What activities can you do in forest school?

Wondering what activities your child will be up to at forest school, or looking for some ideas for your own setting?

Here are 15 popular activities that you can expect a forest school to offer, or that you can offer in your own forest school.

#1 Nature Scavenger Hunt

A nature scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to invite curiosity and discovery in a forest school setting. You can create a list of natural items for learners to find, such as different leaves, pinecones, feathers, or stones with interesting shapes.

This activity not only sharpens observation skills but also encourages children to move intentionally and explore diverse parts of the forest environment. You might be surprised how delighted everyone gets when spotting something unique or unexpected along the way.

This hunt naturally integrates learning about the environment and its biodiversity. As participants find each item, they often ask questions or share their thoughts on where these objects come from, leading to organic conversations about plants, animals, and how ecosystems function.

The gentle challenge of completing the list keeps it fun and motivating, even if some items prove tricky to find.

A scavenger hunt supports social interaction and teamwork when done in groups. Children can compare their discoveries and help each other spot elusive items, fostering cooperation and communication.

It’s a gentle nudge towards both independent exploration and collective problem-solving—all wrapped up in a playful adventure outdoors.

We have 4 seasonal scavenger hunts available for you to download:

#2 Shelter Building

Building shelters from natural materials like branches, leaves, and moss allows learners to engage their creativity and practical skills. It’s more than just stacking sticks; it’s about understanding structure, balance, and the properties of the forest’s resources.

You can guide children to think critically about how to make their shelter sturdy and weatherproof, which enhances problem-solving while deepening their connection to the natural space around them.

Here’s more on the different types of forest school shelter.

This activity often calls for cooperation and discussion, making it a wonderful way to develop teamwork. Everyone can contribute ideas and physical effort, helping to build a sense of achievement and shared ownership.

Plus, it’s inspiring to see how much thought and imagination can go into something as seemingly simple as a twig hut. You might even be amazed at the cozy little hideouts they create!

There’s also a calming, grounding effect in working with hands and natural textures. For many, shelter building becomes a mindful experience, offering focus and a break from more structured or digital tasks.

It’s a return to basics that reminds us how natural materials and human ingenuity together can produce something meaningful in the heart of the forest.

#3 Wild Plant Identification

Learning to identify wild plants is a rewarding and practical skill in forest school. From recognizing edible herbs to spotting medicinal plants and understanding which foliage to avoid, plant identification engages both the mind and senses.

Grab our tree identification guide (British trees)

This activity encourages careful observation of details such as leaf shape, color, and smell and often sparks a genuine interest in botany and ecology.

You can make this experience even more memorable by tying it to stories or traditional uses of plants, adding cultural and historical layers to the learning. For example, explaining how certain plants have been used by indigenous peoples or local communities connects learners to the deeper human relationship with nature.

This approach adds meaning beyond just naming or cataloging plants.

In addition, wild plant identification helps build environmental awareness. Developing respect for plant life fosters a more thoughtful attitude toward conservation and sustainability.

When children know the names and roles of the trees, flowers, and shrubs around them, they’re more likely to care for the natural world in lasting ways.

#4 Mud Play and Clay Crafting

Mud play is a timeless outdoor activity that invites pure sensory joy and creativity. Squishing, molding, and shaping mud taps into tactile learning and provides calming, grounding experiences for all ages.

Using clay—or natural mud—learners can craft pots, sculptures, or simple tools, experimenting with form and texture. This hands-on process strengthens fine motor skills and encourages artistic expression rooted in nature.

Mud play often brings out laughter and a childlike sense of freedom, reminding everyone that learning doesn’t always have to be tidy or serious. It’s a chance to connect with the earth in the most direct, playful way.

The cleanup that follows can itself be part of the learning about respect and care for the environment and oneself.

By turning mud into art, children discover the beauty and potential in humble natural materials. This activity highlights patience, experimentation, and the magic of transformation—from a lump of earth to a creative masterpiece. In forest school, mud play supports emotional well-being, curiosity, and a welcome break from technology-driven play.

#5 Bug Hunting and Insect Observation

What will you find under that stump?

Exploring the tiny world of insects opens up an entirely new perspective on forest life. Bug hunting invites learners to carefully search under leaves, stones, and bark to discover fascinating creatures like beetles, ants, or spiders.

Watching these insects in their natural habitats fosters respect for all forms of life, no matter their size. It also teaches patience, as observing small, fast-moving creatures requires quiet focus.

Insect observation can be enhanced by using simple tools like magnifying glasses or bug jars, making it easier to study features and behaviors closely. This attention to detail sparks curiosity about insect roles, such as pollination, decomposition, or being part of the food chain.

This kind of understanding gently introduces ecological balance without overwhelming scientific jargon.

Bug hunting and insect spotting often prompts questions and wonder, making it a fantastic way to develop critical thinking and inquiry skills. Plus, many children find delight in learning insect names or spotting a rare species, which builds confidence and a lasting interest in biology. It’s a gateway to appreciating the rich complexity of forest ecosystems.

#6 Storytelling Around the Fire

Gathering around a fire to share stories creates a special sense of community and connection. This activity blends imagination, oral traditions, and social bonding in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

Whether telling folk tales, personal adventures, or nature-inspired legends, storytelling ignites creativity and encourages active listening, which are valuable skills both inside and outside the forest school setting.

