April 2, 2020 at 3:45 pm
By Education and Outreach Supervisor Laura Craver-Rogers
We find ourselves facing challenging and unsettling times, but we are all in this together. We have gathered a few fun, simple activities for you and your family to do in your home, in your backyard, or at a nearby, low-trafficked trail. Please remember you don’t need to be a nature whiz to appreciate wildlife, fresh air, or to teach your kids something new and exciting outside.
Choose an activity below or visit the Educational Tools & Activities section of our website:
1.Enjoy the Messing Around in the Maine Outdoors Activity Book (PDF)
Download this booklet for Maine-inspired coloring sheets, word searches, puzzles, and more!
2. Start a Nature Notebook or Try Sound Mapping
Activities like Keeping a Nature Notebook or Sound Mapping are wonderful ways to practice using your senses in any outdoor setting. Urban or rural nature is still nature, and it is best when done away from groups of people. Download an animal track poster in case you see any tracks!
Tip: Encourage your child(ren) to start or end their day by spending 15 minutes outside or near a window writing about the nature they see.
3. Build a Bird Nest
This Nest is a Mess is a fun hands-on activity that can be done together or solo, inside or outside! Put your nest to the test by seeing if it can hold a rock “egg.”
4. Spend Time in Your Backyard
Do something you normally do inside, outside! Read a book, eat lunch, do homework, or play a game. Time spent outside is meant to be fun and relaxing, so find a spot and simply enjoy your time. Learn more about how to safely spend time outside
5. Go Fishing!
To find a fishing spot close to home, use the Fishing Laws Online Angling Tool (FLOAT). You don't need to be a professional to have fun fishing:
The water is very cold, please wear a life jacket!
6. Take a Virtual Tour of the Maine Wildlife Park
Click here to take a virtual tour of the Maine Wildlife Park!
7. Participate in a Citizen Science Project
Try bird watching, no tools required, though binoculars can help. You can even help contribute to scientific research as you spend time outside through citizen science projects, such as the Bird Atlas, which help monitor different types of wildlife in Maine.
For additional downloadable activities, worksheets, coloring sheets, and educational posters, please visit our website.