28 Forest School Activities To Entice Kids Outside
Get ready for serious outdoor fun with our forest school activities! We’ve chosen some amazing activities that combine arts, crafts, science and play.
Don’t you love activities that help encourage kids to step away from screens and into nature?
And the best part? Your kids will learn loads while having the time of their lives.
Most kids love spending time outdoors once you can entice them from their screens.
My boys certainly did. We spent a lot of time outdoors doing fun things together.
I’ve also been lucky enough to take groups of children into the woods to enjoy a day of forest school activities.
By fostering children’s natural curiosity and empowering them to learn through exploration and discovery, we can ignite a passion for the great outdoors.
Sharon Harding
There is a world of exciting outdoor adventures waiting for children to enjoy!
To be honest, forests are natural playgrounds, and children will find all kinds of ways to play and learn without needing any organized activities. Having a few ideas ready to go is always helpful, right?
So, we’ve compiled a list of 23 forest school activities for you to try. Don’t be put off by the word school. These activities are fun, and children won’t even realize they are also learning.
Need more ideas for outdoor adventures? Our Outdoor Activities page is packed with all kinds of fun ideas to entice your kids outside.
Observing The Natural World
We’ll start our forest school activities by encouraging your kids to look closer to the natural world.
Most children are fascinated by nature, and it isn’t hard to direct that enthusiasm. Encourage their curiosity and watch them become young naturalists, keen to learn about the world around them.
Nature Journal
Kickstart your kids’ sense of wonder with a nature journal. Just grab some basic supplies, and they’ll be on the path to amazing outdoor discoveries in no time! Learn about using a nature journal here.
Cardboard Ballerina
This is such a fun activity. Cut out the free template and try holding the ballerina over various natural objects to create a stunning dress. It is a great way to explore nature’s textures, patterns, and colors. Don’t forget your camera! Get your free printable here.
Leaf Rubbings
Leaf rubbing is a classic childhood activity that never gets old. Watching the leaf appear on the paper as you rub over it with your crayon is almost magical. I love how easy this activity is to do.
Collecting Pinecones and Planting Seeds
Can you collect seeds from pinecones? What happens if you plant them? This simple science activity answers these questions. You might even get to watch some new trees grow. Get the instructions here.
Nature Frame Impressions Craft
Are you seeking an affordable, enjoyable crafting activity to share with your kids? This “fall impressions” craft is a family-friendly project for children and adults. It’s the perfect way to use the natural treasures your kids gather. Encourage them to hunt for special pieces in nature and enjoy assembling their own one-of-a-kind frame. Get the instructions here.
Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger hunts help sharpen your kids’ observational skills, and kids seem to love them! They’re a breeze to set up—just print the list, and you’re ready to get going immediately. Here are 3 that are perfect for a day in the forest.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
I love this nature scavenger hunt, which sends kids to look for all kinds of natural items. There is an image-only version for younger kids and one with words for older children. Print them out and get ready to explore. Get your copy here.
Insect Scavenger Hunt
The forest is filled with creepy crawlies. Get set for an adventure with this free insect scavenger hunt! It’s the perfect way to turn a hike outside into a thrilling quest for mini beasts, giving your family an unforgettable experience in the wild.
Forest Scavenger Hunt
Take your child on a woodland adventure with a free forest scavenger hunt. Carefully designed to work in any forest setting, this activity will boost your child’s observational skills as they explore the woods.
Getting Active With Forest School Activities
Get ready to turn the great outdoors into your family’s playground with this next set of activities. They are about getting kids moving and enjoying free play in the forest. It’s not just about burning energy—this kind of play helps with physical development, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Den Building
Building dens and lean-tos from found materials is a hands-on lesson in creativity and engineering for kids. Children learn about the forest’s resources as they scavenge for branches, leaves, and other natural items. Constructing their own little hideaways teaches problem-solving and teamwork as they figure out which materials work best and how to put them together.
This type of play also fosters an appreciation for nature, encourages imaginative role-play, and can improve physical coordination. Plus, it gives them a sense of achievement when they step back to admire their handcrafted shelters.
Climbing Trees
Climbing trees is more than just the thrill of getting high—it’s a full-body workout that boosts kids’ physical strength, coordination, and balance. Children develop fine and gross motor skills and spatial awareness as they reach, grasp, and pull themselves up.
It’s also a great way to build confidence and resilience as they learn to assess risks and push their boundaries in a safe and controlled way. The sense of accomplishment they feel when they make it to a new branch is unbeatable, and it’s all wrapped up in the pure joy of play.
Most kids love to climb, so make time for them to enjoy this activity.
Bridge Building
My boys were lucky to grow up near a forest with lots of small creeks winding through. They loved making small bridges over the water.
Using forest-found materials to create makeshift bridges over small creeks is an inventive play activity that also teaches children about physics and engineering.
As kids select sturdy branches and logs, position them just right, and test their constructions, they engage in critical thinking and learn about weight distribution and balance.
This form of play encourages problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a hands-on understanding of the natural world.
It’s also an excellent way for children to develop respect for the environment as they interact directly with it, learning to use what’s available without causing harm. And do enjoy their sense of triumph when they successfully cross their homemade bridge. It is a great way to boost their confidence and give them a great sense of achievement.
Slackline
Live on a property dotted with sturdy trees? Setting up a slackline can be a fantastic addition to your family’s outdoor activities.
A slackline is a flat, flexible line stretched between two trees, close enough to the ground to be safe for kids to walk across while they balance. It’s like a narrow trampoline or a low tightrope.
A slackline helps children develop balance, concentration, core strength, and coordination. It’s a playful way to fine-tune gross motor skills and teaches persistence as they learn to steady themselves and improve with each step.
