Nature play, or time spent in nature, has many benefits. Time spent outdoors gets kids moving, promotes creativity and curiosity, increases confidence, and gives them time to think and explore their world outside. You don’t need to venture far! Your backyard, neighborhood sidewalk, or local park is fertile ground for a young imagination. In “Elinor Wonders Why,” Elinor and her friends have fun observing nature by engaging with plants, animals, and nature, and asking simple but probing questions to figure out why and how things work.
Find More Ways to Play!
- Watch PBS KIDS shows on the PBS KIDS Video app.
- Play games about nature on the PBS KIDS website.
- Download and print activities about nature for PreK-K and grades 1-2.
Summer of Adventure
Explore and play all summer long with a variety of free resources from PBS KIDS. Spark curiosity and creativity with hands-on activities and games supporting literacy, math, science, and fun.
Here are some simple activities to encourage curiosity and playing in nature just like Elinor:
- Take a family walk, using your five senses to explore;
- Bring crayons or paint and paper outside and create art inspired by the outdoors;
- Go on a scavenger hunt;
- For a different perspective, create your own nighttime observation kit to explore what’s outside your front door after dark!
Easy Nature Crafts and Activities for Kids
Balancing Nature
Help your child learn scientific observation skills in this nature activity.
Nature Art Picture Frames
60 min activityYou've created a nature-iffic piece of art, but something is missing. Could it be a picture frame?
Craft a Nature Dragonfly
Create beautiful dragonflies using a mix of items you find on your nature walk.
Make Art With Nature
Your child can explore the world around them and express creatively using materials they find in it.
Craft a Colorful Hummingbird Feeder
Observe one of the world’s smallest birds by making a feeder for hummingbirds!
DIY Nature Suncatcher
30 min activityTake your child on a nature walk collecting leaves and flowers. When you’re finished, create a suncatcher using the items they found!
Outdoor Activities and Games for Families
Nature Observation Bingo
30 min activity“Listen, see and follow your curiosity” in this outdoor bingo game.
Make a Nature Journal to Observe Animals
15 min activityAn animal observation journal is a great way to keep a record of the amazing animals you observe where you live and for sharing those observations with others.
Nature Obstacle Course
Build a nature obstacle course outside and practice the skills that help you be a better nature explorer.
Make a Miniature Garden
30 min activityLearn how seeds and plants grow, and build observation skills with this hands-on garden activity.
Explore Nature on a Walk
Plan a walk outdoors with your child to find some natural treasures.
Nature-Themed Games
Elinor's Nature Adventure
Use binoculars, a magnifying glass and more to observe and discover Elinor's world!
Seed Soaring
In this game, your child can help Nature Cat disperse seeds so that plants can grow in new places.
Nature Art with Elinor
Elinor loves to draw! Color a picture with Elinor or draw your own nature picture with this digital drawing game.
Nature Walk
Taking a nature walk with your child is a great way to explore the sights and sounds in your neighborhood. In this game your child, can take a nature walk with Daniel and Mom or Dad Tiger.
Elinor Nature Sights & Sounds
Immerse yourself in nature with this game! Go to the desert, sit by a river, or choose a different spot. Then add elements to the scene to create your own outdoor oasis.
Nature Cat Adventure
Go on missions to help the animals and save the day! Tally ho!