The Power of Nature: Outdoor Activities for a Holistic Summer

Hello, nature enthusiasts! Summer is a wonderful time to embrace the beauty of the outdoors and engage in activities that nourish our minds, bodies, and spirits. In this blog post, I want to share with you the power of nature and how it can provide a holistic learning experience for you and your family. Get ready to explore the wonders of the natural world and discover outdoor activities that will leave you feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and connected.

Nature Walks and Hiking Adventures:

While exploring your local parks, nature reserves, or even your own backyard encourage them to observe and appreciate the flora and fauna around them. Use grounding techniques such as asking them 5 things they can see, 4 things they can hear, 3 things they can feel, two things they can smell, and one thing they can taste. Encourage them to ask questions and spark their curiosity about the natural world. Check out our Forest Exploration Checklist for more ideas.

Hiking adventures: Have you heard of GeoCatching? It is a free app that gathers thousands of young adventurers around the world by providing scavenger hunts in their local nature parks,, but also anywhere else you’d like to travel.

-Gather a list of trails/adventures you want to explore with your family.

- Create a plan for visiting as many as you can throughout the summer.

Hiking not only provides physical exercise but also allows you to immerse yourselves in the serenity of nature. Teach your children about hiking safety, leave-no-trace principles, and the importance of respecting the environment.

photo credits: Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto

Gardening and Planting:

Start a garden: Engage your children in the joy of gardening by starting a small garden together. Let them experience the satisfaction of planting seeds, tending to plants, and watching them grow. Gardening promotes a sense of responsibility, patience, and connection to the earth. Check out our Gardening Project! This a flexible project that provides parents with steps and learning outcomes, while it can be easily adjusted to any grade level.

Learn about plants: Teach your children about different plant species and their characteristics. Explore topics like photosynthesis, plant life cycles, and the importance of plants in our ecosystem. This will deepen their understanding and appreciation for nature.

photo credits: Allan Mas

Outdoor Yoga and Mindfulness:

Practice outdoor yoga: Find a peaceful spot in nature and practice yoga as a family. Engage in gentle stretches, poses, and breathing exercises. Encourage your children to connect with their bodies, breathe in the fresh air, and be present in the moment.

Mindfulness in nature: Take mindfulness practices outdoors by engaging in activities like mindful walking, nature journaling, or simply sitting in quiet contemplation. Encourage your children to notice the sounds, smells, and textures of nature, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.

photo credits: Valeria Ushakova

Art and Creativity in Nature:

Nature-inspired art: Encourage your children to express their creativity by creating art inspired by nature. Gather materials such as leaves, flowers, and rocks to make collages, paintings, or nature crafts. You can use hodgepodge to glue leaves, flowers, etc. on glass, or frames. This allows them to explore their artistic abilities while celebrating the beauty of the outdoors.

Nature photography: Equip your children with a camera or a smartphone and encourage them to capture the beauty of nature through their own lens. Encourage them to notice the details, patterns, and colors that catch their eye, fostering a sense of observation and appreciation. Ask them to find shapes, throughout different forms of life in the woods or wherever it is you are snapping pictures.

photo credits: Charles Parker

Picnics and Outdoor Games:

Enjoy picnics in nature: Pack a delicious picnic and head to a nearby park or beach. Enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and good food as a family. Take this time to connect, share stories, and appreciate the simple pleasures of being in nature.

Outdoor games and activities: Engage in outdoor games like frisbee, badminton, or scavenger hunts. Encourage physical activity, friendly competition, and laughter while embracing the outdoors.

photo credits: Kampus Production

I hope you find inspiration in this article to fill up your summer with teachable moments outdoors, so you can make the best of summer while you enrich your homeschool portfolio.