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 tree looks like an evergreen but sheds its “needles” every fall after they turn a lovely gold color? Click here to read more about this beautiful tree.

Making music in nature

There are many opportunities to make music in nature. Here are some ideas!

• One of the simplest ways to make music is to cut a dowel into two drumsticks (or use sticks). Observe how the sound changes when you drum on different materials.
• Find two matching mussel shells. Put sand or pebbles inside and hot glue them together to make a shaker.
• Cut some straight branches or saplings 1-2 inches in diameter and 12-24 inches long. Drill a hole through the branch close to the top. Put a loop of rope through the hole to hang the branch upright. You’ve made a wind chime. Make a few more and play them with sticks.
• Bang rocks/shells/sticks together.