Baby Infant Nature walk Activities Hike

Neighborhood or nature walk

Taking Baby for a Walk

NOTE: I always tried to stimulate three senses in the way we enjoyed the world and our day. So, if something catches their attention visually try getting them to touch, smell, hear or taste it and triple their excitement and fun. I do that with all kids, but for Hope it was virtually essential. We did not realize how bad her eyes really were until later in her life. But by stimulating the other senses Hope was used to adding other ways to experience things that interested her. She even somehow manages to portray how she enjoys her world through her art. She learned to process life in three senses, and she continues that as a life skill as an adult.

Have you ever noticed your baby’s mood lift when you take them outside? Sunshine and fresh air have well-documented benefits but being outside is good for your baby for other reasons, too.

Spending time outside can also improve language skills—and maybe even their sleep

If you do not happen to have immediate access to nature, do not worry about your baby missing out. Simply being outside in the midst of a busy city can give your baby as many benefits as a walk in the forest.

Here are some of the many reasons to take your baby outside:

New sensations lead to brain development

New sights, sounds, smells, and textures are enjoyable and exciting for your baby. Even if they’re strapped to your chest or reclining in a stroller, they receive all kinds of stimulation outside that they do not get when they’re indoors. This stimulation also helps build the synapses—connections between cells in your baby’s brain—that are crucial to cognitive development. Even just a walk around a city block can offer as many distinct, new, and unpredictable sensations as a walk in the woods.

Remember to prepare your baby for new experiences with nature related books, videos and any other media that your child enjoys. Maybe a miniature pond or other small world wild waters and wetlands or forest treetops full of flying birds and bugs. Even the dirt and plants interest them when furry creatures or slimy ones scamper and run about. They are being taken to a new and exciting place with all sorts of new things to explore with their senses. Remember that while in the stroller laying down they see nothing but the sky. So prop them up if you can because they will want to explore by listening, seeing, smelling, touching and tasting all the new things . 

New language opportunities

Spending time with your baby outside also provides new opportunities for language development. As you walk around, narrate what you see and try to react to your baby’s sounds and gestures. Known as “serve and return,” this kind of early “conversation” with your baby can have a major impact on their language and cognitive development.

A 2014 study found that infants and babies are more likely to try to verbalize experiences they’ve had outdoors: “When an infant feels the leaves or the toddler notices the airplane in the sky, they are more inclined to verbalize this experience because it will elicit a favorable response by their caregivers.”

If your baby looks at a tree, for example, get close and invite them to reach out a hand to touch it, describing what they’re seeing and feeling: “you’re touching the bark of the tree. It feels rough, doesn’t it? The bark helps protect the tree.” If your baby reacts to a sound, try to find the source and name and describe it; if something captures their gaze, try to go investigate.

Better sleep

Exposure to sunlight plays an important role in how our bodies secrete melatonin, often referred to as the “sleep hormone.” A 2004 study in the Journal of Sleep Research found that “babies who slept well at night were exposed to significantly more light in the early afternoon period.” Particularly if you have a fussy baby, time outdoors in the afternoon—leading up to the “witching hour” (late afternoon into evening)—can help regulate their sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to direct sunlight can help establish your baby’s circadian rhythms more quickly than if they’re indoors all day.

Resources
Sleep Study (Journal of Sleep Research)

• Early Brain & Motor Development (Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance)

• Outdoor Play Environment in Early Childhood for Children (European Journal of Social Sciences Education and Research)

The idea that newborn babies should stay inside is simply an old wives’ tale and completely false. Getting fresh air and natural sunlight is good for both you and your baby, no matter how recently she was born. In fact, there is no medical reason not to take her outside the day after you take her home from the hospital, if you both feel up to it.

Do you remember wanting to jump in puddles? 

Given the choice, many kids would say yes if we asked them - others will fail to answer and jump straight in. This may be hard to hear – the germs, the mess, and the task of cleaning up – but did you know that allowing children to play in the dirt is important to their development, and their health?

Here are 5 reasons to let your baby get dirty.

1. Lower stress levels

Free, unstructured outdoor playtime is great fun, and it can also help relieve stress and anxiety. A recent University of Queensland study suggests that people who visit parks for 30 minutes or more each week are much less likely to have poor mental health than those who don’t.

2. Keep them active

When allowed to play in the dirt, your children are likely to be running, jumping, crawling, and cartwheeling through it – not just making mud pies! This activity is highly important in child development.

