I received a complimentary review copy of Born to Be Wild: Hundreds of FREE Nature Activities for Families by Hattie Garlick. As always, you’re getting my honest opinions.

Warmer weather is finally here! Let’s stand up and cheer because now we can get out and explore to our hearts content. Where will you go first? What do you plan to see?

 

 

There is a world of possibilities just waiting to be explored. Let’s continue our vow to get outdoors and spend more quality time with our family. There is no better time to do that than RIGHT NOW!

Outdoor Family Fun Calendar

 

This month’s family calendar focuses on activities that are ALL outdoors. With the warmer weather, it’s such a shame to be stuck indoors. So let’s get NOT do that & go outside instead!

Click the calendar image above or HERE for the PDF version you can print at home. Add your weekly appointments, activities, etc. Then add in opportunities for family fun because quality time together is just as important as anything else. We have a few ideas for outdoor fun that I know you are going to like and we’ll share them in just a second.

10 Free Nature Activities for Families

These outdoor family fun ideas are inspired by a book I recently received and started reading, Born to Be Wild: Hundreds of FREE Nature Activities for Families by Hattie Garlick. In this book, there are SO many fun ways to enjoy the outdoors and tips for continued family fun. I just had to share a few with you.

 

Create a family adventure – 10 Free Nature Activities

 

Make a Wish

Go out and find dandelions. Grab a seed head and make a wish before blowing it out. Kids will have a blast looking for “fuzzy weeds” as my kids called them when they were little. Make a game out of who can find the most or blow the hardest.

Check out this video I shared on Instagram.

Catch Caterpillars and Watch them Grow into Butterflies.

As gardens grow, the caterpillars arrive. Catch a few and place them in a jar with grass, leaves, twigs, etc. Place a lid on the jar with air holes punched in and watch the caterpillars transform into butterflies.

If you want to spend a few dollars, we loved using this kit which includes a coupon to send for your caterpillars.

Build a Sandcastle

Whether at a beach or your local park’s sand box, create a sandcastle. Bring buckets and/or containers with in and build to your heart’s content.

 

Go Camping

Whether in a park/campground or in your own backyard, you can have so much fun camping. Don’t have camping gear, borrow from a friend. For a free campground near you, here are a few tips to find one.

Make Shell Jewelry or Photo Frame

Head down to the beach, river bed, and sandy area and look for shells. Pick up your favorites along the way and create a bracelet, necklace, or photo frame. For jewelry, you can string shells onto a string or leather thread. For photo frames, glue shells onto a wooden or cardboard frame and add a photo of you collecting the shells.

Flower Painting

Collect spent blooms and use them to paint a picture. Dip them in paint or watercolors as you would a brush. Create different prints and textures with them. Allow them to dry and then hang them up around the house as a nature gallery show.

 

Go Hunting for Water Monsters

There are no scary monsters here. I promise! Head to a local park, lake, stream, etc. and look for amphibians. Look for tadpoles, frogs, newts, toads, etc.

Bring an extra change of clothes because kids + water = Wet Fun!

Outdoor yoga or meditation

A few minutes of mindfulness can be really soothing. Head to the backyard or pack a blanket and go to a local park. Many cities offer outdoor yoga classes, some free of charge. Check local area guides to see if it is offered in your area.

Find Cloud Figures

Sit back on a grassy knoll and watch the clouds go by. Will you find a bear in the clouds? Or a train? Maybe a funny face. See what you can find and share it with your family.

Make a day of it and pack a picnic lunch or snack too.

How Many Birdsongs Can You Find?

When you stop and listen, you can be surprised at what you hear. Take the family on a walk of a local park or nature area. Sit quietly and just listen. See how many different sounds and birds you can hear.

Being outdoors as a family can provide you with hours of fun. We’ve shared a few free nature activities we enjoy doing as a family.

What outdoor family activities do you enjoy?

Share with us below or on social media with the hashtag #lilfamadventure. We’d love to see how you have fun outdoors with your family.