Outdoor Activities inspired by Peter Rabbit and friends
Beatrix Potter's beloved stories offer a treasure trove of inspiration for outdoor activities that can captivate children's imaginations. These five fun ideas, inspired by the adventures of Peter Rabbit and his friends, will help you create unforgettable memories for you and your little ones this summer. Read on to find out how to:
1. Build a Peter Rabbit Obstacle Course
2. Have a picnic with Jemima Puddle-duck
3. Go on a nature scavenger hunt with Squirrel Nutkin
4. Explore pond life, inspired by Jeremy Fisher
5. Keep a Beatrix Potter nature journal over summer
Build a Peter Rabbit obstacle course
Everyone’s favourite mischievous bunny loves to hop, skip and jump through Mr. McGregor’s garden. But when the grumpy gardener notices him, Peter must make a quick getaway! Inspired by Peter’s daring escapades, create an obstacle course for your little ones so they can relive the classic story – and be part of it too!
This activity encourages children to be active, adventurous, imaginative, and embrace the spirit of Peter Rabbit, who is always curious and brave. It's a fun and energetic way for children to enjoy the outdoors.
Instructions:
• Use household and outdoor items to set up your obstacle course. Include tunnels to crawl through, stools to hop over, flower pots to wind around, and a finish line to run to.
• Encourage your little bunnies to hop like rabbits, crawl through hidey holes, and duck under obstacles as they make their way to the finish line and back to safety.
You can use anything you have in your home, but some ideas might be:
• Hula hoops
• Tunnels
• Flower pots or cones
• Ropes, sticks, and other safe obstacles
Have a picnic with Jemima Puddle-duck
On a gorgeous afternoon, Jemima Puddle-duck set off over the hill to find a spot to sit on her eggs. Inspired by her countryside adventures, plan a country picnic, just like the gentle duck.
Set up by a pond or in a garden, reminiscent of the countryside setting of the stories. During the picnic, talk about the animals, birds, and greenery around you. This peaceful and educational activity allows children to appreciate the simple pleasures of outdoor dining, while fostering a love for nature.
Instructions:
• Encourage children to plan a picnic for themselves and family or friends. They can help select the location and plan the menu.
• Let them choose fillings for homemade sandwiches, a variety of fresh fruits, and a drink of choice. Don’t forget some bird food for the ducks!
• Spread out a blanket and enjoy your picnic.
You will need:
• Picnic basket and blanket
• Homemade or store-bought picnic foods
Go on a nature scavenger hunt with Squirrel Nutkin
The naughty little red squirrel is known for his forest adventures. Inspired by his scavenging trips to Owl Island with his band of friends, organise a nature scavenger hunt for your own little explorers.
This engaging activity encourages children to explore the natural world, develop observational skills, and learn about the world around them, all while having lots of fun in the spirit of Squirrel Nutkin.
Instructions:
• Create a list of items for children to find outdoors, such as acorns, pinecones, feathers, stones, shells, and leaves of different shapes and colours.
• As they search, discuss their findings and help them understand where the objects came from.
You will need:
• Scavenger hunt list
• Bags or baskets to collect items
• A magnifying glass or binoculars
Explore pond life, inspired by Jeremy Fisher
Mr. Jeremy Fisher enjoys getting his feet wet and exploring the waterways outside his house. Inspired by the enthusiastic frog, children can discover aquatic life in local ponds. Spring, summer and Autumn are the best times to explore waterways, when ponds are teeming with new life and activity.
Look for frogs, plants, insects, algae, and more. Allow children to gently explore the areas and appreciate the delicate ecosystems without disturbing them. This approach fosters respect for wildlife and encourages children to become mindful naturalists.
Instructions:
• Put on waterproof coats and boots to explore your local pond or waterway. From the banks, look carefully for life above and below the water.
• Gently explore the areas and appreciate the delicate ecosystems of ponds without disturbing them.
• Discuss what you see, and help children identify and note down the animals and insects they discover to learn more, after your adventure.
You will need:
• Magnifying glass
• Identification guide for pond creatures
• Rubber boots and old clothes
Keep a Beatrix Potter nature journal
Beatrix Potter loved to write about the natural world and the fantastic array of creatures in it. You too can begin to foster a love for the outdoors in your own little bunnies by encouraging them to start a nature journal.
This activity nurtures creativity and attention to detail. By following Beatrix Potter’s practices, children can gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the art of storytelling through observation and illustration.
Instructions:
• Provide notebooks and colouring pens or pencils.
• Take children on a nature walk or an outdoor adventure, where they can note and draw the plants, animals, and insects they encounter.
• Encourage them to sketch, write descriptions, and even paste in leaves or flowers that they find on their adventures.
Materials needed:
• Notebooks
• Pencils, coloured pencils, markers