3. Influx of vitamin D

Playing outside in the dirt will often mean more time in the sun (and an influx of vitamin D — something we all need to protect the health of our bones and immune systems. As taught in Harold’s Summer Holiday, sun safety is important, but not getting enough time in the sun isn’t healthy either.  

4. Boost their immune system

Research shows that playing in (or even eating) the dirt can strengthen young immune systems.

"Without exposure to everyday germs, which can be found in mud, children miss out on building a stronger, more robust immunity to sickness,” Dr Ryan Harvey from House Call Doctor explains.

5. Happiness is priceless

It will only take a second. The smile on your child’s face as they run, jump and skip carefree reinforces: Playing in the dirt is fun!

However, you should take some precautions and implement certain restrictions in order to keep your baby healthy. Here are some guidelines for where to go and not go with your newborn, how to dress her appropriately, and how to protect her from the elements.

Playing Safely Notes

Avoid Large Crowds

While it is fine to go out in the yard or to a quiet park, you'll want to try your best to avoid places where there are crowds for the first several weeks of your baby's life.

The younger she is, the more immature her immune system, and the more susceptible she is to pick up germs from other people and nearby coughs, sneezes, and unclean hands. Once your baby reaches 2 to 3 months, her immune system will mature significantly, and you won't need to be as concerned.

Babies are irresistible, which means strangers may want to touch and play with her—leaving you with less control over what she's exposed to. So, keep that in mind before you head to the mall or the local swimming pool. A good way to protect a baby from strangers' germ-filled hands is to wear baby in a sling or carrierfacing you. When friends and family want to hold your baby, insist that they wash their hands first.

When You Get Home

When you get home from an outing, be sure to wash your newborn's hands, especially if anyone has touched her. It would also be a great idea to wash your own hands, to avoid transferring anything from yourself to the baby. Some parents feel better giving their baby a bath after coming home from excursions, especially shopping trips to the grocery store or mall where the baby may have been exposed to germs.

Protect Your Baby from the Elements

Whether it is winter or summer, facing the elements without the right protection is never a good idea. Here's what you need to know for the different seasons of the year.

In Winter

It is perfectly safe to take the baby outside in the winter, provided she is bundled up properly (as discussed above), the temperature isn't too cold, and you keep the trip brief. Sometimes babies need a few gasps of fresh air and natural light, especially if they are colicky.

Use caution in cold weather. Babies are at an increased risk of hypothermia, due to their still-developing nervous system, minimal amount of subcutaneous fat, and an inability to shiver to bring up their body temperature. If the weather is freezing outside, you may still take the baby out for quick trips out, provided the wind chill factor is above 20°F. Do not stay out for longer than a few minutes.

In Spring

Spring is a wonderful time of year to have a newborn. Winter's cold has started to thaw, and the days are getting longer. This is an ideal time to enjoy a walk or trip to the playground with older kids.

Spring days can be deceptive though. A bright and clear day can quickly give way to gusts of wintry air, or a sudden rain shower. Always check the weather before taking the baby out in the spring and be prepared with an umbrella for the stroller, extra blankets, and a change of clothes in case you get caught in an unexpected downpour.

In Summer

In summer, you want to protect your baby from the sun, excessive heat, and mosquitoes. On hot summer days, try to avoid going on in the heat of the day, and instead try to time outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon. If the thermometer reaches 80°F, head inside.

Babies under 6 months of age should never use sunscreen, so you'll need to keep the baby in the shade and use a sun hat. When taking a walk or going to the park, use a stroller with shade and check to make sure the baby isn't in direct sunlight at any time.

If your area has a lot of mosquitoes, you may want to use a mesh net to cover the stroller or pack-n-play in the back yard but be sure the mesh is away from your baby's face.

In Fall

Just like springtime, autumn can be a great time to have a baby. The temperature is moderate, with lots of sunny days and colorful leaves to enjoy. However, the weather can change quickly on fall days as well.

In early fall, chilly mornings can give way to summer-like afternoons, while in late autumn, bright sunny days can have a deceptive winter chill. Layering is key in fall weather, so be sure to have extra blankets with you to keep your newborn warm outdoors.

Having Fun in the Sun (Safely!)

