🌿 A–Z of Wholesome Outdoor Nature-Based Activities for Little Ones This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to step outside, slow down, and soak up the beauty of nature with your little one. Whether you have a forest on your doorstep or a small patch of green nearby, there’s a world of adventure waiting outside.

Here’s our A to Z of simple, wholesome, and nature-inspired activities to spark curiosity, connection, and joy this summer.

A is for Adventure Walks

Head out on a local “adventure” walk—whether that’s through a forest, field, or even around your neighbourhood. Bring a bag and collect little treasures like leaves, feathers, or stones.

B is for Bug Hunting

Grab a magnifying glass and search for mini beasts under logs, in the grass, or on tree bark. Use a gentle touch and observe quietly—your little one will be amazed.

C is for Cloud Watching

Lie on a blanket and stare at the sky. What shapes can you spot in the clouds? A dragon? A bunny? Let imaginations run wild.

D is for Den Building

Use sticks, leaves, and whatever nature provides to build a little shelter. Whether it's big enough for your child or just for their teddy, it’s all about creativity and teamwork.

E is for Earth Art

Create beautiful art using natural materials—petals, twigs, stones, and leaves. Arrange them into mandalas, letters, or patterns.

F is for Flower Pressing

Pick a few wildflowers (ethically and responsibly), press them in a heavy book, and use them later for cards, bookmarks, or crafts.

G is for Garden Helpers

Let your child dig, plant, water, and harvest. Even if it’s just a few pots on a balcony, being hands-on with growing things is magical.

H is for Hide and Seek in Nature

Play a gentle game of hide and seek among trees, behind bushes, or around natural features. It builds awareness of surroundings and encourages quiet observation—plus, it’s timeless fun!

I is for Insect Hotel

Build a bug hotel using twigs, bark, pinecones, and tubes. It’s a brilliant way to invite more life into your garden.

J is for Jumping in Puddles

After a summer storm, pop on the wellies and head out. There’s no such thing as bad weather—only the wrong clothes!

K is for Kindness Rocks

Paint or decorate stones with cheerful designs or messages, then hide them along a local trail to brighten someone’s day.

L is for Leaf Rubbing

Place leaves under paper and rub over them with crayons to reveal the patterns. A lovely mix of art and nature observation.

M is for Mud Play

Make mud pies, squish it between your fingers, or build muddy sculptures. A sensory delight (and surprisingly soothing for grown-ups too).

N is for Nature Journal

Help your little one keep a simple summer nature diary—drawings, leaf pressings, and stories of their outdoor adventures.

O is for Outdoor Picnic

Pack a simple lunch and eat it under a tree or in a field. Food always tastes better outdoors!

P is for Pond Dipping

With supervision, explore a shallow pond with a net and bucket. What can you find? Tadpoles, water boatmen, snails?

Q is for Quiet Listening

Sit still in a quiet spot and close your eyes. What can you hear? Birds, leaves rustling, bees buzzing? A peaceful way to connect with nature.

R is for Rock Balancing

Find a few smooth stones and see how many you can balance. It’s calming, mindful, and surprisingly challenging.

S is for Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of natural items to find—something soft, something round, something red—and let the hunt begin!

T is for Tree Hugging

Yes, really! Hug a tree, feel its bark, and notice how it makes you feel. A wonderful way to connect with the natural world.

U is for Upcycled Nature Crafts

Use nature and recycled materials to craft bird feeders, mobiles, or wind chimes. Creative and eco-friendly!

V is for Visit a Nature Reserve

Spend a day exploring a local wildlife trust site, woodland trail, or coastal path. Bring binoculars and let curiosity lead the way.

W is for Wildflower Wandering

Walk through a wildflower meadow or verge and take your time to notice all the colours, shapes, and tiny visitors (like bees and butterflies).

X is for X Marks the Spot

Create a simple treasure map and go on a nature-themed treasure hunt. “X” could lead to a hidden picnic spot or a stash of pebbles.

Y is for Yoga in Nature

Try some simple stretches or nature-inspired poses (tree pose, butterfly, cat/cow) outside. Great for calm bodies and minds.

Z is for Zigzag Races

Mark out a zigzag course between trees or sticks and have fun running or hopping through. Add silly challenges along the way!

Whether you try one or work your way through the whole alphabet, we hope these ideas bring a little extra joy and connection to your summer days.

Some of the most meaningful adventures happen close to home—with muddy boots, curious minds, and time spent together. You don’t need special equipment or far-off places—just space to explore, notice, and enjoy the world around you.