Tree Hunt

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  • August
  • Activities, Intermediate Years Deeper Activities, Middle Years Deeper Activities, Plants, Senior Years Deeper Activities, Summer

Materials Needed

  • Copy of Tree Hunt Guide
Tree Hunt Poster
Tree Hunt Guide

Size of Group

1-20

Age Range

6-18 years

How to:

This is an activity where you hunt for local trees to match a collection of photos.  For families in the Peterborough area, we’ve prepared a selection of notable trees in City parks.  For people living elsewhere, have a family member secretly prepare a collection of photos of nearby trees, and then have the family go out to search for the trees to match the photos.  See the Tree Hunt poster and guide for more detailed instructions.

Water Critters

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  • August
  • Activities, Early Years Deeper Activities, Insects, Intermediate Years Deeper Activities, Middle Years Deeper Activities, Senior Years Deeper Activities, Summer, Water

Materials Needed

  • Net or sieve
  • Bucket or basin
  • Small container for scooping
  • Magnifier (if available)
Water Critters Poster

Size of Group

1-10

Age Range

3-18 years

How to:

This is a fascinating activity that children love!  If you have access to a shallow waterway such as a stream or lake, try searching the sediments to see what creatures you can find.  The poster above gives you instructions on how to approach this discovery activity.  Be sure to keep the critters in water while you observe them, and return them unharmed to where you found them.

Nature Bracelets

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  • August
  • Activities, Arts, Early Years Quick Activities, Intermediate Years Quick Activities, Middle Years Quick Activities, Senior Years Quick Activities, Summer

Materials Needed

  • Duct Tape
  • A variety of natural items

Size of Group

any

Age Range

any

How to:

This simple activity can be the focus of a group walk anytime.  Give each participant a ‘bracelet’ of duct tape with the sticky side facing out.  While taking a walk around the neighbourhood, ask them to stick small found items onto their bracelet.  The results are different every time, and gets everyone looking and exploring.

Colour Walk

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  • August
  • Activities, Early Years Quick Activities, Intermediate Years Quick Activities, Middle Years Quick Activities, Summer

Materials Needed

  • Samples of colourful items from your walk
  • Camera
A World of Colour Poster

Size of Group

any

Age Range

2-12

How to:

Go on a colour walk with your family. Can you find an example of each of the rainbow colours in nature?  Take a picture of your 6 favourites. Afterwards, create a colourful piece of art using materials in nature.  For more variations, check out the World of Colour poster.

Cloud Watching

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  • August
  • Activities, Early Years Quick Activities, Intermediate Years Quick Activities, Middle Years Quick Activities, Senior Years Quick Activities, Summer

Materials Needed

  • No materials needed!
  • A sky with clouds
Cloud Watcher Poster

Size of Group

any

Age Range

any

How to:

This is a great family activity for summer.  Take some time to lay on your back, look up and watch the clouds. 

Are the clouds fluffy and white, or heavy and dark?  Do you see any shapes?  Can you spot an animal?  Make up a story about what you see.

This can be a good way to relax for parents and kids alike!

Rain Art

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  • August
  • Activities, Arts, Early Years Quick Activities, Middle Years Quick Activities, Summer

Materials Needed

  • Washable markers
  • White paper
  • A rainy day!
Rain Art Poster

Size of Group

any

Age Range

2-10

How to:

All you need is a rainy day, some washable markers and white paper.  Draw a picture or make some designs on the paper.

Take your pictures out into the rain and let the drops work their magic.  The colours will spread and mix with surprising results.  When you like the look of your art, take it inside to dry.