Summer is so much fun! It is time to get outdoors after a long winter and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine! Unfortunately, a sunburn can make for a pretty painful end to a long day of playing. So, make sure with all your summertime activities you are taking steps to protect your baby's (and your own!) skin.

Young babies especially have a hard time with the sun. If your child is under six months old, try to keep them out of direct sunlight. Find a place under a shady tree, use an umbrella, or make sure the canopy on your stroller is up. Covering the baby's head with a hat--a light colored hat with a brim will keep the baby's face in the shade and it is great if it covers the baby's ears too!

It is best to dress your child in clothes that are lightweight and in light colors (to prevent overheating) but will cover and protect the most amount of skin. For young babies (under 6 months), sunscreen can be applied to small areas of the body that aren't covered by other clothing (such as the backs of the hands, tops of feet, face, and back of neck). Older babies and children can have sunscreen applied to all areas of the body (just be careful of those sensitive eyes!). If your baby has sensitive skin (and many babies do), consider a sunscreen that has zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Always apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun, and make sure you rub it in well everywhere that will be exposed to the sun. There are places that often get forgotten, like the backs of the knees, tops of feet, or the ears, so make sure they do not get left out! Reapply at least every 2 hours to ensure that you are getting the protection you need. Once your child is covered head to toe (remember, you can get a sunburn even on cloudy days), get out there and enjoy your summer.

FOR MORE DETAILS on an easy DIY shelter from the sun CLICK HERE
Add a baby blanket and toy storage and you have a baby oasis for fun.

Superscript

Fun in the Sun

Backyard or Park Play 

Baby and ToddlerTips &
Outdoor Play Inspiration

How to encourage nature interaction between you, your babies and nature?

Because babies are still taking in the world, don’t overwhelm them with too much all at once.  Let them explore slowly.  They might want to crawl around or be happy sitting in one spot.  And since they are just little babies they won’t be too bothered if you bring them to the same old park bench or backyard spot time and time again!

When you’re down on the ground with your baby pick up things and hand it to them to explore, like leaves, larger rocks, and pine cones.  You can point out birds or describe how the breeze feels on their skin.  Direct them to look at the dancing leaves or the bright flowers.  You are simply a guide for them… connecting words and feelings to what their senses are discovering.

However, if you find visiting the same places boring, try sightseeing in new parts of town, check out farmer’s markets, take a walk at the botanical gardens or zoo, visit outdoor festivals, and start exploring your local nature trails if you haven’t already.

If you’re a person who needs a little more motivation and company to go out for walks you might want to look into Hike it Baby.  This organization has hike coordinators all over the United States and Canada who arrange group walks for young families.

You can also include nature at home too.  When you’re reading books to your babies, find books with plants and animals in them.  Describe how they look.  Make the sounds.  Talk about whether you see these things outside or not.  These are little ways to start bringing nature into the home and into your interactions with baby so when you head outside you will be more likely to also take note of these things.

The short of it:

When your children are just babies getting outside should be easy.  Don’t overstress and plan.  Remember, simply sitting in the grass and feeling the breeze ruffle their hair is exciting enough for them.  Instead, use this time to get yourself comfortable with bringing them outside.  Figure out how to go for walks and do it regularly.

Creating a routine helps set the standard for your child as they grow into the more adventuresome toddler years and you’ll be more likely to continue heading out with your littles if you’ve gotten comfortable with the process already.

You don’t need any fancy gear and you don’t need to organize nature activities.  Instead, let your baby’s eyes, ears, hands, and feet do all the work.

Exploring nature with babies can be a simple as you make it.  A walk around the block, a blanket on the grass, a visit to the neighbor’s garden.  The important thing is to just get outside and start.

Fun in the Sun

Summer should be all about fun, getting outside as much as possible, and taking things easy. So, I would like to give you a list of simple ideas you can refer back to as many times as you need to keep the littlest ones in your family busy this summer so you can enjoy a little relaxation as well.

