Indoor nature studies are a great way to keep your kids connected with nature, even then they’re stuck inside.
Although we always want to encourage kids to get outside and connect with nature, there are times when they aren’t able to. Whether it’s weather (too hot, too cold, too dangerous), illness or lack of mobility, sometimes kids just need to stay indoors.
Here is a list of five easy indoor nature studies to keep your kids connected to nature and remind them that the outdoors isn’t that far away! Nature can still be observed and appreciated, even if through a pane of glass.
Indoor Nature Studies
1. weather report
Keep a running log of the weather that you observe from your window.
Decide how frequently you’ll record the weather and if you’ll do it at the same time(s) each day.
Make your own worksheet or use our printable weather journal.
Possible fields include:
- sunshine
- clouds
- precipitation
- wind
- high/low temperatures
- sunrise and sunset
- weather predictions for tomorrow
2. bird watching
Do some initial research to find out what birds are common in your area. Then keep a running list of the birds that you see and the activities that you see them doing.
If you’re not able to identify the bird, write down some obvious characteristics and test out a birding app (such as Merlin Bird ID). If you have a birdfeeder, observe the birds that visit the feeder and note the repeat customers.
Hang a birdfeeder at your window! You can either get a birdfeeder with clear walls or a suet feeder, both of which allow you to see the birds. Attach them to the outside of your window with strong suction cups.
Both this feeder and this feeder have been named “best window birdfeeder”, have all clear walls, feed trays and are easy to clean. This simple suet feeder also attaches to the window using suction cups and allows great viewing of hungry birds.
* This site is reader-supported. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
3. I Spy
Stand at a window and play a game of “I spy” with a family member. Choose only things you see in nature.
Challenge yourselves to include three different descriptors each time you spy something. These could include:
- color (yellow, red, brown, bright, dull)
- size (smaller than my hand, taller than me, bigger than a car)
- distance (far away, within reach)
- texture (soft, prickly, rough, velvety)
- sound (loud, soft, melodious, regular pattern, etc.)
- pattern (striped, spotted)
4. wildlife observations
Think about any wildlife that you can observe from your windows.
Do you regularly see squirrels? chipmunks? ants? deer? bees? spiders?
Describe what you see them doing. Are they eating? playing? chasing? flying?
Make up your own journal / worksheet. Possible fields include:
- name of animal
- picture of animal
- what it was doing
- where I spotted it
- what I think it’s going to do next
5. scavenger hunt
Design your own scavenger hunt! Scavenger hunts are a great way to hone your observation skills and make new discoveries in nature.
Make a list of things you expect to see out your window and add a few things that might be rare sightings. Use our scavenger hunt builder or make your own!
A few suggestions to get you started:
- an evergreen tree
- clouds
- a pinecone
- something [insert color]
- a bird’s nest
- wind in the trees
- a bird in flight
- a weed
- an insect
- a small animal
Draw pictures to decorate!
You can also make a scavenger hunt designed for your next outdoor adventure.
When we need to stay inside (for one reason or another), we can still keep our kids connected with nature through these indoor nature studies. Observe, record, and stay just a pane of glass away from the great outdoors!
Bonus activities:
- nature suncatchers by Little Pine Learners
- make a pinecone birdfeeder
- play sink or float with nature loose parts (acorns, rocks, sticks, leaves, etc.)
Helpful tools:
