Indoor nature projects can be a great fun, especially when you’re stuck inside on one of those bitterly cold days. Or maybe it’s raining so hard that even the ducks have packed it in for the day?
No worries!
You can still bring the natural world indoors and keep your little nature explorers engaged with fun activities. With a few simple materials, you can turn any room into an indoor nature adventure—without having to venture out into the miserable weather.
In this post, we’ll cover some indoor nature projects that’ll keep your kids connected to nature, even when stepping outside just isn’t an option.
You do need to think ahead, next time you are out and about, take a bag with you and start collecting sticks, rocks, acorns, pinecones and any other interesting nature bits – you can squirrel them away to use at a later date.
Create a Nature-Inspired Sensory Bin
These are often touted as being Montessori, they are not, they only became popular in the last 10 years or so.
I admit, I am on the fence with sensory bins, yes they look like a lot of fun, but they also look like a lot of cleanup too. Something like coloured rice in a sensory bin can be a nightmare to clean up, and there is the added layer of food wastage. But using larger objects or being more disconcerting in what you add to it can make a big difference.
These bins offer an easy, fun way for kids to explore textures, smells, and colours, all inspired by the outdoors.
For a nature-themed sensory bin, start by gathering items like leaves, pinecones, small stones, and even some indoor plants. You can also sprinkle in some bird feathers, bark, or acorns. Want to get extra creative? Add a few drops of essential oils that mimic nature smells, like lavender or eucalyptus, for a full sensory experience.
Add some animal tracks stamps, a magnifying glass for close-up inspections, and let the fun begin.
This is a great idea for open-ended play and it helps them stay connected to the natural environment, even when you’re stuck inside.
Grow Your Own Indoor Plants or Carnivorous Plants
Indoor plants are an easy way to bring the outdoors in. Plus, they come with some serious health benefits like purifying the air. Why not get the kids involved in growing their own indoor garden?
One of the most exciting indoor nature activities for kids is growing carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps. These amazing plants fascinate kids (and adults)!
If you are not naturally good with plants, succulents are an easy way to start and there are some many fun varieties to choose from.
You could also start with simple herbs or flowering plants. Teach them how plants grow, let them water the plants, and watch the magic unfold. If you have older kids, you could dive deeper into understanding how different plants thrive and maybe even different trees too.
Pro tip: If you’re feeling extra adventurous, turn the process into a learning opportunity with a nature journal. Have your child document the growth of their plants, sketching and noting the changes they observe each week.
Nature Walk Indoors (Yes, It’s Possible!)
Can’t get out for a nature walk? No problem! Bring nature walk indoors. The goal is to make this as close to an outdoor activity as possible, but from the comfort of your living room.
Start by gathering natural objects like rocks, sticks, leaves, or shells that you’ve collected on previous walks. Lay them out in different stations around the house and make it into a treasure hunt.
With a magnifying glass in hand, your child can explore each item as if they’re in the great outdoors, observing textures, shapes, and colours up close. You can also talk about where each item comes from—whether it’s from a beach trip or a forest adventure.
To really immerse them, play some natural sounds in the background—like bird calls, the rustling of trees, or the sound of waves. This indoor activity offers the best part of a nature walk—minus the muddy boots!
Make an Indoor Nature Journal
One of the most wonderful ways to stay connected to nature is through documenting your child’s observations in a nature journal. Even though you’re indoors, there’s plenty to write and draw about!
Set up a cosy space with coloured pencils, markers, or paints. Encourage your child to write about the plants you’re growing, the natural elements they’ve explored, or the indoor nature activities they’ve done. They could even sketch the various leaves, flowers, or rocks they’ve come across during family walks. Older kids can research different trees or animals they’re interested in and document what they’ve learned in their journal.
Keeping a nature journal is a great way to spark curiosity about the natural world and to give your child a fun, creative outlet for their observations.
If you have birds or other animals like squirrels, visit your garden. You could journal about those too, choose one and learn all about it.
Create a Nature-Inspired Art Project
Art time meets nature with this one! Gather some natural objects—think leaves, flowers, twigs, or even sand—and create nature-inspired art. Glue the items to paper, try weaving or creating leaf crowns or paint rocks as a family activity.
You can also use glass jars to create mini nature scenes, complete with moss, small stones, and tiny figurines. This indoor activity is perfect for sparking creativity while keeping the kids busy.
Explore the Sounds of Nature Indoors
Bring the sounds of nature inside with a bit of tech. You can find apps, YouTube videos, or music playlists that mimic the sounds of forests, oceans, or birds.
Turn it into a listening game:
Ask your kids to close their eyes and guess what part of nature they’re hearing. Is it a waterfall? Birds chirping? Wind rustling the leaves?
Pair this with a nature play activity like crafting with natural elements, and you’ve got a sensory-rich way to experience nature indoors. It’s also a great time to explain the importance of nature to your child. Even when they can’t be outside, they can still feel connected to the world around them.
Indoor Animal Track Discovery
For an indoor nature activity that’s part science, part fun, try creating your own animal tracks! You can use clay or salt dough to make imprints of animal feet or use plastic animal toys to stamp tracks into the dough.
Once the tracks are dry, let your child examine them with a magnifying glass. You can even make it a game by asking them to match the track to the right animal.
This is also a fun way to sneak in some learning—talk about where these animals live, what they eat, and how they survive in the wild. And if you have older kids, dive into discussions about how scientists use animal tracks to study wildlife.
Nature-Inspired Story Time
Even if you can’t be outside, you can still celebrate the natural environment with a cosy nature-themed story time. Gather your family members, make some hot cocoa, and dive into books about forests, animals, and the great outdoors.
Look for books that inspire curiosity about the natural world, and afterwards, discuss what they learned or what sparked their imagination.
Alternatively, watch a documentary about an animal or part of the world that sparks curiosity. If you have the 193 Little Adventures pack to Ecuador, you could watch something about the Galapagos or use the Costa Rica pack with rainforests or the Tanzania pack with The Great Migration.
If you’re not a 193 Little Adventures Club member, you can find the packs available in the shop.
Why Indoor Nature Projects Matter
Nature play doesn’t have to stop just because you’re indoors. These indoor nature activities bring the positive effects of nature right into your home, helping your child stay connected to the world around them. And the best part? You can all enjoy it together, without having to brave the rain or bitter cold. Plus, there’s nothing like the health benefits of being surrounded by nature—even if it’s inside!
So, whether you’re crafting, growing indoor plants, or creating animal tracks, these activities are a great way to bring the outdoors in and make sure your kids are still exploring, learning, and having so much fun.
Ready for more activities and ideas? Sign up for the 193 Club Library today and discover endless ways to keep your little ones entertained and learning, indoors or out!
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Jo Ebisujima is a Montessori best-selling author and a dedicated guide for moms looking to balance passion with productivity. With years of experience as a Montessori educator and consultant, she specializes in helping families implement the Montessori philosophy at home through her books and the Wonder Mom Success Club. She is also the founder of the 193 Little Adventures Club, a global exploration program for curious kids. Jo is on a mission to help moms build businesses that revolve around their families, making learning and life a fun, structured adventure.