Outdoor Education Games - Going on a Nature trail with Your Little One

Going on a nature trial with your little one can be one of a many outdoor education games you can enjoy with your child.

When the weather turns warm, allowing your kids to run and play outdoors is a wonderful way for them, to learn more about their world – and a way to ensure they get a good night's sleep as well!

Visiting a local nature trail is a great way to introduce your children to a variety of plants and wildlife they might not see in their own backyard. And since most state and local parks have short to medium trails, you can visit in the morning or the afternoon and still have the rest of the day for other activities.

Outdoor Family Games

• Identifying Objects

To make your walk more fun, it's important to talk about what you see with your preschooler and allow them to describe what they see as well. One simple game for outdoors to encourage this dialogue is 'I Spy'.

In this game, all you have to do is start by saying 'I spy with my little eye, something that's - name a color, or give the first letter of the object depending on the age of the child'. Make sure the object is close by so the child will be able to guess correctly. You can help by giving informational clues along the way.

During your walk, ask your child to name all the objects that are the same color or size. Ask them to describe birds, plants and small animals both of you see. You can make up silly voices for the animals and ask your preschooler to name them. This will encourage them to use their imagination and creativity.

• Create a Story
Create a simple story together about an animal both of you see. It can be funny, sad or happy as long as your preschooler is using their imagination, the outcome isn't important.
• Listen to the Birds
You can turn simple games like these into outdoor family games to be enjoyed by everyone. Enhance the listening skills of your preschooler during your walk. If the trail you’re walking is inhabited by different species of birds, listen with your preschooler and try to count how many different birds you hear on the walk.
• Learning about Nature
nature trails can turn into some fun outdoor education games to be enjoyed with your preschooler. A nature trail offers so many surprises that each trip will be different.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you and your preschooler will be able to see animals in different stages from preparing for hibernation to reemerging during the spring.

Nature trails also provide informational signs and other markings that you can read to your child as you make your way through the trail. You can even point out specific trees, flowers, bodies of water and other objects as well.

• Visit the Nature Preserve Information Centers
Most state parks have small nature preserve information centers where you can view exhibits, obtain maps and other information and find out about special events for children and adults.

Take your preschooler with you to learn some background information before your walk. Exhibits for children are very hands-on and age appropriate. Information centers usually have bathroom facilities as well.

As you can see, nature trails provide the best environment when you want to spend some time outdoors, but you don't want to visit a playground or watch your children in the backyard. When spending time outdoors with a child, you will learn how to view the world as they see it and be able to relish in their excitement and happiness when they see an animal or plant for the first time.

Even simple activities and games listed above can serve as good outdoor education games for kids this age.

Related Kids Outdoor Games Pages

Children outdoor activities - Outdoor Play Ground Equipment

Childrens Outdoor Games

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