Nature's Playground

Outdoor Play Activities

Step into the great outdoors and embark on a journey of discovery, adventure, and boundless possibilities! Engage your senses, feel the wind on your skin, and breathe in the invigorating air. Experience the physical benefits of exploration. Unleash your imagination, embrace the freedom of unstructured play, and let nature ignite your creativity. It's time to step outside and discover the boundless joy that awaits in the great outdoors.

Scroll down for all Nature's Playground activities or filter by season!

Creating Leaf Boats

Creating Leaf Boats

Creating Leaf Boats Set your imagination afloat as you design and launch tiny boats made from leaves and twigs. Combine creativity, problem-solving, and a splash of outdoor adventure! What You Do: Gather Materials & Design Your Boat: Head outdoors to collect...

Creating Nature Mandalas

Creating Nature Mandalas

Creating Nature Mandalas Let your creativity bloom as you turn natural treasures into beautiful circular designs that reflect harmony, balance, and your unique connection with the land. What to Do: Go for a nature walk to gather a variety of natural materials like...

Nature Bracelet

Nature Bracelet

Nature Bracelet Create your own wearable art straight from nature. Explore, collect, and design a beautiful bracelet that tells the story of your outdoor adventure! What Do You  Do? Wrap a piece of masking or painters tape around each child’s wrist with the sticky...

Outdoor Yoga

Outdoor Yoga

Outdoor Yoga Mindfulness and yoga help us feel calm and focused by connecting our breath and body. Stretch tall like a tree, or stand strong and still like a mountain! What  Do You Do? Choose a quiet, grassy outdoor space like a park, field, or backyard. Begin with a...

Outdoor Art

Outdoor Art

Outdoor Art Nature can be inspirational because its beauty, resilience, and ever-changing rhythms remind us to slow down, stay curious, and see the world with wonder.  What Do You Do? Choose an outdoor location Observe your surroundings quietly for a few minutes. What...

Building & Breaking Structures

Building & Breaking Structures

Building & Breaking Structures Gather your sticks and get building—then test your creations by breaking them down. Explore the thrill of constructing and deconstructing in the wild world of wood. What Do You Need: Sticks, logs, stones, and other natural building...

Mud Sculpting

Mud Sculpting

Mud Sculpting Dive into the mess and magic of mud as you sculpt wild creatures, castles, and more. Let your imagination flow as you create from the earth itself, turning mud into art. Did You Know: Many Indigenous cultures  have a deep connection to the earth and the...

Rain Gauge Experiment

Rain Gauge Experiment

Rain Gauge Experiment Catch the sky’s secrets with your own rain gauge and see how nature measures its storms. Watch the water rise as each drop tells the story of the weather in your very own backyard. What  Do You Need: A clear container (e.g., plastic bottle, jar,...

Worm Watch & Soil Dig

Worm Watch & Soil Dig

Worm Watch & Soil Dig Unearth nature's hidden wonders as you dig through soil and discover the busy world of worms. Every turn of the earth reveals secrets beneath the surface, waiting for you to explore. What Do You Need: Small shovel or trowel Magnifying glass...

Make a Mini River

Make a Mini River

Make a Mini River Become the master of water flow as you create a tiny river with sticks and stones. Watch the water weave and twist, and explore the magic of shaping nature in your hands. What  Do You Need: Sticks Rocks Leaves or other natural materials (optional) A...

Spring Sound Mapping

Spring Sound Mapping

Spring Sound Mapping Tune into the world around you and capture the symphony of nature in your own sound map. Every rustle, chirp, and whisper is a note waiting to be discovered in the great outdoors. What Do You Need: Paper or notebook Pen or pencil A quiet outdoor...

Spring Wind Play

Spring Wind Play

Spring Wind Play Feel the power of the breeze as it guides your movements and sweeps you into an adventure. Let the wind become your partner in play as you dance, spin, and race through the air. What  Do You Need: Optional Items: Leaves Scarves Dandelion fluff Paper...

Mud Painting

Mud Painting

Mud Painting Unleash your creativity in nature’s art studio, where mud becomes the canvas and every stroke tells a story. Dive into a world of earthy colors and textures as you paint your masterpiece straight from the ground up. Did You Know? Indigenous cultures in...

Frozen Sound Experiments

Frozen Sound Experiments

Frozen Sound Experiments Discover the hidden symphony of winter as ice and frost create a world of unexpected sounds. Tap, crack, and listen—every frozen surface holds a secret waiting to be heard. What You Need: A safe outdoor area with ice formations Small sticks,...

Stick & Pinecone Tic Tac Toe

Stick & Pinecone Tic Tac Toe

Stick & Pinecone Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge your friends to a game where nature becomes your game pieces, and every move is a step closer to victory. With just sticks and pinecones, strategy and creativity take center stage in this outdoor twist on a classic favorite....

