Outdoor activity ideas and inspiration

From mid-March to the end of May 2020, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT) posted a simple outdoor activity idea and nature riddle for kids every weekday. Some days we also posted other resources, like downloadable chapters of the Junior Ranger Activity Book.

Created to support parents who found themselves homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic, these activity ideas are a great jumping off point for any outdoor adventure. Click here for a list with links to all 50 activity ideas.

Nature riddle

What is the only marsupial on our continent—a cousin of the kangaroo, koala and wombat in Australia? Marsupials have dual wombs and a special pouch called a marsupium for rearing their helpless young. This animal also has a long tail that comes in handy for balance and can be used for hanging from a limb. Click here for the answer and to read more about this interesting creature.

Watch the birds

The best time of the year for watching birds is coming up soon! Birding is a great way to spend time outdoors in your own backyard and neighborhood.

Luckily there’s a great smartphone app to help you learn your birds. Check out Merlin, which was created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. You can go through the bird ID wizard or you can identify a bird from a photo. You can also listen to birds’ calls on the app, which is another great way to learn to identify birds.

Even if you don’t have binoculars or don’t want to focus on bird identification, it can still be calming and fascinating to simply watch bird behavior. Do it outdoors and you also get the benefits of the fresh air, sunshine and exercise!