Wildflower Sensory Activity

Help your kids get outside and enjoy nature with this simple wildflower sensory activity! 

In our screen-addicted society, it worries me that kids are getting farther and farther away from appreciating nature. I don’t remember anyone ever telling me to go play outside when I was growing up. If the weather was nice, that’s where I wanted to be.

Do you have to tell your kids to go outside and play? Force them? Most of the time it’s my kids saying, What can I dooooooo? and me replying, Go. outside. and. play. I have to remind them that there’s nothing better than fresh air. I wish I could say it’s automatic for them, but it’s not.

Outside trumps inside almost any day in my book. Are you with me? More importantly, are your kids with me? (This book is eye-opening!)

I know how important it is for kids go exploring outside on their own, discovering the natural world in a spontaneous way. Sometimes, however, directed activities are helpful. It can be just the catalyst they need to crave more nature. That’s exactly what this simple sensory wildflower activity can do. (Also check out this reading tee pee we made a few summers back. We still use this!)

Because my kids will sometimes look at me with a blank stare when I suggest they go play outside, I thought I’d come up with some simple, directed activities to give them something specific to do when they are asked to get the heck out of the house. The less “things” I need to complete said activity the better. Already having everything on hand is the best scenario. I’m sure you’ll already have what you need for this one!

Wildflower Sensory Activity 

This wildflower sensory activity will work with a variety of ages, with different levels of supervision or help needed. Toddlers will love this and even tweens enjoy it.

This is more of an idea than a project that needs instructions. I’m just hoping to inspire you to help your kids get outside more. All you’ll need are some empty jars and a space with wildflowers (hopefully you have them in your yard or neighborhood?). If all else fails, dandelions will work!

Ask your kids to go hunting and collect as many different wildflowers that they can find. Fill your empty jars with water. (Hose water works perfectly!)

Add the flowers to the jars.

Once you have your jars with water, you can observe them for a few days. These won’t last that long before they wilt, but it’s fun to watch the changes and see what happens to the flowers and water.

This simple activity is fun and a great way to spend time outside appreciating nature. I’d love to hear your ideas for simple activities that encourage outdoor play for kids of all ages. Please share!