Ideas for every season
| Season | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Spring | Plant seeds and track them; puddle jumping; a bug hunt with a magnifying glass |
| Summer | Water relay races; build a fairy house from sticks; shadow drawing with chalk |
| Autumn | Leaf sorting by colour and shape; a nature collage; den building |
| Winter | Animal tracks in snow or mud; ice sculptures; a winter scavenger hunt |
Games that need nothing
- Tag and its variations
- Obstacle courses using benches, trees and paths
- Follow the leader with silly movements
- "I spy" nature edition
- Hide and seek in a safe space
Give older children a mission: map the park, find five kinds of leaves, or time how fast they can run to the tree and back. Missions turn a walk into an adventure.
Why some risk is good
Climbing a little higher or balancing on a log helps children learn their limits and build confidence. Stay close, check the environment is safe, and let them try before stepping in.
Use sun protection, appropriate clothing and supervision suited to your child's age and the setting, especially near water or roads.