5 ways to help your little one discover nature

There’s nothing like a breath of fresh air to reset and refresh and taking a leisurely nature walk or gentle hike in nearby parks, forests, or nature reserves is a great first step to helping your little one to connect with nature. Encourage your baby or toddler to explore the different colors, shapes, and textures of plants and flowers. Point out animals, birds, and insects, and tune in to the sounds of nature together. Outings like this can really help to spark their curiosity and ignite a healthy interest in the natural world.

Encourage their green fingers – right from the start. Give them the freedom to dig in the soil, sow seeds and water the plants. Watching tiny shoots emerge and buds bloom can be incredibly rewarding. Gardening also teaches them about the lifecycle of plants and highlights the importance of caring for the environment.

Get creative with nature-inspired crafts. Collect fallen leaves, flowers, and small stones during your walks and use them to create one-of-a-kind art pieces. Encourage your mini artist to make leaf rubbings, paint rocks, or even design a nature-themed scrapbook. Activities like this can really help to build an appreciation for the natural world and enhance creativity. 

Get back to nature and plan a camping trip to immerse your child in all the great outdoors has to offer. Whether it's venturing out to a campsite or setting up a tent in your backyard, camping will give them the experience of sleeping under the stars, listening to the sounds of the night, and maybe even roasting some marshmallows or S’mores around a campfire.

Create a list of items for your child to find, such as a pinecone, a feather, twig or a specific type of flower. This activity will keep them engaged and encourage them to observe their surroundings more closely.