1. Enjoy a meal picnic style

2. Blow bubbles

3. Play in the sprinklers (Check out primary.com for some amazing swimsuits and baby rash guards)

4. Create DIY puzzles

1. Take a trip, even just a road trip to a local spot

2. Take a walk

3. Visit a park

4. Play with Pom Poms

5. Play musical instruments to music (make instruments if you don’t have any)

6. Have a dance party or jam session with anything that makes a noise

1. Create a scavenger hunt (bug stickers, sticks, stones, flower stickers etc)

2. Read nature themed books outside

3. Make a playdough patch to play on

14. Hide toys in Jell-O for a fun sensory experience

15. Plant a fruit or veggie

16. Go swimming (Check out primary.com for some amazing swim suits and baby rash guards)

17. Make your own ice cream

18. Get them involved with cooking or baking

19. Make a bird feeder

20. Pick some flowers show them how to add water and flowers in a vase

21. Make an nature observation and sensory bottle together
22. Make nature confetti together with flowers or leaves-have them scatter it across their name in glue

23. Do some mess-free painting by placing paper and paint in a Ziploc bag

24. Do some yoga (check out Cosmic Kids yoga on YouTube)

25. Wash toy cars or animals in warm water outside

26. Make tea and have a tea party for grandma or a favorite aunt

27. Make a sticky paper garden project taped to outside of door or a low window

28. Make playdough use nature to make silly faces

29. Play with playdough with nature items 

30. Go on a nature treasure hunt BUGS, FLOWERS, STONES, STICKS etc.

31. Play with sponges and water (See 10 Ways to Play with Sponges)

32. Create a ball or bean bag toss game

33. Draw in a box

34. Make a fort or tee pee

35. Use loose parts in sand, water, or playdough

36. Create “potions” with color mixing water and nature items

37. Bang pots and pans

38. Create a ball or car ramp with pool noodles play together

39. Make a tape road and play with cars on sidewalk or driveway

40. Have a stuffed animal tea party

41. Use recyclables and tape to create a new toy

42. Pretend play grocery store in your pantry

43. Play with water in the sprinklers

44. Pour colored water from one container to another and make new colors

45. Use a kiddie pool for something other than water

46. Sing songs

47. Create a “treasure basket” with items around the house

48. Explore cold and warm items

49. Finger paint with edible paint

50. Play with raw or cooked pasta

51. Play with stickers

52. Play with Duplos in water

53. Make “sand” by blending crackers or oats (See my Edible Sensory Beach idea)

54. Tape pictures of friends and family to blocks (See other ways to play with pictures)

55. Use glow sticks in the bathtub

56. Paint with water

57. Eat a popsicle (we made ours with watermelon and almond milk. We used our Grabease utensils which made for perfect toddler-sized popsicle holders)

58. Mix colors with colored ice cubes in the tub or on a paper plate

59. Paint with something you found outside (flower, stick, leaf, etc.)

60. Make quiet blocks with pool noodles 

Superscript

The Magic of Spring

Turn Any Walk into a Nature Walk

Every walk is an opportunity for children to learn about the natural world. Walking around the block with my child when he was 2 years old could take an hour because there was always something new to explore.  

As you explore your neighborhood, yard, patio,
or any nature you find outside your window: 

•  Be open to the wonder of noticing small details and new growth. 

•  Keep the safer distance of 6 feet from others who are not in your household.

•  Leave electronic toys behind so children can focus on the world around them. 

•  Bring paper and crayons so children can draw what they see if  you bring your cell phone and need to take a call.

•  Bring a digital camera with you so children can take photos of things that interest them to share with [far off, distant] family members. And you can take other photos to print to create a scavenger hunt for children the next time you take the same walk.

•  Walk at different times of the day or night to increase your chances of seeing something new.

•  Ask, “What’s different about what you see today?” each time you and your child walk outside.

•  Play “I spy with my little eye” from your window and help children learn to give clues about what they spied.

•  Model using all five senses. You might say, “I’m seeing the big clouds,” “I’m touching the wet grass,” “I’m hearing the jets of an airplane,” or “I’m smelling the fallen pine tree needles.” It’s not safe to taste many things outdoors, but you can “taste” the air.

•  Carry along an inexpensive magnifying glass so children can get up close and personal with nature. Many smartphones have a magnifier app.

•  Make dressing for the weather part of the learning experience by singing songs about the weather as you and your child put on sunscreen, hats, or several layers of clothing. Try “You Are My Sunshine,” “It Ain’t Gonna Rain,” or “The Mitten Song”. Let your child work to figure out how to zip a zipper or put on boots just long enough so she can learn these tasks and not so long that she becomes frustrated.  

