Seven ways to enjoy nature in winter by Group for the East End
Winter is a magical time to explore the wonders of nature on the North Fork. Spending time outdoors in the coldest of seasons teaches children resiliency and empathy, improves focus, inspires creativity, and deepens their connection to nature. With the right clothing and proper planning, families experience all winter has to offer with a sense of wonder and excitement!
Here are seven suggested winter activities for kids to do in nature by Jennifer Skilbred, Group for the East End’s Assistant Director of Environmental Education.
Through environmental education programs in schools, nature outings, and volunteer events, Group for the East End inspires children and adults to appreciate, respect, and protect all things natural on the East End. All year, Group for the East End leads family-friendly nature outings across the East End. Find upcoming events at thegroup.org./nature-outings.
Adapt to Winter as the Animals Do
To keep warm in the winter months, some animals, like deer, may grow fur, while others, like rabbits, store body fat. Encourage your child’s imagination by pretending to be animals as they put on all their layers to get ready for winter outdoor fun! Some North Fork animals, like woodchucks, hibernate in the winter, while others, like chipmunks, hibernate for short periods throughout, resting and saving energy. Can your child find a good hiding spot and prep for hibernation by lining an area under a bush with cozy leaves or stashing some acorns somewhere safe for a late winter snack? Pretend play helps children learn empathy; they can imagine what it might be like to be in someone else’s shoes or in this case, fur!
Build a Stick Fort and Learn About Wind Direction
On the East End, it’s often the wind chill that makes the winter feel so cold. This is a great moment to face challenges and grow. Work together as a family to figure out if hiding behind a tree and blocking the wind makes you feel a little warmer. Use a small scarf held up high to determine where the wind is coming from. Get in touch with your inner engineer by piling sticks, leaning them up, or finding the perfect group of trees to block the wind. How does each of these make a difference? This activity promotes problem-solving and the ability to adapt in challenging situations.
Explore the Night Sky
The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year. We’re able to see more stars under these darker skies and spot different animals in the bare trees. Plan a family moonlit walk through the neighborhood or in your backyard — anywhere with trees! Look and listen for different nocturnal creatures and note how it feels to explore nature at night. What nighttime surprises did you find?
Head to the Beach
The shores of the Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay are not just for summer. Bring a bucket to collect some of your beachcombing treasures. Encourage your children to ask questions or sketch what they find. When you get home, do some research on the things you discover. This is also a good opportunity to create at home. Consider making a collage of all your finds.
Discover Frozen Treasures
Save some natural treasures like acorns, leaves, and the little things you may find in children’s pockets after a walk outdoors, and put them in a muffin tin with water or food coloring. Leave it outside overnight. In the morning, your child will discover their treasures locked away in ice, inspiring all kinds of fun play outdoors. Can we break them out of the ice? Can we melt the ice to set them free? Consider using some salt, a rock, or sticks, or hide them in the yard for a fun outdoor seek-and-find game!
Winter Picnic
Bring a thermos full of hot chocolate and a few mugs on your next winter hike. Take a moment of quiet to enjoy the wonders of nature and the beauty of winter. Sharing a sip of something warm will make this moment even more magical for the whole family. Invite friends along and enjoy this special moment with your community as well.
Count Birds in Your Backyard
In the winter, people all over the world participate in Project FeederWatch. Group for the East End participates in this community science project, which encourages people to listen and watch for these amazing creatures, while also helping to take care of them by adding to our scientific knowledge. Watching birds is an easy way to start growing your connection with nature.