Kid-Friendly Games to Play on Nature Walks and Hikes

Taking walks and setting off to explore nature with children is probably the best way to bond as a family. There are also some kid-friendly games you can play on a hike, to keep the little ones occupied. We will share more about these fun games in this article.

Kids love to run around and discover new things on a nature walk. They have the freedom to climb small rocks, watch animals, and trees as the Canadian trails offer.

But there are times, they get bored and need fun distractions to keep going. We are here to help you avoid the sudden meltdown with our list of fun activities to do on these walks.

What is a Nature Walk or Hike?

Nature walks or hikes are an amazing way to relax and explore the environment. It is an opportunity to unplug yourself from daily life and observe and explore nature. There are various opportunities to connect with your child by engaging in some nature walk games and creating memories together.

Rather than letting your kid waste time on a phone or tablet, engaging in nature walks stimulates their senses and also lets them learn more about the world.

Reasons to go on a Hike or Walk with Kids

One of the latest studies has cleared that children gain some remarkable benefits from nature from the time spent out on a trail. Let’s get to know some of the reasons why you must take your kid on a walk or hike.

• Boost Cognitive Abilities: Spending time in nature allows children to learn more about animals, plants, and geology and it will let them think critically. Along the trail, you must consider nature walk games since it actively engages children, which is great for cognitive abilities.

• Creates Opportunities For Sensory Learning: Children learn most things through engaging their senses. During walks or hikes, they explore new textures, sounds, tastes, smells, and sensations which gives them chances to engage their senses. It further supports both motor and language development.

• Improve Mental Health During Adulthood:As you are aware that stresses and tensions are a part of adulthood. Being prepared in advance to deal with them can help keep mental health stable. And nature walks for children are closely associated with improvements in mental health.

Nature Walk Games to Play with Children

If you’re searching for some things to do on a nature walk with your kids, then you are at the right place. Let's explore the top ten games to play on walks with your children.

1. "Story Teller"

Develop a story or fairy tale as you go along nature walks with children. Encourage your children to continue the story as you pass along the dense tree cover and ponds. Make secret path names and codes to keep the kids excited.

2. "Who is the Trail Leader?"

This nature walk game can inspire your child to "lead" you through the trail, over and around obstacles. This boosts confidence in them as they like adults can instruct and motivate you to keep moving.

3. "Scavenger Hunt"

Make a list of things you see on your daily walk or hike trails, and start a game of Scavenger Hunt with your children. Each participant gets the list, and they can mark all the things they collect on the walk. You can make this even more fun but keeping a theme. 

4. "Day out with the snuggle Buddy"

Kids always insist upon taking their toys on a walk. But of course, parents can't always allow it. Though, the 'Zia Play Along' daycare toys are light enough to be carried anywhere. The handmade bunny toys can be their adventure partners on the next trail walk.

5." I Spy"

Walk and call out the things you see on your way down the trail, and test each other's awareness and vision in nature. Keep calling out familiar objects as "I spy something green" when it's your turn. This is one of the nature walk activities that you can take advantage of on the next trail.

6. "What's that!"

It is a simple yet innovative game, where you point at things and let your child guess what it is! These could be birds, animals, or things, you have read together in books. Conducting nature walk for children along with this kind of game can help increase their awareness.

7. "Pick the stick"

Find the perfect hiking stick with your kids. They feel they are doing something important in a family outdoor activity.

8. "The Collectors"

We all collect different things; it could be stamps, flowers, and beautiful pens, anything! And many children find something they admire and build their collection. You could encourage them to find their treasures in nature. It could be sparkly pebbles, beautiful flowers, or even bird feathers.

Here we shared all the outdoor games you can play on hikes. But what about the long days spent inside during the pandemic? 'Zia Play Along' has an exceptional collection of Montessori and baby toys to shop online. Games like blocks and puzzles keep children occupied for long durations. These inspire learning through play.

"Conclusion"

Nature walk games are a good way to keep your children occupied during a walk or hike. Nature walk activities for adults can keep their walk more interesting and challenging. Here we shared a list of games to play on walks you can play on hikes. We hope that these nature walk games can help you keep your kiddos busy and have fun. Hopefully, these ideas will help you! But what about the long days spent inside during the pandemic? 'Zia Play Along' has an exceptional collection of Montessori and baby toys to shop online. Games like blocks and puzzles keep children occupied for long durations. These inspire learning through play. Do you have any more nature walk ideas to keep your kids motivated on the trail? Let us know in the comments section! Happy trails!