There’s something magical about watching your child light up when they spot a butterfly, follow an ant trail, or hear a kookaburra laugh. Nature is full of everyday wonders - especially for curious little explorers - and here at Kids Academy, we’re big believers in turning those moments into meaningful learning.
Whether you live in a suburban neighbourhood, regional town, or bustling city fringe, there are plenty of ways to connect with nature and support local wildlife. You don’t need a big backyard or fancy gear - just a bit of curiosity and some fresh air.
Here are a few easy, family-friendly ways to make the most of your outdoor time and help local creatures thrive.
1. Build a Bee Hotel
Native bees are gentle, fascinating, and incredible pollinators. Invite them into your outdoor space with a homemade bee hotel! All you need is a small tin can or jar, filled with bamboo sticks, paper straws, or rolled-up cardboard. Let your child decorate the outside with stickers or paint, then find a sunny, sheltered spot to place it. Watching the bees come and go can spark beautiful conversations about pollination and the tiny creatures that help our environment flourish.
2. Grow a Garden for Pollinators
Whether you’ve got a courtyard, balcony, or front lawn, planting native flowers is a simple way to brighten your space and attract bees and butterflies. Choose vibrant options like kangaroo paw, bottlebrush, or grevillea, and let your little one take the lead on digging, watering, and watching it grow.
Tip: Place your Bee Hotel nearby to give the bees easy access to nectar-rich blooms.
3. Create a Lizard Lounge
Some quiet sunlit corners can become the perfect rest stop for local lizards. Stack a few warm rocks, add some dry leaves, and place a log nearby. Your child will love checking in to see if any shiny, scaly visitors have arrived. This peaceful activity encourages patience, observation, and a sense of respect for all creatures - big and small.
4. Make a Bird Feeder
Birdwatching can be a joyful part of your family’s day. Help your child make a bird feeder using a pinecone rolled in peanut butter or honey, then coated in birdseed. Hang it from a tree branch or balcony railing and watch the visitors arrive. From vibrant lorikeets to cheeky magpies, your child can enjoy spotting different birds and maybe even start a bird-spotting journal with drawings and notes.
5. Go on a Backyard Bug Hunt
You don’t need to travel far to find adventure - your backyard, local park, or even the footpath can be a thriving micro-world of tiny creatures. Put on your explorer hats and head out for a slow, mindful nature walk. Look under logs, behind garden pots, or along fences to see who’s hiding. From beetles and butterflies to snails and spiders, your child will learn to appreciate the little things that make our ecosystems tick.
Why These Moments Matter
These simple activities do more than fill the afternoon. They build empathy, encourage curiosity, and strengthen your child’s connection to the natural world. Small moments - like spotting a lizard, planting a butterfly-friendly flower, or hanging a handmade bird feeder - help shape how children care for the world around them.
At Kids Academy, we nurture this same sense of wonder and responsibility every day. Through our play-based curriculum and nature-inspired experiences, children develop a lifelong appreciation for wildlife, sustainability, and their role in protecting the planet.
Want to see how we explore nature at Kids Academy?
Book a tour at your local centre and discover how we support curious little minds and wild-hearted learning.