From the cheerful chatter of birds at sunrise to the rustle of leaves as a lizard scurries by, nature offers endless little wonders - especially when you’re seeing the world through your child’s eyes. Whether you’re nestled in a quiet country town, by the coast, or in a leafy suburb, there’s so much wildlife waiting to be noticed, loved, and protected.
At Aussie Kindies, we know that some of the most meaningful learning happens with dirt on your hands, sun on your shoulders, and a heart full of curiosity. These simple, joyful nature activities invite your child to slow down, tune in, and connect with the world around them - and they’re just as fun for grown-ups too.
Build a Bee Hotel
Imagine your child creating a cosy hotel just for bees - how sweet is that? All it takes is a recycled tin can or jar, some bamboo sticks or paper straws, and a little creativity. Let your little one decorate their Bee B&B with paint, stickers, or twine, then place it somewhere warm and sheltered. Watching gentle native bees buzz in and out of their handmade “rooms” is both fascinating and calming - and a perfect way to learn about the tiny heroes of pollination.
Grow a Garden for Pollinators
Turn a patch of earth - or even a few pots on the patio - into a colourful oasis buzzing with life. Choose native flowers like grevillea, kangaroo paw, or bottlebrush, and invite your child to dig, plant, and water. Talk about how roots drink, how petals open to the sun, and how butterflies and bees find their way to the blossoms.
Extra tip: Pop your Bee Hotel close by so your new garden guests have a nectar buffet right on their doorstep.
Make a Lizard Lounge
Blue-tongue lizards and skinks love a quiet, sunny hideaway - and your child can create the perfect one. Stack a few flat, sun-warmed rocks, scatter dry leaves and bark, and maybe tuck in a log or two. Every day becomes an adventure as your little one creeps over, hoping to spot a shiny tail or hear the whisper of movement. It’s a peaceful way to nurture patience, gentleness, and awe.
Create a Homemade Bird Feeder
Few things delight children more than seeing birds flutter close. Make a feeder by rolling a pinecone in sticky peanut butter or honey, then coating it in birdseed. Hang it from a low tree branch or balcony and wait for the feathered visitors - rosellas, wrens, lorikeets, and maybe even a galah or two. Keep a nature notebook to draw what you see, or simply enjoy the quiet thrill of watching wildlife come to you.
Go on a Nature Treasure Hunt
Slip on some comfy shoes and set off on a backyard or bushland adventure. Bring a little basket and collect “nature treasures” - soft feathers, smooth stones, curled bark, or bright gum nuts. Lay them out and admire their shapes and textures, make nature-inspired art, or build a fairy garden. It’s a gentle, mindful way to explore the outdoors and spark creative play.
Why These Moments Matter
These beautiful, everyday activities are more than just fun. They’re how children learn to notice, to care, and to fall in love with the living world. Whether it’s the thrill of a bird landing on their feeder or the pride of seeing a bee in their handmade hotel, your child will be building empathy, wonder, and responsibility with every tiny creature they meet.
At Aussie Kindies, we bring this spirit of connection into every day. With outdoor play, hands-on learning, and a strong focus on sustainability, we guide children to become thoughtful caretakers of the world around them.
Ready to explore nature together?
Book a tour at your local Aussie Kindies Early Learning centre and discover how we turn small discoveries into big learning.