Nature Activities for Kids
Never miss the opportunity to draw a spiritual lesson about God's love from every interaction you have with the natural environment. Some lessons will be more obvious, some will take some creative thought. Pray before your outing and God will open your eyes to the lessons He wants you to learn about His creation. Always make the creation connection.
Living World Inside a Log
There's a living world inside a log that's just waiting for your kids to explore.
What You'll Need:
Magnifying glass
Torch
Step 1: Take a walk in the bush and find an old, rotten log.
Step 2: Use a magnifying glass to explore everything that's happening in this rotten -- but lovely -- little world.
Step 3: Use all of your senses (maybe not taste) to explore the log - touch, sight, smell, taste, sound.
You may see mountains of moss, mushroom forests, and many weird little creatures. You might see ants marching along with food. Or you might see insect eggs or larvae.
Can you hear any insect sounds? If you see loose bark, shine a torch into the crack between the bark and the log. Is anybody looking back? If the log is hollow, stand back a few feet and shine the light inside, too.
Turn the log over what do you find?
Take some photos of the creatures that you find so you can identify them and learn more fascinating facts about them.
Creation Connection Ideas
Most of the time we don't think about bugs. We don't even see them all that often unless we are really looking for them. We don't see them; but we know they are there. We see signs of them all around us. We see the holes they leave in leaves, in the ground, in our homes, and in trees and logs. We see mounds of sand, and we hear them chirping, and feel their stings and bites.
God is a lot like that. Sometimes we forget about God because we don't see him. But we can see signs of God. We see all the wonderful things He has made, we can feel Him in the wind and hear the songs of the birds he created. We can also feel that tugging at our hearts and guilt when we do something wrong. And when we are away from God we have that lonely feeling inside that something is missing.
The Bible challenges us in Proverbs 2:4-5 to seek God as we would a hidden treasure - just like we are searching for bugs on the rotting log. Seek and ye shall find (Matthew 7:7).
Never miss the opportunity to draw a spiritual lesson about God's love from every interaction you have with the natural environment. Some lessons will be more obvious, some will take some creative thought. Pray before your outing and God will open your eyes to the lessons He wants you to learn about His creation. Always make the creation connection.
Living World Inside a Log
There's a living world inside a log that's just waiting for your kids to explore.
What You'll Need:
Magnifying glass
Torch
Step 1: Take a walk in the bush and find an old, rotten log.
Step 2: Use a magnifying glass to explore everything that's happening in this rotten -- but lovely -- little world.
Step 3: Use all of your senses (maybe not taste) to explore the log - touch, sight, smell, taste, sound.
You may see mountains of moss, mushroom forests, and many weird little creatures. You might see ants marching along with food. Or you might see insect eggs or larvae.
Can you hear any insect sounds? If you see loose bark, shine a torch into the crack between the bark and the log. Is anybody looking back? If the log is hollow, stand back a few feet and shine the light inside, too.
Turn the log over what do you find?
Take some photos of the creatures that you find so you can identify them and learn more fascinating facts about them.
Creation Connection Ideas
Most of the time we don't think about bugs. We don't even see them all that often unless we are really looking for them. We don't see them; but we know they are there. We see signs of them all around us. We see the holes they leave in leaves, in the ground, in our homes, and in trees and logs. We see mounds of sand, and we hear them chirping, and feel their stings and bites.
God is a lot like that. Sometimes we forget about God because we don't see him. But we can see signs of God. We see all the wonderful things He has made, we can feel Him in the wind and hear the songs of the birds he created. We can also feel that tugging at our hearts and guilt when we do something wrong. And when we are away from God we have that lonely feeling inside that something is missing.
The Bible challenges us in Proverbs 2:4-5 to seek God as we would a hidden treasure - just like we are searching for bugs on the rotting log. Seek and ye shall find (Matthew 7:7).
Frog Raft
Ahoy! Who wants to go for a sail on a miniature frog raft? If you have access to a pond at night, you can go frog hunting with this easy outdoor activity for kids. Shine a torch out over the pond, and watch for glittering frog eyes. Then launch a frog raft, and see if you get any passengers.
What you'll need
Board 30 cm long, 2.5 cm thick
Candle or small electric lantern
5 cm long nail
plastic bag
heavy string
large screw eye
Step 1: With help from an adult, insert a screw eye in one end of your board and tie the end of your string to it.
Step 2: To light with a candle, hammer a nail all the way through the board. Stick a candle on the pointed end that comes through the board.
