There’s something truly special about taking children out into nature. It provides a vast space for imagination and the chance to create wonderful, educational experiences. You don’t need car trips, expensive attractions, or screens to spark curiosity and joy—just a few good ideas, some curiosity, and the right gear. Nature is the perfect playground for kids. Whether you’re building dens in the forest, climbing trees, catching crabs by the fjord, or roasting twists over the coals in your garden, it’s an exciting and educational adventure each time. The best part about nature is that it offers so much for both adults and kids, whether it's in the forest, by the water, across green meadows, or in your own garden.
Personally, I vividly remember how my father and I packed sleeping bags and sausages and cycled out into the blue to spend the night in a shelter. We carved sticks with his pocket knife and toasted marshmallows over the fire while he told stories. Those trips taught me about the peace of nature and how much you can create with very little—and that’s exactly the feeling we want to pass on to our own children today. Do you also feel like getting into the fresh air and enjoying healthy and creative activities with your children? Then read on.
What can you do with kids in nature?
Exploring nature opens opportunities for play, learning, and quality time. With the right ideas and curiosity about everything that’s out there, even a short trip can become a great adventure. That’s why we’ve gathered some of the best products for nature-rich experiences with children. See them all here. Or check out our top recommendations below, and right now you can even get most products in this category at a great summer price.
Insect Glass – View Nature’s Small Creatures Up Close
An insect glass is a must-have for young explorers. With a magnifying glass in the lid, children can study ladybirds, woodlice, or small spiders up close—and of course, release them afterwards. It’s an educational and fun way to learn about biodiversity, enhancing both curiosity and respect for nature’s smallest inhabitants.
Check out our selection here: Insect Glass and Exploration Gear
Children’s Whittling Knife – Focus and Fine Motor Skills Outdoors
Whittling sticks isn’t just cozy—it requires concentration and patience and enhances children’s fine motor skills. A children's whittling knife is designed with safety in mind, so you can confidently let your child immerse themself in the forest’s materials. Use the knife to create small figures, skewers for campfire food, or even a homemade wood sculpture—the possibilities are endless.
Children’s Binoculars – See Nature’s Details
With children's binoculars children can get up close to birds, squirrels, deer, and other exciting nature experiences—without disturbing them. Binoculars open new worlds, both in the forest and garden. We especially recommend:
For the youngest, a cute children's binocular from The Zoo family - Perfect for curious little ones who want to discover the world and nature around them.
Navir Children's Binoculars – a lightweight and sturdy binocular ideal for beginners, available in various bright colors.
Moulin Roty Binoculars – beautifully designed and of high quality, perfect for the little nature lover.
Explore the Garden – Learn About Biodiversity with Children
Even if you don’t venture out, the garden can still be a place for exploration and learning. Observing what sprouts and grows, and who moves into the garden, gives children a strong connection to nature.
Insect Hotels – See Nature Move In
With an insect hotel, you provide wild bees, ladybirds, and other beneficial insects a safe place to stay—and children get a fantastic opportunity to closely follow their lives. For many kids, it’s a thrilling experience to discover who moves in and to watch from spring to late summer.
Check out:
Moulin Roty Insect Hotel – a decorative and functional wooden hotel inviting insects to settle.
SES Creative Insect Hotel – perfect for kids who want to build and place their own hotel.
Garden Tools and Botanist Suitcase – Make the Garden a Learning Space
Helping out in the garden is a fun and educational activity, and often a lovely way to spend time together. I often tinker in the garden, and it’s just wonderful to have the kids around, working on their own small and creative garden projects. With their own set of garden tools, the child becomes an active part of the upkeep and takes ownership of their small projects.
Try, for example, Moulin Roty Garden Tools for Children – 3 Pieces – perfect for kids who want to dig, plant, and take care.
Or how about a Moulin Roty Botanist Suitcase – a complete case with field equipment, so the child can collect and learn about flowers and plants in nature and the garden.
Great Books on Nature and Animals – Child-Level Learning
As the day draws to a close and you’ve returned from your adventure, it’s delightful to lose yourself in a good book together. We recommend these three exciting and educational nature books, beautifully illustrated and perfect for eager-to-learn children wanting to know more about creepy crawlies, plants, and nature experiences.
Now It Gets Fun – Creepy Crawly Creatures
A lovely introduction to the smallest insects and animals you meet in the garden and forest. The book is full of illustrations and facts presented on a child’s level.
The Fantastic Book of Insects and Spiders
Colorful, exciting, and full of fun facts—perfect for kids curious about the crawling life around us.
101 Tips for a Nature Trip
Year-round inspiration, with tips and ideas for activities in the forest, by the water, and in the garden. A must-have for nature-loving families.
Ready, Set – Nature!
Taking children out into nature is a gift, both for children and adults. It strengthens bonds between you, develops the child’s curiosity, and creates experiences that last. Whether climbing trees, catching small animals in the garden, or bird-watching with binoculars, the possibilities are endless.
Find everything you need for your next outdoor adventure, from whittling knives and insect glasses to a flower press and magnifying glass.
So pack your bag, lace your shoes, and explore the great outdoors—nature is waiting just outside the door.
Warmest regards,
Anja and the entire team at Lirum Larum Leg
