down at the ground.

• Smelling questions: what can you smell? Can you describe the smell? Leafy? Like mud?

• Hearing questions: what can you hear? Birds? The wind? Other people?

• Feeling and touching questions: what can you feel? Is the sun warm? Is the ground rough or smooth?

Raisingchildrennetwork.com (2022). Noticing nature walk: activity for children 3-6 years Retrieved from https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/activity-guides/sensory-play/noticing-nature-walk-activity-for-children-3-6-years