It’s a beautiful time of year and a wonderful time to explore the great outdoors.
“Being outside or taking a nature walk is an awesome learning opportunity for toddlers, and fun for the entire family.”
- Aimee Phleger
Early Intervention Group/LEA Transition Coordinator
Four benefits of a nature walk:
- A walk outside can spark curiosity in children and allow them to explore the world around them.
- A nature walk can enhance gross motor skills (walking on uneven surfaces, running & jumping). At the same time it can also encourage a toddler’s fine motor development: picking up and inspecting items such as sticks, grass, leaves, stones, etc.
- Building sensory awareness during a walk or hike by touching, smelling, and studying the environment.
- Language development is encouraged when a parent is labeling, commenting, & describing what they see when outside exploring.
Six ideas for making your walk even more fun!
- Build binoculars or a telescope out of paper towel rolls.
- Find rocks to paint. Discuss design, colors, size, and weight.
- Create an outdoors sensory bin from items found on the nature walk, including pinecones, leaves, acorns, etc.
- Have fun with messy sensory play with mud or in puddles.
- Create a routine.
- Allow family members to choose the route.
