EXTENSION: Winter Nature Activities

Feb. 1—There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. So put on your winter woollies, grab the kids, and get outside.

Walking outdoors is a great way to get youth to notice how nature hunkers down for the cold season. However, recent studies have shown that children now spend 50 percent less time in unstructured outdoor activities compared to children growing up in the 1970s.

Youth spending time in nature has many benefits. One of the biggest benefits is youth get more exercise which lowers childhood obesity rates. Spending time outdoors can also help reduce stress levels and positively impact conditions such as anxiety or ADHD.

Children who play outside learn how to solve real-life problems better than children who are always in their rooms playing video games. Examples of problem-solving include learning to get along with friends or trying to figure out the best way to build the best fort in the world.

Nature may seem less stimulating than a video game, but in reality, it activates more senses: you can see, hear, smell, and touch outdoor environments. Playing outside helps children develop their imagination by promoting creativity. They can think more freely, design their own activities, and approach the world in inventive ways.

Here are 25 easy activities that you and your child could do to enjoy nature in the winter.

—Bring out the binoculars and go birdwatching.

—Collect pinecones to make wreaths and decorations.

—Decorate a tree in your yard just for fun.

—Decorate a tree with edible decorations for animals.

—Do a winter scavenger hunt.

—Fill spray bottles with food-colored water and paint the snow.

—Go out at night to see the stars.

—Have a winter picnic.

—Lay on the ground and look at clouds, keep track of the different shapes you see.

—Listen to the local weather and go outside to experience rain, snow or the wind!

—Look for bird's nests in trees.

—Make a list of trees in your neighborhood.

—Make a winter nature journal.

—Make s'mores — they are just as delicious in the winter.

—Make tree bark rubbings (put a sheet of paper against the bark of a tree and use the flat end of a crayon to rub...you will end up with the bark pattern on your paper).

—Put out suet and birdseed for wintering birds.

—See how many plants you can find in winter.

—Take a walk and look for animal tracks.

—Take a walk under the full moon.

—Take pictures of winter trees or landscapes.

—Toss a spongy ball or frisbee at a homemade target.

—Use twigs or string to make a "maze" in your backyard.

—Watch for animals — squirrels, deer, birds.

—Watch the sunset.

—Wrap in a big blanket and sit on a swing.

No more excuses. Put on a coat and go discover the great wintery outdoors.

For more information on the Laurel County 4-H program or how your child can join a local 4-H club, contact the Cooperative Extension Service at 864-4167 or email Elizabeth Easley Elizabeth.easley@uky.edu.