Observe the weather

On the walk, or even as you look or step outside, use your magnifying glass to look closely at drops of rain hanging from a leaf or to examine the structure of snow. If it has recently rained, take a medicine dropper so your child can suck up rain from puddles and squirt it back out again. Watch where the water flows and ask, “I wonder where it will go from here?” If it is sunny, make shadows with your body or jump over the shadow of a family member. Use sidewalk chalk to draw the shapes of the clouds you see. Track the path of the sun as it appears to move across the sky—where is it in the morning and where is it at bedtime?

Animals 

Use your magnifying glass to look closely at small wildlife such as non-poisonous spiders, roly-polies, worms, and any non-stinging insect that will hold still long enough. Ask your child to show you how the worm or ant moves and join in as he wiggles or crawls. Ask your child to think about how well animals move even though their bodies are so different from our own. 
 
Count the number of larger animals you see on your walk. Is the neighbor’s cat in the window again? Look for birds in bushes and on electric lines. Are there cows in the field, squirrels in the trees, or dogs going for a walk around the block? View birds on live “cams,” a virtual window into the natural world of birds. Talk with your child about what these animals are doing.

Plants 

Look closely at the different shapes, sizes, and structures of leaves and flowers (but watch out for thorns and poison ivy). Collect leaf shapes and then make rubbings of different types of leaves. To do this, put a piece of paper over a leaf resting on a hard surface, then rub or wipe the paper with a crayon held sideways to reveal the leaf’s veins and edges. Collect fallen leaves and seeds by pressing them into the sticky side of a loop of tape. Ask your child to measure how tall a plant is in relation to her body (“This bush is as tall as my knee”).
 
Observe changes in the life cycle of a plant. If a plant has a bud on it, ask your child to guess how many days it will take to open. Then count the days as you revisit the plant on your walks. If your children are old enough, have them record their findings in a notebook or with a digital camera. 

Rocks

Use your magnifying glass to see the tiny shapes of crystals or pieces of sediment that make up the rocks in your neighborhood, including those that are used in buildings. If rocks are not part of the landscape where you usually walk, take a field trip to a local creek where you might see some naturally deposited rock. Compare sizes and colors. Try using them as chalk on other rocks or on your sidewalk.

 
Learn More Together

Check the website of your local library for access to electronic or board books that will help children learn more about animals, plants, and whatever else they observe. Children love to see the variety of caterpillars, birds, local mammals, and flowers in these identification books. Internet sites and apps are also great resources for identifying animals and more,

 Books:

•  Nature’s Playground: Activities, Crafts, and Games to Encourage Children to Get Outdoors by Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield. 

•  Take a Walk book series by Jane Kirkland includes books for elementary-age children that discuss different environments (beach, city, wetlands) and different things to observe (birds, butterflies clouds). 

•  Bugs Are Insects by Anne Rockwell. For children kindergarten to second grade. 

•  Seashells, Crabs, and Sea Stars by Christiane Kump Tibbitts. For children kindergarten to fourth grade. 

•  Winter Trees by Carole Gerber. For children kindergarten to second grade. 

•  Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert. For children ages 4 and up. 

•  Nature Close-Up: Seeds and Seedlings by Elaine Pascoe. For children from kindergarten to eighth grade.

Websites:

•  California Academy of Sciences and National Geographic Society, seek by iNaturalist. https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/seek_app and teachers’ guide, https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/teacher's+guide 

•  Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds, Bird Guide, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/, and bird cams, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/ 

•  Little Pine Learners, Easy nature “weaving” craft. (Wrap with string or yarn if you don’t have rubber bands.) https://littlepinelearners.com/a-simple-and-beautiful-nature-craft-to-tr...

•  A pre-K teacher offers ideas to integrate nature learning into the curriculum on her website, Thinking BIG, Learning Big.
  
  

There are so many things for infants to do outdoors. And if a baby is cozily bundled up, a nap on a screened porch is a refreshing change for them - even in cooler weather.

Nurturing With Nature

Seeing and smelling - such pleasing experiences for infants outdoors. In mild weather, be sure to push strollers to places where babies can see, touch, and smell flowering plants. They want to feel the rough bark of a tree, the soft brush of wild grasses or grains of sand, and explore the many textures of large stones and rocks. You can guide this sensory journey as you help them to notice their natural surroundings, like the gently swaying leaves in a summery tree.

If possible, consider landscaping your outdoors with a flowering hedge of perfumed jasmine to delight babies' sense of smell. And on a warm summer day, babies who sit well relish the experience of a shallow wading pool, where they can splash in a few inches of water while you cheer on their discovery of wet versus dry. Be sure babies wear hats and have sunscreen on exposed skin.

