Go on a Nature Walk or Hunt

Encourage children of all ages to go on a nature walk or hunt to learn about the natural world, connect with nature, and gather craft supplies for nature crafts!

Anytime is a great time to go on a nature walk or hunt with kids! So many amazing things await discovery outside your door in the natural world. This is especially true of wild spaces. You may not need to go further than your backyard, but I encourage you to explore the natural world for this activity. You might also enjoy this massive list of outdoor educational activities for kids.

Invite Children to Go on a Nature Walk or Hunt

Going on nature walks and hunts provides a rich sensory experience for the developing child. But this outdoor activity is not to be confused with a scavenger hunt, though you can make a game of it if you wish.

A nature walk or hunt provides an excellent way for kids and adults to get outside, explore and learn about the natural world, connect with nature, and collect items for activities, crafts, and other purposes. You might also enjoy teaching children to care for the Earth.

Walk slowly, take your time, and avoid rushing. Take pauses along the way to stop and observe anything that calls your attention. Spend time in a sit spot. Encourage children to bring their nature journals so they can record their observations and experiences outside in the natural world.

Of course, if you’d like to go on a nature scavenger hunt with kids, there are several fun, educational scavenger hunt ideas at the bottom of this post and in the Rhythms of Play Learning Center.

There are many beautiful things to be discovered in the natural world and several ways to use what you find. Since you may be out there for a while, pack a lunch, and don’t forget to bring water and a few nature study supplies.

While you’re out there, gather any of the nature craft supplies suggested below. But only if you intend to use them for educational purposes or for nature-based arts and crafts. Mother Nature appreciates it when we are not wasteful, taking only what we need.

Natural Items to Collect on a Nature Walk or Hunt:

Pinecones
Sticks and small branches
Leaves of all kinds
Rocks
Bark
Acorns
Walnuts
Helicopter seeds
Feathers
Shells
Flowers and wildflowers. (Please note: Collecting flowers and wildflowers is illegal in some natural areas and parks. Read signs or ask your local park rangers to be sure. Many local, state, and national parks, as well as other regions, allow you to take one simple bouquet home for personal use. But please be responsible when picking flowers, and watch out for poison oak or ivy.)
Edible berries and fruit, if available and in season (Please ensure you don’t eat or consume anything unless you are sure it is safe for consumption. Check out wild foraging with kids for more information.)
Anything else you discover that is safe and appropriate to take home. (Please be responsible citizens and only take what you intend to use. Nature does not thrive when it is stripped of its parts.)

Best Nature Collection Baskets:

Small fair trade Bolga Basket.
Medium fair trade Bolga Basket.
Large fair trade Bolga Basket.

Fun Things to Do in Nature and Ways to Use the Natural Items You Find:

Get outside, connect, and go on a nature walk or hunt outdoors. There are so many amazing things waiting to be discovered, and lots of fun and educational outdoor learning activities you can try. Or use what you find to make crafts, gifts, DIY home decor, and nature tables.

We have compiled a fantastic list of nature art and craft ideas you can try HERE–> Nature Craft Ideas and Art Activities for Kids and Adults. Or, try any of the nature crafts and activities on the list below:

DIY Acorn Marble Necklaces
Top 10 Fall Nature Crafts
Natural Materials for Pretend Play
Gluten-Free Peach Raspberry Crisp Recipe (You can substitute any berries or apples using this delicious cobbler recipe.)

Nature Table Ideas:

Spring Nature Table Ideas
Summer Nature Table Ideas
Fall Nature Table Ideas
Winter Nature Table Ideas

Nature Scavenger Hunt Ideas:

Most of the nature scavenger hunt ideas below include a printable. Collect all of them in the Rhythms of Play Learning Center here: Nature Scavenger Hunt Printable Library, or look at each of the posts below to learn more about each nature activity for kids.

Get Outside and Connect on a Nature Walk or Hunt

Invite kids outside on a nature walk to learn more about the natural world and connect with the great outdoors. Getting outside and being in nature is one of the best ways to help children and adults feel good and learn to self-regulate, in addition to many other well-researched educational and psychological benefits. Click on the link to learn more about Get Outside & Connect and see a list of our favorite outside activities for kids and adults.

Learn more about Nell Regan Kartychok, author of this guide to nature walks with children HERE, and Rhythms of Play HERE!

Go on a Nature Walk or Hunt

Encourage children of all ages to go on a nature walk or hunt to learn about the natural world, connect with nature, and gather craft supplies for nature crafts!

Invite Children to Go on a Nature Walk or Hunt