There’s something truly special about taking children out into nature. It offers vast open skies, freedom for imagination, and the chance to create wonderful and educational experiences. You don’t need a car trip, expensive attractions, or screens to spark curiosity and joy—just a few good ideas, a bit of curiosity, and the right equipment. Nature is the perfect playground for children. Whether you’re building dens on the forest floor, climbing trees, catching crabs by the fjord, or toasting bread twists over the garden embers, it’s an exciting and educational adventure every time. The best part about nature is its diversity, offering so much for both adults and children, whether in the forest, by the water, in green meadows, or in your own garden.
Personally, I vividly remember how my father and I packed sleeping bags and sausages and cycled into the blue to stay overnight in a shelter. We whittled sticks with his pocket knife and roasted marshmallows over the fire while he told stories. Those trips taught me about the tranquility of nature and how much you can create with very little—and it’s precisely that feeling we want to pass on to our own children today. Do you also want to get out into the fresh air and engage in healthy and creative activities with your children? Then read on.
What Can You Do with Children in Nature?
Exploring nature opens up a world of play, learning, and quality time. Equipped with the right ideas and curiosity about everything hiding out there, even a short trip with children can turn into a big 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; right now, you can even get most products in this category at a great summer price.
Insect Jar – Get Up Close with Nature’s Smallest Creatures
An insect jar is a must-have for little adventurers. With a magnifying glass in the lid, children can study ladybugs, woodlice, or small spiders up close—and, of course, release them afterward. It’s an educational and fun way to learn about biodiversity, boosting curiosity and respect for nature’s smallest inhabitants.
See our selection here: Insect Jars and Discovery Gear
Children’s Whittling Knife – Engagement and Fine Motor Skills Outdoors
Whittling sticks isn’t just cozy—it requires concentration and patience and strengthens children’s fine motor skills. A whittling knife for children is designed with safety in mind, so you can confidently let your child engage with the forest’s materials. Use the knife to make small figures, skewers for campfire food, or perhaps a homemade wooden figure—the only limit is their imagination.
Children’s Binoculars – Spot Nature’s Details
With a pair of children's binoculars, children can get close to birds, squirrels, deer, and other exciting nature experiences—without disturbing them. Binoculars open up new worlds, both in the forest and garden. We especially recommend:
For the youngest, a cute pair from The Zoo Family - Perfect for curious little ones wanting to discover the world and nature around them.
Navir Children's Binoculars – a lightweight and robust option for small hands, ideal for beginners, and available in several vibrant colors.
Moulin Roty Binoculars – beautifully designed and high quality, perfect for the little nature lover.
Explore Nature in the Garden – Learn about Biodiversity with Children
Even if you don’t venture out, the garden can still be a backdrop for exploration and learning. Watching what sprouts and grows and who moves into the garden gives children a strong connection to nature.
Insect Hotels – Watch Nature Move In
With an insect hotel, you provide wild bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects a safe place to live—and the child gets a fantastic opportunity to observe their life up close. For many children, it’s a great experience to see who moves in and follow along 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 children who want to build and place their own hotel.
Garden Tools and Botanist Kit – Turn the Garden into a Learning Space
Helping in the garden is a fun and educational activity and often a very cozy way to be together. I often potter around the garden, and it’s just wonderful to have the children around, tinkering with their own small and creative garden projects. With their own set of garden tools, the child becomes an active part of the upkeep and gains ownership of their own small projects.
Try, for example, Moulin Roty Garden Tools for Children – 3 pieces – perfect for children who want to dig, plant, and nurture.
Or how about a Moulin Roty Botanist Kit – a complete kit with field gear, so the child can collect and learn about flowers and plants in nature and the garden.
Great Books on Nature and Animals – Learning at Child's Height
When the day is almost over and you’re back from your adventure, it’s wonderful to delve into a good book together. We recommend these three exciting and educational nature books, beautifully illustrated and perfect for curious children who want to know more about creepy crawlies, plants, and outdoor experiences.
Nu bliver det sjovt – krible krable dyr
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 at a child-friendly level.
Den fantastiske bog om insekter og edderkopper
Colorful, exciting, and packed with fun facts—perfect for children curious about the creeping life around us.
101 tip til en tur i naturen
Inspiration for the whole year, 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 – Explore Nature!
Taking children out into nature is a gift for both children and adults. It strengthens the bond between you, develops the child’s curiosity, and creates lasting experiences. Whether climbing trees, catching small creatures in the garden, or bird hunting with binoculars, the possibilities are endless.
Find everything you need for your next outdoor adventure, with everything from whittling knives and insect jars to a flower press and magnifying glass.
So pack your bag, lace up your shoes, and explore the green—nature is waiting right outside the door.
Sincerely,
Anja and the entire Lirum Larum Leg team