Snowshoe Challenge

Snowshoe Challenge

Snowshoes Challenge What You Do: Cut large ovals or rectangles from sturdy cardboard, or gather sticks and tie them together to form a snowshoe shape. Punch holes in the cardboard or weave string through the sticks to create foot straps. Secure the snowshoes onto...

Ice Bowling

Ice Bowling

Ice Bowling What You Do: Fill empty milk cartons or juice boxes with water and place them outside to freeze overnight (or in a freezer). Once frozen, remove the cartons to reveal solid ice "bowling pins." Set up the ice pins in a triangle formation like traditional...

Hidden Winter Treasures

Hidden Winter Treasures

Hidden Winter Treasures What You Do: Gather small, colorful objects like scarves, wooden blocks, plastic animals, or small painted rocks. Before the activity, hide these objects in the snow, making some easier to find and others more challenging. Provide the children...

Frozen Bubbles

Frozen Bubbles

Frozen Bubbles Watch as your bubbles turn into tiny crystal worlds floating in the cold winter air! Try to catch one on your glove or let it freeze on a surface. What Do You Do? Prepare the Bubble Solution: Mix the water, dish soap, and glycerin (or corn syrup) in a...

Nature Weaving Activity

Nature Weaving Activity

Nature Weaving Activity Nature weaving is an outdoor art activity where you use a stick frame and twine to create a woven design with foraged natural materials like leaves, branches, and pinecones. Challenge yourself to make patterns or shapes with your foraged items...

Outdoor Skating

Outdoor Skating

Outdoor Skating  Get ready to glide and have fun at the outdoor rink! Whether you’re practicing your hockey skills, doing some figure skating tricks, or just enjoying the fresh air, skating outdoors is a fantastic way to stay active, connect with friends, and feel the...

Snow Pac-Man Tag

Snow Pac-Man Tag

Snow Pac-Man Tag  Making our own tracks is a great way to create outdoor games! Whether it's animal tracks in the snow or your own footprints, each step leaves behind a story. Did you know our feet make tracks too? You can play games by following your tracks, creating...

Reindeer Relays

Reindeer Relays

Reindeer Relays Can you handle the challenge of being Santa’s reindeer? Test your skills by navigating a special training course this Christmas! From weaving through obstacles to carrying "presents," see if you’ve got what it takes to join Santa’s team and spread...

Ice Ornaments

Ice Ornaments

Ice Ornaments Making ice ornaments is a fun and creative way to enjoy winter outdoors. By freezing water with natural items like leaves and berries, you can create beautiful decorations that reflect the season’s beauty and connect you with nature. What Do you Do? Go...

Natural Curiosities Exploration

Natural Curiosities Exploration

Natural Curiosities Exploration Being curious is one of the most exciting ways to learn about the world around us. As explorers, we ask questions and seek answers by observing, investigating, and interacting with nature. What  Do You Do? Encourage children to observe...

The Three Little Pigs

The Three Little Pigs

The Three Little Pigs Have you read the story The Three Little Pigs? The story of the Three Little Pigs is about three pigs who each build a different type of house to protect themselves from a wolf. Each pig uses different materials, with mixed results. Did you know...

I Spy Walk Activity

I Spy Walk Activity

I Spy Walking Activity What do I do? Choose a nature trail, park, or backyard where the walk will take place. Create a list or printable of items for participants to "spy" (e.g., a feather, a yellow leaf, a smooth rock). Walk along the chosen route, encouraging...

Leaf Sorting

Leaf Sorting

Leaf Sorting Adventure  As you explore nature, gather a variety of leaves, and then put your sorting skills to the test by organizing your collection in creative ways. Let’s discover the wonderful diversity of leaves together! What Do you Do? Collect Leaves: During...

Stick Skeleton

Stick Skeleton

Stick Skeleton Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones, Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones, Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones, Now shake dem skeleton bones! Make your own skeleton out of sticks! What Do You Do? Gather Materials: Go outside to collect natural materials...

Leaf Rubbing

Leaf Rubbing

Leaf Rubbing Did you know that different leaves have unique textures, from the smooth elegance of a maple to the rough, jagged edges of an oak? Let’s bring the beauty of autumn leaves to life with fun and creative Leaf Rubbings! What  Do You Do? Head outside to...

Rock Collection Exploration

Rock Collection Exploration

Rock Collection Exploration Want to become a geologist? Embark on a rock hunt and discover what gems you can collect!  What Do You Do? While outdoors, encourage children to collect rocks of various sizes, shapes, and textures. Gather them in a small container or bag....

Rainbow Nature Hunt in Fall

Rainbow Nature Hunt in Fall

Rainbow Nature Hunt in Fall Go on a Rainbow Nature Hunt  in the fall to explore the vibrant seasonal colors outdoors. You'll search high and low to discover the brilliant reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and purples hiding in the beauty of fall! What Do You Do?...

