Fun and Educational Garden Activities for Kids

Make a terrarium

Making a terrarium is a fantastic way to teach your child how to care for plants and get creative. A terrarium is a small, enclosed garden that can be made from a variety of materials such as a glass jar or a plastic container. Your child can plant small plants and decorate the terrarium with rocks and other small items.

 

Rock painting

Rock painting is an excellent way for your child to develop their creative skills. All you need are some rocks and a set of marker pens or paint pens. Once decorated, you can use the rocks to decorate your garden or hide them for someone else to find. This activity encourages creativity and imagination.

 

Grow sunflowers

Sunflowers are easy to plant, grow quickly, and are a great way to teach children about life cycles. You could save some of the seeds for next year and incorporate some maths learning by comparing and measuring the height of the plants. This activity is perfect for teaching responsibility and commitment.

 

Create a bug house

Creating a bug house is an excellent way for your child to get creative and learn about minibeasts. Your child can follow the instructions themselves or with some help. A bug house is a great way to teach your child about the environment and the importance of protecting wildlife.

 

Thumbprint flowerpot

All you need is a plain terracotta flowerpot and some paint.  Again, your child can get creative with their thumbprint creations – it could become a butterfly, an ant, a bumblebee or a flower… the possibilities are endless.   And then, you can pot up some plants and teach your child about what plants need to grow (as well as learning the science, you will also be teaching your child about responsibility and commitment).  

 

Make a bird feeder

It is important that we teach children how to care for wildlife; by creating a bird feeder you are not only doing this, but also encouraging them to really take note of their surroundings – it’s a good opportunity to talk about what kind of animals, insects and birds visit your garden.  Perhaps you could keep a tally of the different things that you see (great for observational skills).  This activity is also good for developing your child’s ability to follow instructions.  

 

Grow plants from food scraps

Did you know that some of your food waste could actually grow into a plant?  This activity is good for developing your child’s ability to investigate and test out a hypothesis.  Which food scraps will actually grow into a new plant? It will also encourage them to use their observational skills and could also practice recording skills. There is lots of scope for learning in this simple gardening activity. 

 

Water bottle wind spirals

Creating Water bottle wind spirals is another crafty activity that is good for developing pen and scissor control (and it is a good way of recycling old water bottles). Children will love watching their creations dance in the wind.   

 

An eggshell succulent garden

An eggshell succulent garden is another brilliant way to teach children about caring for plants. Growing and looking after plants also teaches children about responsibility and commitment. With this activity, your child can learn about how to grow and care for succulent plants in a fun and creative way.

 

In conclusion, gardening is an excellent way to teach children new skills and have fun at the same time. These activities are not only fun and educational but also an excellent way to spend time with your child and to bond over a common interest.