Get Kids Outside: Summer Holidays Adventure Guide

96% of parents believe it is important for children to learn about all things wildlife and natural habitats in our gardens and there are some great ways to do this.

Whether that's through gardening, playing outside in the local park or making homes for nature in our gardens - the school holidays is the perfect time to encourage kids to connect with nature.

Children really benefit from playing outside and you can create some really fun holiday activities that include time outdoors. In fact, 85% of children agree that being outside makes them happier!

Outdoor activities don't have to be boring, and on rainy days you can bring nature inside and still keep the little ones (and older kids) minds going.

In fresh air is always a great way to spend time over the six weeks holiday, and in this blog we have got our favourite activities for older children as well as the younger ones.

Wildlife Education Activities to Keep Kids Entertained

In the UK, there are a wealth of opportunities to explore nature, and you don't always have to travel far!

Nature Walks & Wildlife Spotting

Around the UK, there are around 220 national nature reserves, as well as an abundance of local parks and country side trails. So, what's stopping you from going on a walk? (We know, it's probably the British weather!)

For this activity, just walking is enough and is an exciting trip out, but to add an extra element, give your child a pair of binoculars, and a simple guide to local wildlife (these can be found online)

Take time to watch the wildlife, and encourage kids to note down all of the animals, insects and birds they spot. If you've got children who love a competition, you could even challenge them to find the most and offer a prize for the winner. If you're not able to travel, this could be done in your backyard!

In the UK, there are some really great RSPB reserves and national trust properties to discover, so get out there and have a great time outdoors. Check out our list of local reserves to find the perfect place to go.

Pond Dipping

If you don't know, Pond Dipping is an activity where kids use nets to dip into ponds to find wildlife that lives in there. From tadpoles to water beetles, many interesting insects can be found.

This kind of activity is best to do with an expert, and many nature reserves and offer pond dipping kits and guided sessions to ensure the kids are learning, whilst also having fun.

For this activity pop water proof boots on adults and children and get stuck in!

Backyard Bug Hunting

In the UK, an average garden is accommodation for around 2,000 insects of all shapes and sizes - isn't that crazy!?

The summer is the time these bugs thrive - so take advantage of it! Set kids outside with a magnifying glass and a list of common bugs and you'll have them entertained for the whole afternoon.

See, learning about bugs and insects can be interesting!

Wildlife Crafting

Whether it's a bug house, a bird bath or a bird nest box you can get creative juices flowing by spending a day crafting wildlife accommodation for your back garden.

Use recycled material and find a simple guide to building a nest box or insect house, support your children through the process and once it's done find the perfect place in the garden.

If your kids are too young for this, arts and crafts with natural object such as leaves and twigs and stones is a fun alternative!

Wildlife Photography

Although it may sound fancy, it doesn't need to be, in fact a phone and a garden or local park is all you need for this project that will encourage outdoor time.

You can guide them, or leave them too it, but this activity will allow them to full observe animals and come up with creative ideas of how they want to capture them.

Rock Pooling

Did someone say let's explore coastal rock pools and spot all kinds of sea creatures? We're in.

This is a really great, and fun, way to spend a day out of the house during the week and is a great way to learn about marine life.

Find your local beach, check tide times as this is best to do at low tide, and get spotting.

Wildlife-themed Camps and Workshops

Enroll kids in wildlife themed camps or workshops offered by local environmental organisations, schools and nature centres.

Look for programs that include hands-on activities, sports and outdoor exploration.

Gardening with The Kids

Wildlife gardens are becoming increasingly popular, and they are a great way to encourage more local wildlife into your outside space.

Let your kids give you a helping hand in the garden and get them planting pollinator friendly plants to attract bees and butterflies.

It's great fun for them, and also helps you keep your garden looking lovely!

Things to Do When It Rains

Nature themed Story time

Rainy day? Time for a cosy reading session. You can stick to the wildlife theme by choosing stories that feature animals and outdoor adventures.

This is a fun way to spend summer when the sun isn't coming out. You can even create a little reading nook so you've got a cosy spot to spend the afternoons travelling around fictional worlds.

Indoor Scavenger Hunt

The rain doesn't have to dampen the fun, you can easily create a nature themed scavenger hunt inside. With nature related clues and items to find around the house, you'll soon forget about the horrible weather outside.

Indoor Gardening

If you don't mind a messy table, you can get a head start on planting seedlings and spend a day sowing seeds into small pots.

Easy to grow herbs like basil are a great seed to plant, as this can also lead to the kids helping nurture and grow this plant.

Top Tips to Get Your Kids Outside

1. Create A Routine

   Spending time outside should become a part of your daily schedule, and then it will naturally transform into a regular part of your child's' life.

   Whether it's in the morning or over the weekend, this routine will help kids enjoy outside and continue to connect with nature throughout their lives.

2. Fun Activities

   Keep it exciting and varied to capture interest and keep them active. From scavenger hunts to gardening projects, the options are endless and fun, wildlife themed activities can become a really important part of the summer holidays.

   Whether it’s exploring a nearby park or participating in a community event, having a plan can make outdoor play something they look forward to.

3. Lead By Example

   Children often mimic the behaviours of their parents, so showing enthusiasm for outdoor activities is essential.

   When you participate in outdoor activities alongside your kids, you demonstrate the value of spending time in nature. This shared experience not only strengthens family bonds but also instills a love for the outdoors in your children.