Stroll Through Nature
Take a guided nature stroll to observe plants, insects, and birds; collect safe samples, record findings, and create a simple nature journal.
Step-by-step guide to Stroll Through Nature
5 Nature Crafts for Kids | 5 Nature Activities for Kids | Nature Activities
Step 1
Gather all the materials and put them in a small backpack or tote.
Step 2
Ask an adult to help you choose a nearby safe place to explore.
Step 3
Open your notebook and write the date and the location at the top of a new page.
Step 4
Go with your adult to the chosen spot.
Step 5
Walk slowly and quietly while looking around and listening for sounds.
Step 6
Stop at an interesting plant and look at its leaves stem and bark.
Step 7
Use your magnifying glass to examine the small details of the plant.
Step 8
Sketch the plant in your notebook using your pencil.
Step 9
Spend five minutes watching and listening for insects or birds.
Step 10
Draw any insect or bird you notice in your notebook.
Step 11
If you find a safe sample like a fallen leaf or feather pick it up and place it in your container or envelope.
Step 12
Label each sample bag or envelope with the sample name date and where you found it.
Step 13
Glue or tape one sample into your notebook to keep with your drawing.
Step 14
Write three things you learned or noticed about the place on the same page.
Step 15
Share your finished nature journal on DIY.org with an adult's help.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have a magnifying glass or a small container for samples?
Use your smartphone camera's zoom or a reading glass to examine plant details and collect fallen leaves or feathers in a clean resealable sandwich bag or small jar instead of an envelope or container.
What should I do if my leaf or feather gets damaged when I glue it into the notebook?
Instead of gluing fragile samples directly into the notebook, place them in the container or envelope, label the bag with the sample name, date and location, and tape or glue the sealed bag to the page so the sample stays intact.
How can I adapt this Stroll Through Nature activity for younger or older kids?
For preschoolers, simplify by collecting one safe sample, using crayons for a quick sketch and writing one thing learned with help, while older kids can time the five-minute observation, measure stems or leaves with a ruler, look up species names, and prepare the journal to share on DIY.org.
How can we extend or personalize the nature journal after the walk?
Enhance the journal by photographing each specimen before sketching, pressing and gluing a flattened leaf per page, adding a small map of the walk, and writing a seasonal comparison in the 'three things you learned' section to include when sharing on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to Stroll Through Nature
5 NATURE CRAFT for KIDS
4 Videos
5 NATURE CRAFT for KIDS
Nature inspired outdoor/physical activities and play ideas for kids| Easy Activities for 2-4yr kids
My favorite Nature Walk activities with kids
5 Cool Eco Activities for Kids | Fun and Easy Environmental Projects
Facts about nature observation
🐜 Insects make up about 80% of all animal species, so your backyard could be a tiny wildlife city!
📝 Nature journals are used by scientists and explorers; simple notes and sketches from kids can contribute to real research.
📚 Pressed plant specimens in herbaria can be hundreds of years old—your collected leaf could last a very long time if preserved well.
🌿 Some trees share nutrients and messages through underground fungal networks called the "wood wide web".
🐦 There are over 10,000 bird species worldwide—each with its own song to listen for on a nature stroll.
How do I lead a 'Stroll Through Nature' activity with my child?
What materials do I need for a Stroll Through Nature journal activity?
What ages is a guided nature stroll suitable for?
What safety tips and variations should I consider for a nature stroll?
One subscription, many ways to play and learn.
Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required