The world is big and beautiful, and you don’t have to go far to explore it. Here’s a simple nature walk game for kids: see, hear and smell.
A new park, a desert garden, even your own street can be an adventure. Little ones notice things grown-ups walk right past: a lizard on a wall, a bird’s song, the smell of rain on hot pavement.
What it means for your child
Here’s how exploring can look at each age.
- Babies: Take them outside and name what they see: a tree, a dog, the sky. Let them touch grass or a smooth rock while you hold on.
- Toddlers: They want to touch everything. Let them pick up leaves, pat a tree trunk and listen for birds.
- Preschoolers: Play “I spy” with colors and shapes, or collect three treasures, like a leaf, a rock and a flower petal.
- School-age kids: Big kids can map a walk, look up the names of plants and birds or keep a nature notebook.
Try this tonight
On your next walk, even a short one tonight, play the three senses game.
- Ask, “What are three things you can see?”
- Stop and listen: “What are three things you can hear?”
- Take a sniff: “What can you smell?” Then share your own answers too.
Words you can use
- “What do you notice?”
- “Listen! What was that?”
- “Let’s explore a little more.”
At Nana’s Place
At our two Glendale buildings, Nana’s Place cares for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old, day, evening and overnight. There’s always something new to discover, one day at a time. If you’d like to explore our space, book a tour.
Questions parents ask
How can I explore with my kids when it’s so hot outside?
Go early in the morning or after sunset, bring water and stay in the shade. On very hot days, explore indoors at a library or a museum, and save the backyard for the evening.
What are easy outdoor activities for toddlers?
Keep it simple: walks, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, a cup of water and a paintbrush for “painting” the sidewalk, or collecting leaves and rocks. Short and often beats long and rare.
Big adventures start small, so see Today’s tiny steps are tomorrow’s big adventures. And don’t worry about muddy knees, because messy hands mean busy minds.