Animals

If you can arrange to wheel strollers to a pond, be sure to bring food for the ducks. Babies love to be part of the ritual of feeding ducks (and fish too). One 10-month-old, whose visits to the duck pond were such a pleasurable part of daily outdoor excursions, said "duck" as her first Word! If there are flocks of birds that visit a grassy space near your program, babies will also delight in watching them swirl down to peck at seeds you've scattered for them.

Physical Development

Lawns and other safe outdoor spaces are wonderful places to set babies down on their stomachs so they can observe from close range ants busy crawling, grass moving, grasshoppers leaping, buttercups all yellow and dainty. This arrangement will also give babies opportunities to push up from their bellies and strengthen their arm muscles. Be sure to bring along wet wipes, as babies love to squeeze dirt in their fingers. At the same time, you can help them understand that they may squeeze, touch, and sniff but may not eat many of the earthy materials outdoors.

Urban Spaces

Even a stroll to mail a letter can be an adventure! Lift up baby so he can drop your letter into the slot. And be sure to point out interesting events along the way: "See the doggy sniffing near that fire hydrant?" "See the light turn green at the corner? Now all the cars know they can go zoom, zoom along the street." "Hear the siren wailing as the fire truck rushes to put out a fire?" The sights and sounds of an urban landscape provide so many opportunities for using new words with little ones. You'll see sights together and speak the words, such as truck or car or green light or bus, that babies will have seen and pointed to in picture books.

Sandboxes

Outdoor play in a large sandbox is a delightful sensory experience for very young children. Sandboxes invite babies to use their fingers and hands and, at the same time, to begin to learn simple rules, such as "The sand stays inside the sandbox." Infants develop dexterity while filling and emptying pails or sifting sand with a flour sifter. They learn how sand feels dry and how it feels wet, when mixed with water. And, of great importance, they get a chance to play peacefully next to peers. This companionable side-by-side play is the precursor to more interactive play older babies will come to enjoy.

Whenever you can arrange outdoor experiences for your little ones, know that you are helping them experience another dimension of living - far different from indoor spaces. So give them windows on new worlds - visit a park, zoo, flower garden, or a duck pond, or even stroll to the corner store.

Ponds, Lakes and Creeks:
Sensory Discovery Zones

June 27, 2020

Ah, pond life. The simple life. But what looks like a quiet, still— even stagnant— place on the surface is actually a busy ecosystem brimming with life and so much nature to take in.

Ponds and water are great sensory discovery zones.

A child can wade in the waters of a pond, explore the mud between their fingers, listen to the calls of frogs, see dragonflies exhibit a multitude of behaviors and feel the sunshine on their face. Ponds are great for teaching children about wildlife and the different stages of the life-cycle of small creatures such as frogs as they unfold in natural surroundings. True reality entertainment.

Let's start with what defines a pond.

Ponds are quiet bodies of water so shallow that rooted plants grow completely across it. A pond's bottom is usually covered with mud and its water temperature is fairly uniform from top to bottom and there is very little wave action. Sounds like a good place to explore!

Just remember that not all ponds are created equal. Some ponds are created by streams— mountain-stream ponds. Others are created intentionally such as farm ponds There are also mountain ponds, formed by glaciers, cypress ponds and bog ponds. You can learn a ton about your local pond together with your child. 

First, make sure you head out prepared.

Bring a bucket for sampling, a water scope, a net for catching swimming or flying critters. Whether your child prefers to head in with their bare feet for a truly sensory experience or wear water shoes, warn them that ponds can be slippery places! Rocks, mud, algae, and grass combine to create quite the slippery formula. And a child can drown in just a few inches of water so be vigilant. Always keep an eye on your child when exploring ponds. Be sure to check the wading area for slippery or sharp rocks and drop-offs. 

When you first get to the pond, walk around it and take it in together.

Once you’ve done a walkaround, ask your child to find their own observation spot and have them spend a few minutes just watching. It can be anywhere they choose. Make sure they are within your eyesight.  Don’t give them species to focus on or behaviors to look for. Just have them take in the big picture. Ask them to practice silent observation by keeping their movements small and their voices quiet. 