Step 3: If it is too windy for candle flames, use a small battery-powered lantern instead. It won't be as attractive as a flickering candle flame, but it may still attract frogs.
Step 4: Seal the lantern in a heavy plastic bag, and then tie it to the board.
Step 5: Put the raft in the water, give it a push, and wait quietly for frogs to jump aboard. See how many passengers your raft will attract.
Creation Connection Ideas
When we do not know Jesus as our personal saviour we are in darkness. That means that we do not know the way to eternal life or we are lost or blind to our sins. Jesus said he was the light because he came to show us the way to eternal life and died for our sins so that we might not live in sin or darkness.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6a) Jesus is the light of the world because he shows us the way to eternal life. He is the truth; he showed us that the only way to eternal life is through the forgiveness of our sins. Just as plants and animals cannot live without light, we cannot live without Jesus. He is the light and life. He is the only way we can truly experience life.
Jesus also wants us to be a light to the world. He wants our light to shine. He wants us to be an example so that when people see us they can see Jesus in us. He wants us to lead others to Christ. (Matthew 5:14-17) "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Ahoy! Who wants to go for a sail on a miniature frog raft? If you have access to a pond at night, you can go frog hunting with this easy outdoor activity for kids. Shine a torch out over the pond, and watch for glittering frog eyes. Then launch a frog raft, and see if you get any passengers.
What you'll need
Board 30 cm long, 2.5 cm thick
Candle or small electric lantern
5 cm long nail
plastic bag
heavy string
large screw eye
Step 1: With help from an adult, insert a screw eye in one end of your board and tie the end of your string to it.
Step 2: To light with a candle, hammer a nail all the way through the board. Stick a candle on the pointed end that comes through the board.
Step 3: If it is too windy for candle flames, use a small battery-powered lantern instead. It won't be as attractive as a flickering candle flame, but it may still attract frogs.
Step 4: Seal the lantern in a heavy plastic bag, and then tie it to the board.
Step 5: Put the raft in the water, give it a push, and wait quietly for frogs to jump aboard. See how many passengers your raft will attract.
Creation Connection Ideas
When we do not know Jesus as our personal saviour we are in darkness. That means that we do not know the way to eternal life or we are lost or blind to our sins. Jesus said he was the light because he came to show us the way to eternal life and died for our sins so that we might not live in sin or darkness.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6a) Jesus is the light of the world because he shows us the way to eternal life. He is the truth; he showed us that the only way to eternal life is through the forgiveness of our sins. Just as plants and animals cannot live without light, we cannot live without Jesus. He is the light and life. He is the only way we can truly experience life.
Jesus also wants us to be a light to the world. He wants our light to shine. He wants us to be an example so that when people see us they can see Jesus in us. He wants us to lead others to Christ. (Matthew 5:14-17) "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Fun in the Rain
Forget about umbrellas! Head outside, and play in the rain. As long as there is no thunder and lightning, don't let kids stay cooped up in the house during a downpour. They can toss on raincoats, hats, and boots for this easy outdoor activity for kids. They'll be surprised how different the world is while the rain is coming down.
What You'll Need:
Rain wear, such as raincoats, hats, and boots
Permission to get wet
Step 1: Once you're outside splashing through the rain, take a big whiff of the air. Do you notice a difference in the smell of rainy-day air?
Step 2: Look around, and see if you can spot any animals or insects that you don't normally see when the sun is out.
Step 3: Watch your step. Chances are you'll see plenty of earthworms wiggling about in the rain.
Step 4: Look at the trees to see how they handle the rain. Some leaves are made so that the rain glides off them
.
Step 5: Check to see what else you can discover around your house that looks different in the rain than when the sun is out.
Step 4: Look at the trees to see how they handle the rain. Some leaves are made so that the rain glides off them.
Step 5: Check to see what else you can discover around your house that looks different in the rain than when the sun is out.
Creations Connection Ideas
Rain brings water to the earth, so all things can be refreshed and not thirst.
There is a story in the Bible of a woman who met Jesus at a well - John 4:1-42. Jesus said to her that people who drink water from that well would thirst again, just like how the earth gets thirsty when it stops raining, but if she drank of the water that Jesus had, she would never drink again - He had the water of life.
Are we thirsty for the water Jesus has for us? Every time we see the rain, let it remind us that just as Jesus waters the earth and quenches its thirst, so too can he quench our thirst for His love.
