Free summer activities for kids to connect with nature
School’s out, so let nature in!
Summer is the perfect time for kids to explore the great outdoors, and the best part? It doesn’t have to cost a thing! Research in child development highlights the numerous benefits of connecting children with nature. Kids who spend time outside develop stronger immune systems, better emotional coping skills, and a deeper sense of empathy. They also enhance their pattern recognition, social skills, and scientific curiosity.
With nature all around us, there’s no time to be bored!
Here are some of our favourite free summer activities that will help your kids connect with nature and make the most of their holiday.
Go exploring at Earth Trust’s green spaces
Earth Trust offers a variety of beautiful green spaces, all free to explore. From wetlands and forests to hills and riverside walks, there’s something for every young adventurer. Have you visited them all?
Discover perfect picnic spots
Enjoy a family picnic in one of Earth Trust’s serene locations. Here are some top spots where you can lay down a blanket and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature:
Wallingford Castle Meadows: Explore the historical ruins and enjoy the peaceful meadows.
Didcot Mowbray Fields: A great place for kids to run around and discover different plant species.
Thrupp Lake: Relax by the water and watch for wildlife in this tranquil setting.
Broad Arboretum: Wander among the trees and find a quiet, shaded spot in the woods.
Other fun activities
While you’re out and about, consider these additional activities to make your nature excursions even more exciting:
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of natural items for your kids to find, such as specific leaves, rocks, or flowers.
Wildlife Watching: Bring a pair of binoculars and a notebook to observe and record different animals and birds.
Nature Art: Collect leaves, sticks, and stones to create art projects back at home or right there in nature.
Check out our print-at-home resources to turn a walk into an adventure:
Journey stick Pine cone bird feeders Rainbow walk
Summer pollinators spotter Summer holiday scavenger hunt
This summer, let your children explore, discover, and connect with the natural world around them. Not only will they have fun, but they’ll also gain invaluable life skills and knowledge. So pack a picnic, put on your walking shoes, and head out to Earth Trust’s green spaces for a memorable and free summer adventure!
Let us know how you’re connecting with nature this summer, share your photos and stories with us on social using #EarthTrust.