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10 Nature Based Activities for Summer

Birds· Nature Study· Plants· Seasons· Summer

14 Dec

Summer is a wonderful season to explore God’s world through various activities. After the Christmas season, our summer holidays begin in earnest. Keeping the children entertained may become a challenge if you’re not away on holiday or you’re fresh out of ideas.

There are a few free, nature based activities you can enjoy as a family:

Beachcombing

If you live near the ocean you can comb the beaches for treasures. There are different things to observe at various times of the year. Beachcombing after a storm is the best time to go as there will be many things that would have washed up on shore. All you need are eager eyes and bodies ready to explore and search the sand, seaweed and shells.

Rockpooling

There’s another world thriving in the rockpools so explore them when the tide is out. Snails, crabs and whelks hide around the seaweed and sponges. Investigate the seaweed and turn over rocks gently to spot what’s living there.

 

Ponding

Ponding is the investigation of living creatures within a pond. It’s easier to find creatures in still, small ponds or swampy places as tiny animals thrive in this stagnant, quite environment. To observe these miniature organisms, take along a net with very fine mesh, magnifying glasses and a white plastic tub to hold the animals in. Always keep your children within arm’s length.

Fishing

Fishing is a great activity the whole family can participate in. Even if it requires a few interesting books to read for those less inclined to put bait on a hook. All that’s needed is a fishing rod, a great, shady spot along a lake or river and a tin of sweetcorn for bait. You’re bound to catch carp at least.

Bushwalking

There are many bushwalking trails and conservation parks to choose from for a bush hike. The bushwalking trail you choose will depend on the ages of your children. When they’re young keeping it short and fun is important. You may choose a hike near a lake where they can feed the ducks and enjoy a picnic afterwards. If your children are older they may appreciate a walk with a challenge. Hikes which include a little rock climbing keep them interested.

Night Hike

Hiking at night unveils a whole new world when nocturnal animals, birds and insects are active. Get the children headlamps or glow sticks and explore bush trials and trees for night creatures.

Star Gazing

Pull out the picnic blanket, pop some corn and make a chocolate drink to relish while stargazing in the backyard. Search for star constellations and watch the moon travel across the sky. Share childhood stories and delight in some bonding time with the children.

Picnic

Picnics are great family fun and they don’t need to be elaborate or complicated. A couple of sandwiches and fruit is all that’s need. Choose a spot that will provide interest for exploration. Search for bugs, try to catch butterflies and observe birds.

Birdwatching

Showing an interest in birds yourself will ignite a curiosity within your child for them. Prepare them before the birdwatching outing by explaining they need to be quiet and listen for the sounds of birds. They’re also to move slowly as birds are frightened by fast movements. Once they’ve spotted a bird train them to observe its behavior for a few moments before finding the next one. Identify the birds found and remind them of the name every time you see the bird again.

Berry Picking

I love berry picking season which starts in December with strawberries and ends in early March with blueberries. Search for a berry farm near you and soak up some sunshine while picking berries. Children love to search for and pick berries. Enjoy them fresh or make berry jam or pie. I like to pick a couple of buckets full and freeze them for the year. It’s so much cheaper than buying them store bought.

Enjoy the summer months by exploring the outdoors and introducing your children to secret worlds. Only the eyes which are trained to search will find them.

What activities would you add to this list? What activities does your family enjoy each summer?

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About Marie

Homeschooling is a gentle amble for me since four of my five children have graduated. I share my joy with things beautiful, good and lovely with my grandchildren where I live contently with hubby in rural South Australia.

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We have outdoor expeditions to undertake and adventures to embark upon. We’ll explore the outdoors together, side by side, and uncover miraculous mysteries, and secrets. We’ll wander, and wonder in amazement as we become familiar with the Australian fauna and flora.

I desire to come alongside you in the muddle, making nature study the joy it’s meant to be.  Outdoor adventures will become a regular part of your life as you make connections to the natural world with a sense of awe.