Forget about umbrellas! Head outside, and play in the rain. As long as there is no thunder and lightning, don't let kids stay cooped up in the house during a downpour. They can toss on raincoats, hats, and boots for this easy outdoor activity for kids. They'll be surprised how different the world is while the rain is coming down.
What You'll Need:
Rain wear, such as raincoats, hats, and boots
Permission to get wet
Step 1: Once you're outside splashing through the rain, take a big whiff of the air. Do you notice a difference in the smell of rainy-day air?
Step 2: Look around, and see if you can spot any animals or insects that you don't normally see when the sun is out.
Step 3: Watch your step. Chances are you'll see plenty of earthworms wiggling about in the rain.
Step 4: Look at the trees to see how they handle the rain. Some leaves are made so that the rain glides off them
.
Step 5: Check to see what else you can discover around your house that looks different in the rain than when the sun is out.
Step 4: Look at the trees to see how they handle the rain. Some leaves are made so that the rain glides off them.
Step 5: Check to see what else you can discover around your house that looks different in the rain than when the sun is out.
Creations Connection Ideas
Rain brings water to the earth, so all things can be refreshed and not thirst.
There is a story in the Bible of a woman who met Jesus at a well - John 4:1-42. Jesus said to her that people who drink water from that well would thirst again, just like how the earth gets thirsty when it stops raining, but if she drank of the water that Jesus had, she would never drink again - He had the water of life.
Are we thirsty for the water Jesus has for us? Every time we see the rain, let it remind us that just as Jesus waters the earth and quenches its thirst, so too can he quench our thirst for His love.
What's in a River
You'll be amazed by all the things that travel down the watery highway of a creek! Make this gadget and see what you can catch.
What You'll Need:
Wire coat hanger or piece of strong wire
Screen or mesh
Duct tape
Step 1: Bend a wire coat hanger into a rough circle.
Step 2: Take a piece of old screen, and bend it around the coat hanger. (Be careful not to stick yourself with the screen. You may want to wear work gloves or gardening gloves while doing this.)
Step 3: Apply duct tape to hold the screen in place.
Step 4: Go to a creek or stream with an adult. Put your screen into the current and hold it there for a few minutes.
Step 5: Take out the screen and see what the current has carried onto it.
You might find seeds that will land on the creek's bank and grow into plants. Or, you might find water animals such as insects or crayfish. (Put them back in the creek right away, so they stay alive.)
You might even find something somebody lost a long way upstream!
Creations Connection Ideas
This River is full of life.
There is a river in Heaven that is called the River of life. It flows from the throne of God - Revelation 22:1-2. It reminds us that all life comes from God - everything that has been made, was made by Him - Genesis 1:1 and in Him we have life - John 3:16.
You'll be amazed by all the things that travel down the watery highway of a creek! Make this gadget and see what you can catch.
What You'll Need:
Wire coat hanger or piece of strong wire
Screen or mesh
Duct tape
Step 1: Bend a wire coat hanger into a rough circle.
Step 2: Take a piece of old screen, and bend it around the coat hanger. (Be careful not to stick yourself with the screen. You may want to wear work gloves or gardening gloves while doing this.)
Step 3: Apply duct tape to hold the screen in place.
Step 4: Go to a creek or stream with an adult. Put your screen into the current and hold it there for a few minutes.
Step 5: Take out the screen and see what the current has carried onto it.
You might find seeds that will land on the creek's bank and grow into plants. Or, you might find water animals such as insects or crayfish. (Put them back in the creek right away, so they stay alive.)
You might even find something somebody lost a long way upstream!
Creations Connection Ideas
This River is full of life.
There is a river in Heaven that is called the River of life. It flows from the throne of God - Revelation 22:1-2. It reminds us that all life comes from God - everything that has been made, was made by Him - Genesis 1:1 and in Him we have life - John 3:16.
Scratch beneath the Surface
Take a micro-hike into a tiny world and discover what lives there.
What You'll Need:
String
Safe scissors
Short stakes
Magnifying glasses
Paper and toothpicks (optional)
Step 1: Measure out about 20 to 30 feet of string. Tie each end to a short stake, such as a tent stake.
Step 2: Take your string and stakes outdoors and stretch the string across an area with some variation. You might run it across part of a lawn, under an arching shrub, and alongside a flower bed.
Step 3: Secure the line with more stakes if necessary. Keep in mind that the string doesn't have to be straight; it can run along the base of a fence or beside a pond or stream.
