Forest walk with children: 10 exciting game ideas (with printable templates)
A walk in the woods is a relaxing outing for the whole family. However, children – of all ages – aren't always enthusiastic about a walk in the woods. Boredom can lead to children refusing to walk any further, which can cause frustration for the entire family. But it doesn't have to be that way.
With the following 10 game ideas (with printable templates) you can make a walk in the woods with children exciting.
Why is a walk in the woods so relaxing for children and families?
The healing effects of the forest have indeed been researched. And who hasn't experienced it? After a long walk in the woods, you usually feel more refreshed and relaxed than before. The forest is good for you. We humans sense this intuitively.
A walk in the woods strengthens the immune system, reduces stress hormones, relaxes, improves mood, and helps us sleep better. People living in urban areas far removed from nature especially need the forest as a counterbalance to their health.
Forest air contains 90 percent fewer dust particles than city air and is particularly rich in oxygen. Trees, fungi, and mosses release aromatic compounds called terpenes, which strengthen our immune system.
On our blog you will also find tips for motivation when hiking with a toddler , many ideas for simple micro-adventures in nature and 8 game ideas for rainy weather with children .
Forest walk with children: 10 exciting game ideas (with printable template)
- Do nothing! It might sound strange at first, but young children can spend a long time exploring the little things like sticks, pine cones, stones, puddles, and so on during a walk in the woods. We adults can use this time to do nothing and let the children take the lead.
- Being led blindfolded through the forest. It's a wonderful experience for all the senses, except, of course, sight. Lead your children, but let yourself be led as well.
- Guessing objects. Blindfolded, participants must guess things like grass, bark, sticks, and stones.
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Go on a treasure hunt! Bring a treasure box and let the children fill it at their leisure. A great template for a nature-themed treasure box (forest theme ) is available for purchase and download here (one-time fee of €2.50).
- Walking barefoot. A great experience on a whale walk with children.
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Play Forest Bingo. A simple game idea that's popular with all ages. You can play together as a team or compete against each other. You can purchase and download a Forest Bingo template here (one-time fee of €2.50).
- Tackle a forest obstacle course. The forest offers countless opportunities for balancing, climbing, and jumping. Keep your eyes peeled together and create your own forest obstacle course.
- Eating in the woods. Even the shortest walk in the woods can be enhanced with a picnic. Snacks, warm tea, or refreshing lemon water are always a hit with children. You can find three simple vegan snacks that kids will love here, and even try making them yourself. Pack your food for hiking in lunchboxes. Our tip: The lunchboxes from the Norwegian company Blafre: Blafre lunchbox with a blueberry or cloudberry design.
- Leave the path. It is not permitted to leave the marked paths everywhere (nature reserves, breeding seasons, etc.). However, where it is allowed, you can wander through the forest with your children off the paths.
- Game idea: Creating a forest mandala: Collect stones, sticks, leaves, and berries during your walk in the woods and later arrange them into an artistic mandala. There are no limits to your imagination.
What do you need for a walk in the woods with children?
- Definitely be patient. Not all of your ideas will be well-received immediately.
- Children need clothes that can get dirty and shoes that are waterproof. Every child wants to jump in puddles, sit on the ground, or play in the mud.
- You should always have food and drinks with you for a snack.
My tip: After a walk in the woods with children, be sure to check them for ticks.