Discovering nature through play: 22 ideas for simple micro-adventures in nature with children
Nature right outside your door is a giant playground , offering countless opportunities for micro-adventures with children. A micro-adventure is an adventure in nature, a short escape from everyday life, an afternoon outdoor adventure. It's inexpensive, simple, and quick.
Microadventures with children are trips into nature or places close to nature. A simple alternative to visits to the zoo, swimming pool, or playgrounds.
Some of the following 22 micro-adventures can be implemented immediately.
Without extensive equipment or planning.
Our children are naturally the greatest adventurers and most creative minds when they can spend time in nature. It's not about us parents designing a specific experience for them or setting a particular goal that needs to be achieved.
Children can discover nature through play all on their own. The following ideas are small suggestions, little micro-adventures that might give some children the necessary incentive to start playing in nature.
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Swinging in the hammock
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Walking barefoot through a stream
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Pick wild herbs/berries and prepare something with them.
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hugging trees
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Discover forest treasures: A great template for the nature collection box "Forest" (one-time fee of €2.50) can be purchased and downloaded here.
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Watching a sunset
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Having a picnic outdoors: Our children love the vegan semolina chocolate banana cake . Click here for the recipe.
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Climbing a tree
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Go on a night hike with a flashlight
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stargazing
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walking barefoot
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Going hiking: You can find tips for motivation when hiking with a toddler here.
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Let the sticks float
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Building a forest tipi
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being led blindfolded through the forest
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Cooking outdoors
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Collecting trash
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Geocaching
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Build an insect hotel
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Midday rest in the forest (be quiet and listen to the sounds of the forest)
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Jumping in puddles: We've written down even more game ideas for children in rainy weather for you here.
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Grilling bread on a stick
When embarking on a microadventure with children, it's especially important that everyone involved has fun . It shouldn't be an adventure staged solely for the children; we parents should also draw strength from this time in nature.