Top Nature-Based Activities for Families to Enjoy!

Right now across the world, a virus is spreading. In the United States, there is some level of a state of emergency. Social distancing is being practiced in places like New York and some pockets are even on self-quarantine. However, fresh air is beneficial to keep healthy. So what are some awesome top nature-based activities kids can enjoy while distancing themselves from large groups? Read on to find some cool ideas!

Take a Hike-

We are huge on hiking. Our photography is largely based on the nature we see. Our stories started from the trails we have wandered. We are over four hundred miles in the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas. We do it because it’s great for the mind, body, and spirit. Look at some of the other awesome benefits on Mental Floss!

We have a trail guide and will answer any questions about those trails if you contact us. If you are out of the Hudson Valley area, we recommend AllTrails. It’s an awesome app with so many cool suggestions. So what are you waiting for, go take a hike!

Psst, just remember proper hiking etiquette or Consult Ms. Abby’s Guide

Creative Based Nature Projects-

The sky is the limit with things created in nature. We love building fairy houses. It’s an awesome way for children to use their minds to construct homes. Use sticks and have the child break them down to size or ask for help to do so if too young. Then have them balance them so they stand up. Cover in whatever is around. Acorns make awesome pretend fairies.

Sticks can also be used to create stick creatures and people. It’s amazing the creativity that can evolve from something as simple as sticks.

Rocks are great for creating sculptures, discussing what a Cairn is, and balancing! I am a firm believer that rocks are better than blocks. Besides, rocks are free. We hardly ever use blocks here. Rocks can always be found. They can also be painted. Our local library does a kindness rock project and there is one on top of Mount Beacon, in Beacon NY. It’s amazing how a rock can brighten someone’s day. However, wait to hand over the rocks until the pandemic is over.

In nature, there is often water-

Live near a beach? Let the children stick their toes in the sand. Have them mix sand and water and make castles and creatures. Let them soar like Seagulls.

Near a creek, pond, or lake, then let the children test out the water. It’s fun to also play, does it sink or floats? In fact, it makes an awesome science lesson. It also keeps them busy for a while! Just be safe, especially on rocks in flowing water as they can be slippery and deep pools can form between them. Always follow the rules if there are any and practice proper water safety.

Remember water and dirt make mud. Mud is so much fun for kids to play with and get messy. We’ve even been known to draw on our faces with mud. It also helps keep bugs away and is super soothing. So let the kids toss mud at you. Especially now when going to the spa is a big no! Let nature be your spa instead!

Puddles are for jumping-

Puddles can keep kids busy for a while. Just make sure you have a change of clothes if not at home. Mud-puddle jumping can get very messy. However, it’s a lot of fun too! Grown-ups, it’s highly suggested that you also join in the fun. I think Peppa Pig is onto something …

Draw in Nature-

One thing that is awesome is to bring paper and whatever you want to draw with into nature. Sit there and have children draw what they see. This can be done on the trails or even in the yard. Let them listen to all the sounds and take in the symphony of nature. It’s very relaxing and it’s amazing to see what children come up with when they start drawing what’s around them. You can even create your own nature-based drawing ink from mud to certain berries (just make sure they are safe!)

I spy something green … MOSS-

Games such as Eye Spy and Bear Hunt can be done anywhere in nature. On longer hikes, it can become a tad annoying for grownups. But, children seem to love both games. So go spy something green or perhaps something blue … It’s amazing the answers you will be given!

Dance party and making nature-based music

Did you know that it is actually a lot of fun to just bust a move out in nature? Today, my daughter’s dance school posted a dance challenge. There was no music. I propped the camera up on some rocks and hit record. Even though there wasn’t much activity on the trail, two people did walk by us as I was dancing like a bumblebee to no music with my child. But you know what, who cares! My husband poked fun at my stylish fanny pack. Bringing 1991 back to cool.

If you feel the need for some music to go with your nature dance, use different items found around you to create drums or other cool instruments. Did you know that a blade of grass can actually be turned into an instrument that you blow into to make a sound? I was never successful at it. But perhaps, someone else will be successful. Let me know if it works!

Gaze at the Clouds-

Lye down on a blanket or directly on the ground and look up at the sky. Have kids describe what they see. They can even create a story from the clouds blowing across the sky.

Final Thoughts on Nature-based activities

The sky is the limit with awesome things you and your children can do outside. You can be explorers, artists, architects, or a million other things! So go have some fun and breathe in that wonderful, beneficial fresh air.

As always-

Peace, Love, and French

Adventures of Abby Girl

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