Since the mid-1990s, we have worked with contributors throughout Iowa to compile a list of nature-based outdoor inquiry activities for children ages 0-6. All activities are correlated to the Iowa Early Learning Standards 2012 and were reviewed by the Iowa Association of Young Children for being developmentally appropriate and incorporating a variety of learning styles. Activities range from songs about birds to making creature cupcakes to creating craft projects with leaves to playing a game to learn the roles of bees.
Please note the groups or individuals that originally developed the activity may no longer be in that same role or with the agency listed.
These activities have been divided into six categories. Click below to explore.
We want to hear from you!
We also encourage early childhood educators to send nature-based outdoor inquiry activities that have worked in your classroom or at home to us at exec@kindernature.org. We’ll review them and give you credit on the website.