The summer holidays are an opportunity to connect with your children and with nature. But with six long weeks to fill, many parents find themselves asking: “What can we do that’s affordable, enriching, and actually gets the kids off their digital devices and screens?”
At The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), we believe the answer lies just outside your door. From bushcraft days to wildlife gardening, nature offers endless opportunities for learning, laughter, and meaningful lasting memories. This guide is packed with practical, nature-based activities that support healthy child development – and they’re all designed to get kids away from phones, tablets, and TVs.
This blog is part of our mission to deliver better nature for all – connecting people to green spaces, empowering families to take action for nature, and improving wellbeing through hands-on experiences.
Why screen-free, nature-based play matters
In a world of constant digital stimulation, children need time to unplug. Nature-based play isn’t just a nostalgic throwback – it’s essential for healthy development.
The benefits of outdoor, screen-free play:
- Boosts creativity and imagination through open-ended exploration.
Outdoor learning environments encourage children to invent, build, and explore freely – all of which support creativity and problem-solving. The UK Government-backed Natural Connections Demonstration project from Natural England found that 92% of teachers reported pupils were more engaged with learning outdoors. - Supports healthy brain development, especially in early years.
Physical activity and sensory-rich outdoor environments are vital for developing coordination, motor skills, and cognitive function in young children, according to the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA). The NHS also highlights that movement in early years and young people supports the development of movement skills, muscles and bones. - Improves attention span and emotional regulation
A systematic review by the University of Strathclyde found positive associations between nature-based early childhood education and children’s self-regulation, social skills, social and emotional development. - Encourages physical activity and reduces stress
NHS guidelines recommend moderate to vigorous physical activity daily for children aged 5–18, citing benefits such as improved mood, sleep, and reduced stress. Also, according to research, inactive children are more likely to grow up to be inactive adults, which puts young people at risk for serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease. For this reason, it’s critical to promote physical activity and fitness from an early age.
TCV’s top nature activities for kids
Whether you’re looking for a full-day adventure or a DIY, biodiversity-increasing garden project, TCV has something for every family. Click here to find out what summer TCV activities and events are happening in your area, or continue exploring the ideas and resources below…
Nature activity resources
TCV’s Nature-based Activity Resource Hub is packed with free, downloadable guides and ideas for families, schools, and community groups.
From nature scavenger hunts and wildlife spotter sheets to how-to guides for building bug hotels and planting wildflowers, these resources are designed to make outdoor learning easy, accessible, and fun – whether you’re in a garden, park, or community green space.
Gardening for Wildlife
TCV’s Gardening for Wildlife guide is a free downloadable PDF packed with practical advice on how to attract birds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial creatures to your outdoor space. Whether you have a large garden, a small balcony, or a community plot, these tips will help you and the kids create a thriving habitat for nature on your doorstep.
Bushcraft adventure days
TCV’s Skelton Grange Environment Centre in Leeds runs Bushcraft Activity Days where children learn to whittle, build shelters, and light fires – all under expert supervision.
Highlight of Skelton Grange? Picking up a filthy tired child who was proud to show me his whittling. No TV. No tablets. No Pokémon. No Ninjago. Yet still high up on his list of ‘best days ever’. Absolutely brilliant.
Justine, TCV Bushcraft Attendee Parent
Some TCV centres also offer joint bushcraft sessions, where parents and children learn side by side. It’s a brilliant way to bond, build resilience, and share in the joy of outdoor learning.
I love visiting with the kids — good fun in the great outdoors with enthusiastic and friendly staff!
Jessica, TCV Bushcraft Attendee
Citizen science for families
Get involved in real-world science with TCV. Citizen Science is a fantastic way to explore your local environment while contributing to valuable scientific research. From monitoring wildlife and trees to recording environmental data, there are numerous ways for people of all ages to get involved in conservation projects.
Find out more about TCV citizen science and wider programmes here.
Build habitats for wildlife at home
Creating wildlife-friendly spaces is a brilliant way to help nature thrive — and it’s something children can actively participate in. These TCV-led activities are simple, educational, and perfect for gardens, schoolyards, or community spaces.
How to make a hedgehog home
How to make a wildlife pond
How to make a bird nestbox
More nature-based ideas for the summer
Once you’ve explored TCV’s offerings, here are more ways to keep the kids engaged with the natural world:
- Muddy Faces – A great selection of outdoor play activities.
- WWF Kids’ Planet – activities for families to explore nature and sustainability at home.
- The Woodland Trust – ideas to help families enjoy woodlands.
- Ramblers – inspiring places to walk with the family; coastlines, cities, woodlands, canals and moorland, all rich in wildlife and ready to explore.
- Great British Beaches – and let’s not forget a day out at the beach! Perfect for mindfully exploring wildlife in rockpools, building sandcastles and taking a bracing dip – as a collection of islands, the UK has a huge number of freely accessible beaches, all with individual character. Combine with a picnic, and you have an affordable day out for the whole family.
This summer, give your children the gift of nature. Whether it’s a day in the woods or an hour in the garden, these moments matter. They build confidence, spark curiosity, and create memories that last far longer than any screen time.
So unplug, step outside, and connect with your children and with nature.
Keep up to date with the latest news and activities from The Conservation Volunteers by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. TCV is active across most of the UK, click here to find your nearest office or activity. You can also sign up to receive TCV’s Greenzine e-newsletter for more ways to get involved.
