Have fun with the family in the great outdoors

Spending time in nature has many benefits for our health and wellbeing. As well as boosting our mood and fitness levels, there is something magical about spotting a bird or butterfly while you’re out and about.

It’s also great for our financial wellbeing. Most of these activities are free or very low cost and as you’re outside, they are perfect for a money saving picnic too.

Spotting wildlife and signs of nature

Whether you live in the middle of the countryside or your nearest green space is the local park, anyone can go on safari. You’re unlikely to see elephants and giraffes, but you will be amazed how much wildlife you do see. Look and listen out for birds, insects and any new flowers or berries. You can also keep records of what you see, which can show how nature changes from month to month.

Recommended by the RSPB, tree beating is another outdoor activity that will fascinate kids. You’ll need a light coloured sheet or large piece of paper, a tree or bush with some low-hanging branches, and a stick. Put your sheet on the ground, gently shake the branches or tap them once with the stick, then check out any insects that come down onto your sheet. The RSPB have plenty of handy resources on their website to help tell your ladybirds from your weevils.

Games to play in nature

A quick game of I spy can encourage everyone to explore nature a little bit more. Or you could play the A to Z game, getting the family to think of or find nature related items for each letter of the alphabet.

Pooh sticks is another favourite with kids of all ages. You’ll need a bridge over some running water and some sticks. Throw them off one side of the bridge and the winner is the first stick to appear on the other side. Before long, there will be discussions on what makes a winning stick and the best place to launch it.

Nature activities at home

You don’t even need to leave home to get your kids interested in nature. Growing something from seed will teach them all about plants. Cress is perfect for quick results, while a favourite fruit or vegetable can be fascinating and rewarding. Competitions to grow the tallest sunflower are always great fun too.

You can also do things to attract wildlife to your home. Putting out food for the birds will attract more as well as help to keep them healthy.

Your garden can also become more insect and hedgehog friendly. Insect hotels can be built from any materials you might have in your garden including bricks, bits of wood, leaves and old terracotta pots. They will love those nooks and crannies.

To attract hedgehogs, the RSPB recommends building a hedgehog house. These are made from lidded boxes, with a hole that is large enough for hedgehogs but too small for cats (roughly 13cm square) cut at the base of one side. Put some hedgehog food (or pet food that is not fish or beef based) inside and watch what happens.

As well as inspiring your kids to love nature, make sure they are protected if you’re not around. Co-op Insurance’s life cover is an easy way to have the reassurance that, if you passed away prematurely, there would be a pot of money to look after them.

To find out more and see how much it would cost to protect your family, visit our life insurance page.