After a few minutes of big picture observation, start zooming in on activity or critter that caught their eye. Ask your child to focus on one thing they noticed and tune into it. What is it? How is it using the pond? Who is it interacting with? What does it do in the pond? What does it eat or where does it shelter?
It’s amazing that the world right outside your home is full of opportunities for your baby to learn. All throughout the year, nature—even in a busy city—offers new colors, textures, scents, and shapes for your baby to experience. Take a stroll around the neighborhood or explore at a local pond with your baby, enjoy the fresh air, and collect some natural souvenirs for an outdoor treasure box.

If you have an adventurous child, encourage them to engage more of their senses by experiencing the water, mud or get closer to the sounds of the pond. Ask them what they would like to touch: the fuzziness of a cattail, the gooeyness of mud, the sliminess of an algae-covered rock. Be sure to help them understand how to touch the parts of the pond they are interested in without disturbing the environment or hurting any creatures. 

If your child really wants a full-on sensory experience, let them wade into the pond. This is a great way for them to experience how the water temperature, while fairly consistent, does range from bottom to top with the colder, denser water settling at the bottom while the warmer water is at the top. Ask them if they can feel this on their own?  

Another fun experience is to feel the bottom of the pond on their feet. As most ponds have a muddy bottom, this should feel good. But there are likely to be plants, some rocks and even some critters like snails and sponges down there. If they are intrepid, have them reach in and pick up some mud from the bottom. Bear in mind that some ponds can have jagged rocks on their bottom and some might have leeches in them. Leeches are found in shallow protected waters and are most active on hot summer days and at night. This nuisance critters are drawn to disturbances in the water near docks and swim beaches. To avoid leeches, swim in deeper waters off docks and floats. Leeches are mostly found in organic sediments or debris, so try to avoid these areas if leeches are known to be in the pond.

Pond water is a world onto itself! Have your child use their bucket to take a sample of the pond water and peer inside to see what they caught. It could be small fish, plants tadpoles, insects, or a whole lot of murky water. A butterfly or fishing net is also a great way to catch critters in the water or the air around a pond.  Butterflies, dragonflies, and water insects love to refresh, eat, and drink on the water of a pond. Chasing these critters on the shore of the pond is a fun challenge for kids and one that not enough kids get to experience. Be sure they learn to be gentle when catching their critter. Once they take a gentle look, noticing the parts of the insect as well as its colors and patterns up close, help your child release the critter safely.

Let your and your child's imagination run wild as you explore this fascinating ecosystem together. Here are some more ideas for having fun exploring nature at a pond! Exploring ponds with kids isn’t limited to the water. A butterfly net can help you capture amazing creatures such as dragonflies, butterflies, and other flying insects, as well as water insects. Chasing a flying insect is a great hand-eye coordination activity—plus, it’s just fun! And when my children do manage to catch a butterfly or damselfly, they love to examine their vibrant colors and fragile wings. Every creature is so unique and beautiful.

Fun Things to do or tell your baby about the water

 Find as many pond critters as you can with a Pond Scavenger Hunt.
Our free downloadable printable is here to help!

Observe dragonflies. Dragonflies are also called Mosquito Hawks or Devil’s Darning Needles. If you think there is just one species of dragonfly, think again! There are around 400 species of dragonflies in North America alone. 

Scout turtles. 

Turtles are pond lovers. They bask on rocks and logs to fill their body with warming energy. They scavenge dead animal and plant material and remove diseased or weakened fish, contributing to improved water quality and fish population health. In the spring, baby turtles (just tiny, mini versions of the big guys) are an absolute delight to find. Some aquatic turtles can absorb oxygen through the skin on their neck allowing them to remain submerged underwater for extended periods of time and enabling them to hibernate underwater. Look for turtle heads popping out the surface of the pond’s water. The soft-shelled turtle uses its long tip nose and nostrils like a snorkel to breathe underwater.

Look for and listen to frogs.

Explore Water Lilies. 

Why do they float? What lies beneath the surface? How do animals use them?  Learn more at home. Then, go Monet & create a masterpiece of your own.

Go fishing.

Aim for an early morning or evening casting time, when the fish are most active. You also need to make sure you're courting them with what they want. Pond fish are attracted to sink worms, jigs, and shallow crankbaits. If you know your pond is full of catfish remember to add catfish-specific bait to your tackle box! When pond fishing with beginners or kids, it's best to bring along live baits. Night crawlers, minnows, crickets, and waxworms will attract several fish species in a pond. These live baits can be rigged on hooks in sizes from 8 to 4 depending on the size of the fish species you are targeting.