Step 4: Start at one end of the string on your hands and knees. Make sure that you and every person who will be "hiking" with you has a magnifying glass. Use your magnifying glasses to examine everything under the string.
Step 5: Look for different kinds of plants, including moss between the grass blades or under a shrub. Look for fungi of different forms. Find animals such as insects, spiders, and worms.
Step 6: Move slowly down the string, searching for every living thing you can find. You might end up taking a whole hour to hike! You never know what interesting things you'll find.
Step 7: When you're done, write down what you've seen or compare your observations with those of others who hiked with you. What interesting things did they see that you missed?
Step 8: After discussing your discoveries, use paper and toothpicks to make tiny signs to mark the most interesting ones. Then invite others to take your hike!
Creation Connection Ideas
You’ve heard the saying, scratch beneath the surface. It is usually used in reference to finding out more about a person or a situation.
Taking someone at “face value” is a term we often say but rarely follow. We tend to “sum people up” by looking on the outside, on the surface. We see clothes, hairstyle, glasses, facial expressions, the things people say or do in situations and like to guess motives - give our own reasons and assessments for why people act and think the way they do.
But our Creator God has made it abundantly clear in 1 Samuel 16:7 that in reality, what we see is just the surface - we have a very small amount of information upon which to base our assessment. The question then begs the asking - are we qualified to make judgments?
God on the other hand tells us in the same verse that He sees the entire picture. He sees underneath, around, through and even knows when a hair falls from our body. No secret thing is missed and no action or thought goes unnoticed - God sees right to the heart of the matter. And while we spend a lot of time on the exterior, the bible tells us that what God really cares about is what’s going on underneath the surface - in our hearts.
God knows our hearts and He wants us to care about the hearts of others. So just like how we found lots of creatures and interesting things that we couldn't see until we took the time to scratch beneath the surface. God wants us to take the time to get to know what's behind the outward appearance of all of the other people we meet. And when we truly care about others our own hearts will be changed as well.
Take a micro-hike into a tiny world and discover what lives there.
What You'll Need:
String
Safe scissors
Short stakes
Magnifying glasses
Paper and toothpicks (optional)
Step 1: Measure out about 20 to 30 feet of string. Tie each end to a short stake, such as a tent stake.
Step 2: Take your string and stakes outdoors and stretch the string across an area with some variation. You might run it across part of a lawn, under an arching shrub, and alongside a flower bed.
Step 3: Secure the line with more stakes if necessary. Keep in mind that the string doesn't have to be straight; it can run along the base of a fence or beside a pond or stream.
Step 4: Start at one end of the string on your hands and knees. Make sure that you and every person who will be "hiking" with you has a magnifying glass. Use your magnifying glasses to examine everything under the string.
Step 5: Look for different kinds of plants, including moss between the grass blades or under a shrub. Look for fungi of different forms. Find animals such as insects, spiders, and worms.
Step 6: Move slowly down the string, searching for every living thing you can find. You might end up taking a whole hour to hike! You never know what interesting things you'll find.
Step 7: When you're done, write down what you've seen or compare your observations with those of others who hiked with you. What interesting things did they see that you missed?
Step 8: After discussing your discoveries, use paper and toothpicks to make tiny signs to mark the most interesting ones. Then invite others to take your hike!
Creation Connection Ideas
You’ve heard the saying, scratch beneath the surface. It is usually used in reference to finding out more about a person or a situation.
Taking someone at “face value” is a term we often say but rarely follow. We tend to “sum people up” by looking on the outside, on the surface. We see clothes, hairstyle, glasses, facial expressions, the things people say or do in situations and like to guess motives - give our own reasons and assessments for why people act and think the way they do.
But our Creator God has made it abundantly clear in 1 Samuel 16:7 that in reality, what we see is just the surface - we have a very small amount of information upon which to base our assessment. The question then begs the asking - are we qualified to make judgments?
God on the other hand tells us in the same verse that He sees the entire picture. He sees underneath, around, through and even knows when a hair falls from our body. No secret thing is missed and no action or thought goes unnoticed - God sees right to the heart of the matter. And while we spend a lot of time on the exterior, the bible tells us that what God really cares about is what’s going on underneath the surface - in our hearts.
God knows our hearts and He wants us to care about the hearts of others. So just like how we found lots of creatures and interesting things that we couldn't see until we took the time to scratch beneath the surface. God wants us to take the time to get to know what's behind the outward appearance of all of the other people we meet. And when we truly care about others our own hearts will be changed as well.
© 2010 God Did Creations
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