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Are you missing a connection to nature? Are you looking for natural science activities to keep kids engaged in learning? Our nature centre staff have put together a fantastic list of activities for the young and the young at heart. Even when we're social distancing and staying at home, a little creativity goes a long way to ensure we can still get a daily dose of Vitamin 'N' (Nature)!
We'd love to see and hear about the wonderful things you create and learn. Be sure to tag us on Facebook and Twitter.
Nature Crafting
Our nature centre staff not only have a deep love of the natural world, they're wonderfully creative, too. Here are three nature crafts you can do at home:
- Learn all about Ontario's spider species and make a friendly spider on a web (PDF). Fun fact: 203 different spider species have been identified in the Grand River watershed!
- Forage in your home and garden for materials to make a beautiful nature weaving piece of art (PDF).
- Collect natural materials such as stones and dried flowers to make a nature mobile to hang in your window (PDF).
Colour Me!
These four printable colouring pages (PDFs) feature creatures native to the Grand River watershed. Create some art and learn a little about the species, too.
Grand River Detective Challenge
Attention intermediate detectives: Click your way to discovery by answering a series of questions about the Grand River watershed, using our website. Sleuths who complete this challenge are promoted to Chief Detective! To start the challenge download the question sheet (PDF). (The answers can be found here (PDF).)
Read ALL the books
Reading is a tried and true way to escape, dream, learn, discover, and if you can't be in nature, why not read about it! Search for books on a topic that piques your interest: conservation, natural history, flora and fauna, rivers, forests and trees, inspirational, birdwatching, ecology, photography, environmentalism....
Tip: Check your local library's digital book selections.
Survival Challenge: Shelters
Imagine that you are an explorer trying to survive in the wilderness, using only the materials that nature provides. In a real survival situation, shelter is the most important priority, and with a bit of practice you can learn to build the perfect shelter to keep you warm and cozy. You will take lessons in shelter building from a certain shelter-building expert. (Hint: you've likely seen this animal in your own yard!) Download the activity (PDF) to learn how.
40 Ways to Connect with Nature in Your Backyard
Connecting with nature at home doesn't have to be difficult. It only takes a visit to your yard! Here's an inspired list of things you can do to connect with nature at home.
- Build your own bird's nest.
- With your family, make a plan to add wildlife-friendly features to your yard.
- Use a magnifying glass to explore your yard.
- Make your own nature 'perfume'. Fill a cup with things that smell good!
- Use markers to draw patterns on leaves.
...and 35 others! Download the list here (PDF).
A Dose of Vitamin 'N' - Indoor Version
Living in an apartment or condo with limited access to a yard? Here are seven activities that you can do inside to help bring nature indoors:
- Draw or paint your favourite plant, animal or landscape.
- Keep a nature journal of the seasonal changes and activity you see outside.
- Explore a new nature documentary or nature-based TV show.
- Learn a new bird call. Here is a great resource: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-to-learn-bird-songs-and-calls/
- Put your skills to the test and build a shelter for one of your stuffed animals.
- Make a diorama of your favourite nature landscape.
- Look out the window. Can you spot clouds shaped like different animals?
Frog Calls: More Than "Ribbit"! 
Spring is filled with many wonderful nature noises, and birds aren't the only ones making all the music. Frogs and toads make a symphony of music, too. Would you like to be able to identify a frog or toad by its call? Check out these great resources (PDF). You can also download a checklist of all the amphibian species that have been identified in the Grand River watershed. You'll be well on your way to becoming an expert.
Mapping Mania
Put on your cartographer's cap!
Did you know we have powerful mapping tools available on our website? And more, they are quite easy to use. Use our mapping tool, called Grand River Information Network (GRIN), to investigate your region, your city, and your neighbourhood. You'll even be able to take a look at images of your neighbourhood over time. Download the activity (PDF) here.
Tree Detective Challenge 
Attention detectives, we have an open case file and are hoping you can help.
Five trees have lost their names -- can you find them? Using our coniferous tree key and deciduous tree key, solve the case and give them back their names. Download the instructions and the mystery here. (The answer sheet is found here.) We are thankful to have dedicated detectives like you on the case!
Let's BEE Friends
Pollination is the transfer of pollen between and within flowers in order to produce seeds. Pollinators, such as bees, help transfer pollen. Did you know that about 1/3 of the food we eat comes from plants that produce seeds? That's just one reason pollinators are so important! Here are three online resources with great information and fun activites for learning about our buzzy bee friends:
- Check out this fun and fact-filled video by Hinterland Who’s Who about pollinators.
- Fantastic bee and pollinator crafts and activities for kids by the Edmonton Earth Trust.
- Here is a great selection of videos, easy to understand infographics, and lessons.