Pumpkin Painting

Pumpkin Painting

Pumpkin Painting When painting pumpkins, you can create anything from spooky monster faces and vibrant autumn scenes to glittering unicorns and abstract rainbow masterpieces. Your imagination is the only limit! What Do I  Do: Set Up a Painting Area: Choose an outdoor...

Fall Sound Walk

Fall Sound Walk

Fall Sound Walk In fall, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the whish of wind through branches, and the chitter of squirrels create a symphony of seasonal sounds. Try a Fall Sound Walk to and explore with your ears.  What Do I Do?: Choose a Location: Find a peaceful...

Harvest Picnic

Harvest Picnic

Harvest Picnic In Saskatchewan, the harvest season is a time of abundance, where the golden fields yield their crops and orchards are filled with ripe apples.Pumpkins are also plentiful, adding to the season's harvest.  Enjoy this time with a harvest picnic and other...

Star Gazing

Star Gazing

Star Gazing Have you ever wondered what it’s like to watch shooting stars? Stargazing lets you see meteors zoom across the sky, like space fireworks, connecting you to the wonders of the universe.  What do you do? Choose a dark location away from city lights, such as...

Nature’s Wind Chimes

Nature’s Wind Chimes

Nature's Wind Chimes Wind chimes were originally created in ancient times to ward off evil spirits and attract peaceful, positive energies, blending both functional and decorative purposes across various cultures. They have also been used in nature to harmonize with...

Plant Identification

Plant Identification

Plant Identification Plant identification in Saskatchewan offers the opportunity to explore over 2,500 plant species, showcasing the province's rich biodiversity. This activity connects participants with the region's diverse flora, including many plants traditionally...

Shadow Tag

Shadow Tag

Shadow Tag Did you know that shadows have been fascinating humans for centuries, often appearing in myths and legends? Playing shadow tag lets you turn these mysterious dark shapes into a playful game, where you can chase and capture shadows, making it a fun way to...

Make a Bug Hotel

Make a Bug Hotel

Make a Bug Hotel Why did the spider check into the bug hotel? Because it heard they had the best web service around! Create a bug hotel for their vacation! What to Do you Do?  Find a quiet, shady spot in your garden or yard. This should be a safe place where the bug...

Water Obstacle Course

Water Obstacle Course

Water Obstacle Course Create a refreshing water obstacle course to beat the heat, featuring fun challenges like slip 'n slides, sprinklers, and water balloon targets. This cool activity will keep everyone engaged and cool on hot summer days, providing endless fun and...

Water Balloons

Water Balloons

Water Balloons Playing with water balloons is incredibly fun—it's a delightful mix of excitement, splashes, and laughter that turns any day into a refreshing adventure! There is an assortment of activities one can do with water balloons. What do you do?  Water Balloon...

Paint Hammer Art

Paint Hammer Art

Paint Hammer Art What do you do? Choose a Location: Select an outdoor area with plenty of space, preferably on grass or a surface that can be easily cleaned. Lay Out the Paper: Spread a large piece of paper or canvas on the ground. Secure the edges with tape or...

Water Play

Water Play

Water Play What do you do? There are many different unstructured invitations you can set up that encourage water exploration. Here are a few. Water Sensory Table: Set up a sensory table or large plastic tub filled with water. Add various items for sensory exploration,...

Plant a Garden

Plant a Garden

Plant a Garden Did you know that gardening can improve your mood and reduce stress? Spending time with plants and soil boosts the production of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that makes you feel happy and relaxed. What do you do?  Decide the type of garden:...

Dandelions

Dandelions

Dandelions In Saskatchewan, dandelions are abundant and offer numerous activities for children, including cooking. Kids can gather dandelion flowers to make dandelion tea. Interestingly, dandelions are entirely edible and packed with vitamins A, C, and K, making them...

Go for a Bike Ride

Go for a Bike Ride

Go for a Bike Ride This week is bicycle safety week. Bike riding offers a thrilling adventure through streets, trails, and nature paths, promoting both physical activity and exploration of the great outdoors. In this guide, we'll explore the essentials of bike riding,...

Play Catch

Play Catch

Play Catch We are in ball season! Catch is a timeless and universally enjoyed activity that brings people together for simple, yet rewarding, moments of connection and fun. In this guide, we'll explore the fundamentals of playing catch, along with its safety...

Cloud Watching

Cloud Watching

Cloud Watching Cloud watching invites individuals to gaze skyward and immerse themselves in the ever-changing canvas of clouds, offering a serene and contemplative experience. In this guide, we'll delve into the art of cloud watching, exploring its simplicity, safety...

Rock Painting

Rock Painting

Rock Painting Painting rocks is a creative and engaging activity that promotes fine motor skills and self-expression while fostering a connection with nature and encouraging mindfulness and relaxation. What do you need? Smooth rocks or stones Paints in various colors...