There are so many ways to begin nurturing a connection with Nature…from the earliest days with a new baby.
All tagged outdoor play
Make Your Own Rope Swing
We all know how fun swings can be for children…but have you ever tried making your own?
Magic Mixtures
Whether it be a “magic potion”, “soup” or a pot of “tea”, children are so captivated by mixing things together. Here are some ideas to help you create a space where your child can play with magic mixtures.
Little Outdoor Explorers
Viewing your child as an "explorer" can allow space for joyous and captivating play. Here are some ideas to help you "explore" this approach.
Celebratory Mud Cake
At First Steps in Nature we just love to create a Muddy Cake in celebration of a birthday…or just because the day is fun and the mud inspires us. But this activity is about a whole lot more than just fun, muddy play…
Mushrooms!
Creating a little bit of wonder and magic with toadstools
Brick Factory
A game of endless fun, using fine and gross motor skills and heavy work, for a cycle of making, drying and smashing mud bricks.
Cloud Gazing
Enjoy the different shapes and names of clouds as you go for a slow wander.
Making Oobleck
Have you heard of oobleck? It’s a very cheap activity. Not quite a liquid, not quite a solid and a lot of fun to play with.
Outdoor adventures part two - how to choose a location
The location of an outdoor adventure can be a pivotal part of its success! Here are some ideas for how to choose a location that will suit your family and your adventure.
Nature Play Tool Kit - Outdoor Adventures Part One
It’s holiday time, you might be heading away camping or off for a day-trip. What can you pack in your bag to be sure you’re prepared for an outdoor adventure with your kids?
A fine balance
How do you know when to step in and help your child and when to step back and let them learn for themselves?
Getting out in the cold weather
It’s the first day of Winter where I am living. And it’s COLD outside. How do we get enough outdoor playtime when it’s cold, blustery and rainy??
The best shoes are NO shoes
Even better than taking your little one’s shoes off is never putting them on in the first place!
Back to Basics with Nature
After many years of working with children and families in Nature, it is often the most basic things that are the most memorable and fun.
Climbing Trees
There is a lot of joy to be had when climbing trees…but it may not be that simple for your family. Read on for ideas on balancing the benefits and risks of tree climbing for your child/ren.
Nests
Nests are everywhere at the moment! Here are 3 ideas to incorporate “nests” into your family play this week and beyond.
Making a mess
Whether it be indoors or outdoors, with food, mud or paint…creating space for you and your children to make a mess can be a fun, dynamic and satisfying way to spend time…lockdown or not.
Painting Rocks
A simple activity to play in your own backyard, with whatever you have on hand!
Balancing rocks
Sometimes all you need is a gentle, mindful task. This one is for all but the youngest members of a family.