The great outdoors can teach us so much, not only about the world we live in, but about ourselves too. And at a time when children are spending more and more time inside and on screens than ever before, we’ve got some handy tips to pry them away from the iPad and out into nature.

Grow your own (or pick your own!)

Planting a vegetable patch is a wonderful way to tech your kids where food comes from – and ensures their diet is pesticide-free. And creating one isn’t as complicated, expensive, or as arduous as it sounds. Firstly, you’ll want to decide on the best patch for your patch. It should have access to essential elements such as sufficient light, space, shade etc. Plants and veggies which grow well in the summer need to be planted in warm soil, and a polytunnel can help to create the right atmosphere for a flourishing yield. Next sow your seeds and watch them grow!

Of course, if you don’t have a garden or access to an outdoor area, even heading to your nearest “pick your own” is a great way for the kids to see where food comes from – and sample the delicious and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Go on a nature hunt

Children love the idea of adventure, so why not turn your walk into a nature hunt? Create some bingo cards with pictures (or words) of things you might see on your walk. This can be anything from a ladybird to an oak tree, a large rock to a dog in a jumper – let your imagination run wild, and let your kids get creative.

Then when you’re out and about you can tick off all the things you see, and the first one to find everything gets a prize! You can find your nearest nature reserve, explore some woodland or even go to the local park.

Build a den

Is there anything more exciting than building a den? Whether you fashion one from old sheets and a washing line, or you build a treehouse at the bottom of the garden, having an outside den will ensure your little ones spend time outside.

Allow them to collect the materials and if it’s safe for them to do so they can help build it too.

Go camping

Perhaps the most quintessential thing you can do to really enjoy the great outdoors is go camping. Whether you head to the coast or the dales, or just your own backyard, camping is a great way to get the kids involved in nature. Even washing-up at a wash block feels like fun! Not to mention most campsites have plenty of outdoor space to play, run, and make plenty of noise!