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

This large animal (up to 1,750 pounds!) can eat 75 pounds of food every day! Today’s mystery animal is also a strong swimmer. Click here to read more about this fascinating animal.

Phenology study

One of my favorite series of lessons I lead for Harpswell Community School students is our second grade spring phenology unit. (Boy, do I miss teaching these kids in person). Phenology is the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena—basically, the study of seasonal changes. This is such a wonderful time of year to watch spring unfold!

Encouraging kids to collect and analyze data combines science, writing and math. It encourages kids to notice, make predictions and recognize patterns.

I encourage you to download the simple worksheet below and to try to make this a part of your weekly schedule. It’ll take no more than 15-20 minutes each time, and having regular data allows you to really see the changes.