When it gets really warm outside in the summer months, normal playgrounds and sports fields often don't offer much shade. Nevertheless, children want to be kept busy when the vacations start. What initially looks like a challenge can turn into an interesting leisure activity that not only the little ones will enjoy.
The forest not only offers a pleasantly cool environment, subdued light and soothing silence, but also appeals to all the senses with its scents, textures and sounds. For young and old, forest games are more than just a pastime. They are a way out of often highly artificial everyday routines and lead us back to nature. We would therefore like to present some of the most beautiful forest games for children here.
1. hide and seek in the forest
The classic outdoor version - because the forest is a great place to hide behind tree trunks. While one child counts to 15 or 20, the others hide - whoever is found last is the next seeker.
2. forest memory I
The memory game can be played in two versions. One is easy to arrange spontaneously by collecting leaves, chestnuts and branches from characteristic trees and plants and covering them with a cloth. The cloth is lifted for a minute so that the children can memorize what is lying on the forest floor. They then have to find as many of the objects they have seen as possible. Whoever finds the largest number of matching objects wins.
3. forest memory II
A little more preparation is needed for this variant - photos of trees, bushes or other natural elements, such as rock formations, must be taken in the forest the day before. The children - and adult participants - then have to identify and find what is shown in the photos. A great game to get to know the forest better and to learn about the plants in the forest.
4th course in the forest
Another activity that can be implemented with just a few "ingredients". All you have to do is stretch a strong string from Tree to Tree - the longer the better. The children have to feel their way along this "guide" blindfolded. The uneven forest floor is a real challenge, but the difficulty should be adapted to the age of the children so as not to overwhelm them.
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5. twig puzzles
This forest puzzle is exciting and educational, especially for younger children. Simply cut branches of different trees and shrubs into three or four pieces. Now the children have to put the original branches back together again - and recognize the corresponding Tree .
6. forest pictures
What the forest has to offer can be used creatively. Use branches or twigs to create picture frames on the forest floor, which can then be filled: With colorful leaves, beautiful stones, acorns and hazelnuts, but also bird feathers. The main thing is to like the finished picture! Several children can take part and create together, and of course a photo of the finished work of art is included.
7. connect leaves
This leaf game is very simple and involves simply tearing a collection of different leaves in half. As a first step, the children should put the halves back together again - and then find out which Tree the leaf belongs to.
8. recognize forest voices
The forest is nowhere near as quiet as it seems. If children sit down with their eyes closed and listen, they can listen for different sounds: the wind in the leaves, the murmur of streams, birdsong. This simple game is also a simple exercise in mindfulness that even the grown-ups can join in with.
9 What am I? in the forest
The popular guessing game "What am I?" can also be played in the forest. Each child is given a sign to stick on their back on which a plant or animal is named. As the questions progress, each participant has to find out from the others who or what he/she is - but the other children are only allowed to answer yes or no. A fun and entertaining game that not only young children will love.
Hiking and learning in the forest
Of course, you can also incorporate games and activities into a hike to create a variety of exciting breaks that everyone can enjoy. With the hiking guide as an eBook, children and adults can experience nature from new perspectives.
And more and more teachers, kindergartens and schools are recommending or encouraging outdoor and forest lessons. Subject-specific or interdisciplinary lessons "on site" not only teach even the youngest children to love and respect nature, but also strengthen important skills such as creativity, communication and teamwork.
