Why you should go out with kids now and what you can learn about plants

The holidays are in full swing and many parents are wondering how to make this time meaningful and fun for their children. Instead of spending your days in crowded amusement parks or in front of screens, we would like to present you with an alternative idea: a holiday program in nature.

The benefits of nature experiences for children

Nature offers countless opportunities to learn through play and experience adventures. Fresh air and exercise support physical and mental health. In nature, children can give free rein to their imagination and become creative. Experiences in nature promote understanding of the environment, have a calming effect and help reduce the stress of everyday life.

Exciting activities in nature

To make the holiday program varied and educational, numerous activities are planned that transmit knowledge of plants in a playful way.

1. Herbal excursion

Go on a herbal hike with the kids. Research wild herbs and explain their benefits and properties. Armed with a small identification booklet or an app, children can find out for themselves which plants they have found.

2. Keep a plant diary

Ask the children to keep a plant journal. They can collect plants, press them and write or draw their findings. This not only promotes plant knowledge, but also writing and drawing skills.

3. Naturbingo

Create a natural tombola with different plants and animals that children can find during a walk in the forest. This makes the walk exciting and educational.

4. Build an insect hotel

Build an insect hotel together and find out which plants and materials attract insects. This promotes understanding of the importance of insects in our ecosystem.

5. Herbal cooking study

Gather edible wild herbs together and use them to prepare simple dishes. This can range from a delicious herbal quark to a homemade herbal tea. This way children learn how to use nature sustainably.

1. Plantain and plantain cough syrup
   • This recipe is ideal for teaching children about the healing powers of nature. Together with the children you can prepare a cough syrup with plantain and honey, which is not only healthy but also lasts for several months.
   • Plantain and Plantain Cough Syrup Recipe
2. Cough syrup made from onions and aromatic herbs
   • A simple recipe that shows children how to make natural cough syrup using onions, honey and herbs. It is quick to prepare and is ideal against colds.
   • Cough syrup made from onions and aromatic herbs
3. Wild herb salt
   • This recipe is perfect for showing children the variety of wild herbs. You can use the harvested herbs to make a delicious herbal salt, great for seasoning dishes.
   • Wild herb salt recipe
4. Seed balls for bees and insects
   • A creative project where children learn to make seed balls to help bees and insects. Combine craftsmanship with environmental awareness.
   • Seed balls recipe
5. Oatmeal biscuits
   • A simple and healthy oatmeal cookie recipe that requires only three ingredients. Ideal for preparing healthy snacks with children.
   • Oat biscuits recipe
6. Nettle quiche
   • An unusual recipe showing how to use nettle seeds in a delicious quiche. Children can learn how versatile and healthy wild plants can be.
   • Nettle quiche recipe
7. Wild herb waffles with Gundermann
   • This recipe for wild herb waffles is especially exciting for kids who love cooking and baking. Gundermann gives the waffles a unique flavor and teaches children the use of wild herbs.
   • Wild herb waffle recipe

These recipes not only offer delicious results, but also the opportunity to teach children about plants and nature in a fun way. Have fun discovering and trying together

In addition to this book there are also the Explorer cards a wonderful addition. These maps offer the possibility of embarking on a journey of discovery directly into nature and documenting the plants discovered directly on the map. This makes learning an exciting adventure! With these suggestions and recommendations, your nature holiday program will not only be exciting and varied, but also educational and healthy. Try it and experience unforgettable moments with your children outdoors in nature!

Conclusion

School holidays are a valuable opportunity for children to slow down, explore, and reconnect with the world around them. While modern entertainment often revolves around screens, games, and busy attractions, spending time in nature offers a refreshing and meaningful alternative. A holiday program outdoors allows children to experience freedom, curiosity, and creativity in ways that structured environments sometimes cannot provide. Whether in a forest, park, garden, or countryside trail, nature becomes a playground full of discovery.

Being outdoors stimulates children’s imagination and encourages active learning. Instead of passive entertainment, children can observe insects, collect leaves, build small shelters, or simply explore the landscape. These simple activities often spark curiosity about plants, animals, and natural processes. Such experiences help children develop a deeper understanding of the environment and foster respect for nature from an early age. At the same time, outdoor exploration supports physical health by encouraging movement, fresh air, and natural sunlight.

Nature also provides a calm and balanced atmosphere that benefits children’s emotional well-being. Away from noise, crowds, and digital distractions, they have the chance to relax and enjoy the rhythm of the natural world. Listening to birds, feeling the wind, or walking along a quiet trail can help children reduce stress and improve concentration. These peaceful moments can be especially valuable during the holidays, when children need a break from the structure of school routines.

Another important advantage of a nature-based holiday program is the opportunity for family bonding. Parents and children can share meaningful experiences together, whether it is preparing a picnic, planting something in a garden, or exploring a new trail. These shared activities often create lasting memories that children carry with them long after the holidays are over. Simple outdoor adventures can strengthen family connections and remind everyone that meaningful moments do not require expensive attractions or elaborate plans.

Ultimately, choosing nature as part of a holiday program offers children a chance to grow, learn, and enjoy themselves in a healthy and inspiring environment. The natural world provides endless opportunities for creativity, discovery, and relaxation. By encouraging children to spend more time outdoors, parents can help them develop curiosity, resilience, and appreciation for the beauty around them. In this way, holidays become not just a break from school, but a valuable time for exploration, learning, and joyful experiences in nature. 🌿