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

Scientists have documented huge stores of pine cones and nuts stored underground or in hollow trees, up to eighteen thousand items in total. What animal gathered this food to put it aside for later? Click here to read more about this fascinating animal.

Play with your food

Food comes in such vibrant colors and interesting shapes and textures. It’s great for arranging and building with! And after you’re done, you have a ready-made snack!

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Wilson’s Cove Trail chapter of the Junior Ranger Activity Book

The Junior Ranger Activity Book includes engaging science content, activity ideas and trail maps! It’s a great resource to learn about and explore nature and get outdoors, even if you don’t live near Harpswell. The book was created by Emma Levy, who was a high school senior when she wrote it. Click here for more about the book.

You can download the entire book, chapter by chapter, from our outdoor activity ideas posts.

Click here for the Wilson’s Cove Trail chapter of the book, which focuses on signs of animals. Check out the introductory section of the book for instructions on how to complete the diy treasure hunt.

If you would like a physical copy of the whole book, you can order it on our website for just $8 + shipping. Click here to order.