Plus, it’s a fun challenge that can keep kids (and adults!) entertained for hours.
Forest School Activities Using Nature’s Materials
This next selection of activities uses natural materials you find outside, like sticks, leaves, and rocks. It’s all about getting creative with found materials, which are free and ready for the taking.
Forest Tic Tac Toe
Creating a forest-themed tic-tac-toe board is simple. You only need sticks to form the grid and pinecones and stones to use as the game pieces. You can even set up a giant version in a forest clearing for others to find and enjoy.
Make a Journey Stick
Kids always seem to find sticks on walks, right? So why not make a journey stick on your next family hike? Decorating a stick with objects found along the way is a simple and creative way to capture your walk’s memories. This post tells you how to make one!
Nature Weaving
Let’s weave some creativity into your next outdoor adventure with this fun activity! It’s a fantastic way to blend art with the great outdoors and doesn’t cost a thing. It’s a great way to encourage kids to explore and enjoy the variety of textures nature has to offer. Check this post for simple instructions.
Spin Your Own Spider Web.
Are you looking for a fun and eco-friendly way to engage your kids with nature? Try making a spider web and spider out of found materials. Isn’t this amazing? Check it out here.
Making Ochre Paint From Rocks
Unleash your kid’s inner artist with the earthy tones of nature! This post will guide you through the simple steps to make your ochre paint using sandstone and water. It’s a satisfying way to connect with ancient indigenous art practices and create the pigments our ancestors once used. Get the instructions here.
Bug Village
How cute is this adorable bug village?! All you’ll need are rocks, acorns, and twigs, which can be found in many woodland settings. This post walks you through this whimsical project step-by-step. It is the perfect blend of creative play and nature exploration.
Nature’s Paintbrushes
Head out on a nature walk to find some natural pieces to create some nature paintbrushes! This post shows you how to turn twigs, leaves, and more into a paintbrush. What fun!
Fairy Houses
This fun project will keep your kids busy for hours. Gather natural items to create one-of-a-kind fairy houses. Make magical memories with your children. This is a great activity for all ages!
Painted Pressed Leaves
Discover the charm of painted leaves, a craft that captures the simple beauty of nature. They’re easy to make and a lovely way to bring a touch of nature into your home.
Acorn Bells
Add a touch of whimsy to your garden or home with homemade Acorn Bells! This post will show you how to create charming ornaments perfect for fairy houses, imaginative play, or fall decor.
Beaded Sticks
Looking for a creative activity that’s simple yet engaging for your kids? Try making beaded sticks. They are easy to make and great for developing fine motor skills.
Make Your Own Nest Stem Challenge
Set the stage for a hands-on STEAM activity where kids can attempt to build a bird’s nest using only natural materials – no glue or tape allowed! This project is perfect for testing ideas, developing problem-solving skills, and learning about the ingenuity of our feathered friends.
Make A Mason Bee Habitat
Discover bees’ critical role in our ecosystem and give back by creating a welcoming Mason Bee habitat with your family. This step-by-step guide shows you how to create a safe haven for these pollinators.
Nature Art To Make And Leave
This next selection of activities involves creating beautiful, transient art from natural materials. You and your kids can enjoy creating natural masterpieces and leaving them for others to find. It’s an enchanting way to connect with nature and teach kids about the beauty of temporary art.
Nature Mandala
Embrace the outdoors and spark creativity with your children by making nature mandalas! This fun activity is perfect for any day when you all need a breath of fresh air. There are so many design possibilities and a bounty of free materials just waiting outside. Nature mandalas are easy and enjoyable to create and a wonderful way to connect with nature.
Land Art
Introduce your kids to the joy of land art, a creative outdoor activity. You’ll be amazed at their creative and unique ideas. Gather some natural materials and start creating!
Clay Faces
Gather your kids and head outside for an afternoon of sunshine and creativity with this clay faces activity! Kids will get a kick out of using bits of nature to give personality to tree trunks, turning them into a gallery of whimsical faces.
What Is a Forest School?
A Forest School is a way of teaching that emphasizes outdoor learning in forest or woodland environments.
The idea comes from Scandinavia and involves hands-on, nature-based activities. It allows children to explore and learn through direct experience with nature.
Forest School emphasizes learner-led outdoor play that encourages curiosity and exploration. The goal is to foster a deep connection with the environment and develop a range of skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience.
Instead of a traditional classroom, lessons at a Forest School occur under the open sky, where the natural elements become the teaching tools and the changing seasons offer an ever-evolving classroom. Learn more about Forest Schools here.
Why Do Forest School Activities?
Engaging in Forest School activities offers many benefits for children, even outside of a formal Forest School program. These activities immerse kids in the natural world, provide hands-on learning, and foster a deep relationship with nature.
They also help children develop physical stamina, coordination, and risk-assessment skills through unstructured play.
Additionally, outdoor activities support creativity, problem-solving, and social skills as children learn to navigate and negotiate the world around them.
For parents, incorporating Forest School activities into family time can mean nurturing a child’s curiosity, resilience, and well-being, all while spending quality time together away from the distractions of technology and the hustle of everyday life. This experience encourages a healthy and active lifestyle while fostering a lifelong love for learning.
By fostering children’s natural curiosity and empowering them to learn through exploration and discovery, we can ignite a passion for the great outdoors.
Encouraging kids to ask questions and seek answers helps them develop critical thinking skills. It enables them to uncover the wonders of the natural world around them. Besides, it is just plain fun!
Looking for more fun ideas to keep kids entertained? Head over to our Kids Activities page where you’ll find hundreds of fun ideas all in one place.