Hope was taught to fish almost as soon as she could hold the fishing pole. By age three she was baiting her own hooks and pulling in her own fish. She loved it. The photo above is her reeling in her first trout in Colorado Springs. My family lives in the Finger Lake area so my grandfather taught all his grandchildren and great grandchildren how to hunt and fish. Those lessons included some of his own wonderful and wild fish tales. LOL They were fascinating. 😊More information on Pond fishing

 Bring along a water scope, or underwater viewer.

Ponds are home to many animals, plants and organisms, such as frogs, different types of fish, algae and amoeba. In fact, most plants and animals can’t survive without freshwater biomes. Water scopes allow us to have the opportunity to discover the world below the surface of ponds. We bought the Educational Insights one. probably when Hope was two. She still has the smaller piece at age 24. You can buy one or make one using these instructions here.

Make one of these handy tools by sealing a piece of glass in a bottomless bucket or water-proofed box. 

Feed fish.

Pond fish eat algae and other beneficial bacteria off the rocks and gravel in your pond. Wild koi (also known as the common carp, the domesticated koi carp’s ancestor) will readily eat aquatic insects, flies, algae, smaller fish, plants like water lily and water lettuce, snails, and frogs. Other pond fish are opportunistic feeders and will happily eat all sorts of plants and animals if they’re small enough to swallow! Although it’s not necessary, it can be fun to give your fish a summer snack from time to time. Pond fish will enjoy a little watermelon, orange slices, peas, and even Honey Nut Cheerios.

 Make a magic wand out of cattails. 

Feed waterbirds. The age-old debate is whether it’s safe to give birds a snack to birds or not. In fact, bread is not the best food to give waterfowl as it fills them up without giving them the nutrients they need. Bird experts recommend small amounts of grain such as wheat, corn or bird seed, plus fresh chopped greens like cabbage or spinach, as these will supplement the birds’ natural diet and help provide the birds with the necessary nutrients to keep them healthy.

Making a Water Scope

A water scope allows you to see more clearly into the murky waters of a pond or stream. We are very fortunate to have a creek behind our house, and the boys LOVE to go back there and catch minnows and frogs. I wasn’t sure that I really wanted to see more clearly into the murky water (since there are snakes! eeek!), but we decided to give it a try!

To make one, you will need:

• An empty plastic container. We used a Powerade bottle, but a large yogurt container would work better.

• A rubber band

• Plastic wrap

• A utility knife

Cut the bottom off of whatever container you’re using. This will be the window into the water. Since we were using a bottle, we cut the top off too.

Then, cover the bottom end with plastic wrap. Fasten it on with a rubber band. You want the plastic wrap to go up pretty high on the container, because water will leak in if the container is submerged above the rubber band.

Then you’re ready to explore!

The water scope eliminates glare on the surface of the water, and you can get a much better look at what is down there! It’s hard to tell because of all the glare in this picture, but the water scope really did work well.

Playing On Shore

Some of my fondest memories as a child are of playing in creeks with my sisters and brother and other neighbors. We could spend hours playing, exploring, learning, and cooling down on a hot day. We were late for dinner all the time – sorry mom. Our creek was a treat to play in and take a picnic lunch for a longer visit. It was down at the bottom of a treacherous hill on a dirt road. So we were much older when we were allowed to go by ourselves.

There’s something special about the water, moss, rocks, small creatures, and plant life that you find in and near creeks. Something magical that is different from any other shore. There is so much to find, explore and do that the hours will fly by like minutes.

Find places to snuggle or just connect with your kids outside. 

Every inch that we explore with babies is all new to them.  Warm like a blanket, your hugs envelope your baby in the safety and security of your arms where they feel the love you can't tell them yet, but they can feel brimming from your heart. This is the beginning of them knowing they can rely on you, to trust that you will be there for them. An added bonus is when you spot a hummingbird, a butterfly, or a cute rabbit while you’re there.

Make special hideouts for your littles. 

For some little ones being in a great big space may feel overwhelming.  Creating little hide outs, forts, or playhouses is a great way to keep baby feeling snug and secure in the natural environment. When my oldest was young, she and her cousin had “the digging yard,” which was a patch of dirt under the branches of an ancient forsythia bush where they took digging trucks and basically just dug things. Endless hours of fun!

Building special places for your kids