A Nature Walk with Your Child in Your Own Backyard!

Now that spring is here, go on a nature walk in your backyard with your young child. Engage your child in a conversation to look for "signs of spring". Here are a few ideas you can use:


Tell your child, he/she is a detective to look for signs of spring. To make this journey more fun, give your child a magnifying glass and begin your hunt just like real detectives. Bring along a small bag or basket for collectibles.

Look for:

• fresh green grass

• flowers popping up out of the ground

• flowers blooming

• Robin-red-breast hopping around in the yard

• birds building their nests

• buds on the trees

• spring rain or warm sunshine

After your child has made a collection of spring samples ( green grass, green leaves, flowers, buds, bird feather, nesting material, etc), come back inside and make an art project from the backyard experience.

1. Make a poster: Title "Signs of Spring": glue items on the poster and label each one. Proudly display in the kitchen or child's bedroom. Be sure to engage your child in the conversation about each item; naming the item, where it was found, and how it reminds us of spring.

2. Draw a picture of your walk in the yard. Glue the items on the picture where they were found. Here again, take the opportunity to talk with your child about "being a detective" and how the items were found. The picture can be hung on the refrigerator or wall for other family members to see.

3. Create a diorama: use an empty shoe box to display the found items. By using string attached to each item, hang the "signs of spring" to give a 3-D effect. The inside of the box can be colored or lined with colorful paper to give an appeal of being outdoors.

During your adventure, remember to engage your child in a conversation about the findings and why each one is a sign of spring. But most importantly, have fun with your child!