Spending time at the cottage is what memories are made of.
However, sometimes your kids may be looking for something different to do. We have you covered! Below are some ideas to entertain friends and family, all while keeping nature in mind.
1. Geocaching
Download the app, create an account and you’re ready to take part in a giant treasure hunt. You’ll see where geocaches are hidden in your area, so select one and see if you can find it! With different sizes and levels of difficulty, you’ll be sure to find one that piques your interest. Good luck!
2.Scavenger Bingo!
Create your own scavenger hunt or wildlife bingo! Create a list of items and the first person or group to come back with everything crossed off wins! Some fun nature items to include are:
- A twig
- A leaf
- A leaf that’s been eaten by a bug
- A bird
- A squirrel
- A butterfly
- A bee
- A flower
Check out this link for a printable Bingo card or click here (Activity #11 at the bottom of the page) for a Nature Scavenger Hunt!
3. Community Science
Help scientists discover more about Canada’s natural world. Grab your camera, take pictures of plants and animals and upload them into the iNaturalist app. Soon people will begin identifying the species in your photos and you’ll be making valuable contributions to the scientific community!
4. Arts and Crafts
Make these cute maple seed dragonflies!
Credit: recycledcrafts.craftgossip.com
5. Nature Boat Races
A boat made from twigs and leaves! | © Lauren Knowles, CWF
Have a boat race with your very own nature boat. If you need some inspiration, check out this link!
6. Art of Foraging
Take some time to explore some of nature’s beauty and pick a few flowers, leaves and other treasures. Use your collection to create a one-of-a-kind suncatcher or even a wind chime. Learn about ethical foraging before you start your adventure.
7. Nature Jewellery
Credit: Rangerrick.org
Make a nature bracelet. This one requires very few supplies – just some tape – masking tape, packing tape or even duct tape. Wrap a piece of tape around each person’s wrist with the sticky side out and go outside. Everyone can stick their favourite flower, leaf, twig and seeds to their tape. When done, everyone has a custom nature bracelet! Before you begin, click here to review some points to consider when collecting some of nature’s treasures.
8. Journalling
Create a nature journal! Give your children some paper and something to write or draw with. Ask them to pick a favourite spot and then wait! It won’t take long before they hear a bird, spot an ant, a leaf, beetle, squirrel and so much more! Get them to write or draw everything they see and hear. It’s always fun to compare with others and see what their journals look like. For more tips on nature journalling, check out this blog.
9. Stargazing
If it’s a clear night, grab some snacks and maybe a blanket and look at the stars. Can you find the brightest star in the sky, or maybe the Big Dipper and Little Dipper? You can even make your own star finder, or planispheres, to get ready for your night of star gazing. Maybe you’ll even see a shooting star. Did you know that a shooting star is actually not a star? It’s light from the burning dust of a meteor!
10. Nature App for Kids
Check out The Wild Gang at Hinterland Who’s Who. Here you’ll find lots of interactive games, fun printouts, learn about leaf rubbing, and even how to cook with dandelions (just make sure they aren’t sprayed with pesticides)!