Testimonials

Jessie

I looked high and low online for an Australian nature based curriculum and when I found Australian Nature study Guide on Instagram I was so excited to have finally found something that my family can relate to. My favourite thing about this guide is that Marie is so hands on and involved with her customers. I have never felt alone in the journey, she is there to guide and encourage us every step of the way in the Facebook group. Thanks Marie for welcoming us to your nature study family 🙂
Nature Study Australia
2018-05-25T15:52:36+10:30
I looked high and low online for an Australian nature based curriculum and when I found Australian Nature study Guide on Instagram I was so excited to have finally found something that my family can relate to. My favourite thing about this guide is that Marie is so hands on and involved with her customers. I have never felt alone in the journey, she is there to guide and encourage us every step of the way in the Facebook group. Thanks Marie for welcoming us to your nature study family 🙂
https://naturestudyaustralia.com.au/testimonials/jessie/

Valerie

I totally enjoy using the Nature study guide. The children enjoy learning about the different animals and plants.
Nature Study Australia
2018-05-25T15:51:39+10:30
I totally enjoy using the Nature study guide. The children enjoy learning about the different animals and plants.
https://naturestudyaustralia.com.au/testimonials/valerie/

Sarah

Absolutely love the activity books my whole family can learn together and it’s Australia based. Highly recommend
Nature Study Australia
2018-05-25T15:52:01+10:30
Absolutely love the activity books my whole family can learn together and it’s Australia based. Highly recommend
https://naturestudyaustralia.com.au/testimonials/sarah/

Sally

We have really enjoyed the program this term. We have gotten outside more often and the children are definitely taking more notice of things when we are out. Having a place to share what we have done and seen has been an encouragement to keep it up. I sometimes felt like we could spend longer on some topics as they were so interesting but that is probably just my obsessive "we must cover everything now" problem. 
Nature Study Australia
2018-05-25T15:48:30+10:30
We have really enjoyed the program this term. We have gotten outside more often and the children are definitely taking more notice of things when we are out. Having a place to share what we have done and seen has been an encouragement to keep it up. I sometimes felt like we could spend longer on some topics as they were so interesting but that is probably just my obsessive "we must cover everything now" problem. 
https://naturestudyaustralia.com.au/testimonials/sally/

Rachel

We began our homeschool journey this year keen to explore all that nature study entails. I had searched the web for weeks to research what we would use as our framework. I cannot describe the elation I felt when I came across an AUSTRALIAN nature study guide! Marie has done all the hard work and put together a wonderfully elaborate resource for all ages. You can dip your toe in or dive right into all the ideas and links. There’s so much here we could spend all week doing nature study, and often we do.
Nature Study Australia
2018-05-25T15:53:11+10:30
We began our homeschool journey this year keen to explore all that nature study entails. I had searched the web for weeks to research what we would use as our framework. I cannot describe the elation I felt when I came across an AUSTRALIAN nature study guide! Marie has done all the hard work and put together a wonderfully elaborate resource for all ages. You can dip your toe in or dive right into all the ideas and links. There’s so much here we could spend all week doing nature study, and often we do.
https://naturestudyaustralia.com.au/testimonials/rachel/

Cheryl

We didn’t find out about the program until about half way through term, so we played catch up most of the time. I love how open ended the lessons are, but with enough structure to work well for those children needing such a program. We have been able to cover much of the required curriculum whilst enjoying the activities we love. Your program has been such a blessing to us, because we needed a change to our homeschooling lessons which would still cover curriculum, but would enable us to relax and enjoy “school” together. Thank you.
Nature Study Australia
2018-05-25T15:50:47+10:30
We didn’t find out about the program until about half way through term, so we played catch up most of the time. I love how open ended the lessons are, but with enough structure to work well for those children needing such a program. We have been able to cover much of the required curriculum whilst enjoying the activities we love. Your program has been such a blessing to us, because we needed a change to our homeschooling lessons which would still cover curriculum, but would enable us to relax and enjoy “school” together. Thank you.
https://naturestudyaustralia.com.au/testimonials/cheryl/
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