The warmth of the fire and the soft forest sounds create a cozy environment that naturally draws people together. It’s a time when children and adults alike can slow down, share feelings, and let their minds wander to magical places. This slower pace supports emotional well-being and deepens the bond between participants and the natural world they’re surrounded by.

Storytelling also introduces cultural heritage and personal expression. Learners might be inspired to craft their own stories that reflect their experiences in the forest, fostering ownership and pride. It’s one of those timeless activities that underscores how nature and human creativity intertwine beautifully.

#7 Leaf and Bark Rubbing Art

Leaf and bark rubbing is an enjoyable, hands-on art activity that invites learners to notice textures and patterns in nature.

By placing paper over different leaves or tree barks and rubbing with crayons or pencils, children reveal intricate designs that might otherwise go unnoticed. This simple technique strengthens observation and showcases the hidden beauty of the forest up close.

Creating rubbings also encourages patience and attention to detail, as the process requires gentle, deliberate movements to capture clear images. This careful exploration can be quite calming and meditative, providing a nice rhythm to the outdoor experience. The resulting artwork offers tangible keepsakes to remind learners of their forest adventure.

This activity is easy to modify for various skill levels, making it inclusive and approachable for everyone. You can even turn it into a creative project by assembling rubbings into collages or designing nature-inspired cards, bridging art and environmental education in a joyful way.

#8 Tracking Animal Footprints

Tracking animal footprints is like stepping into a nature detective’s shoes. Forest school learners can search for and identify various tracks left by wildlife, from birds to deer, deepening their connection to the living world around them. This activity sharpens observation skills and offers insights about animal behavior, diets, and habitats.

Read how to make animal tracks and footprint patterns.

The excitement of discovering fresh prints and guessing which animal left them encourages a sense of wonder and respect for the forest’s inhabitants. Discussing the seasonal patterns or size variations of tracks helps develop critical thinking and contextual understanding of nature’s rhythms. It’s a rewarding experience that makes the invisible world more visible.

In addition, tracking footprints often leads to conversations about conservation and the importance of protecting animal homes. It’s a gentle way to instill environmental stewardship while making forest school feel like a thrilling adventure full of discoveries waiting just beneath your feet.

#9 Outdoor Cooking and Foraging

Outdoor cooking and foraging transform forest school into a full sensory learning adventure. Gathering safe, edible plants or berries (always under guidance) and preparing simple meals or snacks over a campfire teaches not only survival skills but also encourages appreciation for natural food sources. This hands-on experience deepens respect for where food comes from.

Find out how to make our favourite campfire bread.

The process of preparing and cooking outdoors requires planning, collaboration, and safe handling practices, offering practical life skills alongside fun. It can be empowering to see how ingredients found in the wild can be turned into nourishing treats, strengthening confidence and independence.

The smells and tastes enjoyed amid the forest create memorable experiences that link food with nature.

Foraging, when done responsibly, sparks curiosity about ecosystems and seasonal changes, but be conscious of your environment – it’s not the right activity for every setting (we have a lot of dandelions).

It also reinforces the importance of sustainable harvesting and ethical care for the environment. Together, cooking and foraging bring a joyful blend of science, culture, and nourishment to forest school days.

#10 Tree Climbing and Balancing

Tree climbing invites learners to experience nature from a new perspective, literally rising above the forest floor. This activity builds strength, coordination, and confidence as children explore different ways to navigate branches safely.

Balancing on logs or low limbs challenges physical skills and encourages risk assessment in a supportive environment.

Beyond physical activity, climbing trees cultivates a sense of freedom and connection with the outdoors. It taps into adventurous instincts and fosters resilience through trial and error.

Each successful step upward brings pride and a renewed sense of capability, which can ripple into other areas of learning and life.

Safety is key, so guiding learners on how to evaluate branches and climb carefully enhances mindfulness and self-awareness.

Tree climbing also encourages respect for these living giants and teaches participants to interact with nature gently, ensuring that the forest remains a welcoming place for all.

#11 Sensory Exploration Walks

Sensory walks through the forest invite learners to slow down and truly experience their surroundings through sight, sound, smell, touch, and sometimes taste.

Guided prompts might include closing eyes to listen carefully or feeling the textures of bark and leaves, transforming an ordinary walk into an immersive, mindful adventure.

This activity engages all ages by encouraging presence and curiosity. It’s great for calming restless minds and building awareness of the natural wonders often overlooked in everyday life.

Sensory exploration can also be adapted for specific learning goals, such as identifying sounds of birds or noticing changes in temperature and light.

By connecting with the forest in a full-bodied way, participants often report feeling more grounded and refreshed. This kind of walk fosters empathy for the environment and highlights the intricate details that make each forest unique, cultivating a lasting sense of wonder and care.

#12 Creating Natural Music Instruments

Making music with materials found in the forest is both playful and educational. Collecting sticks for rhythm, stones to tap, or leaves to rustle, learners craft simple instruments that inspire creativity and sound exploration. This activity blends imagination, cooperation, and a deeper relationship with natural resources.

As children experiment with sounds produced by different materials, they develop listening skills and an appreciation for diverse tones and rhythms.

Group music-making also builds social connection and encourages expressive communication outside of words. The process often reveals how humans have used nature creatively for centuries.

Crafting instruments from natural elements highlights sustainability by demonstrating how beautiful and useful materials can be found without causing harm. It’s a joyous way to celebrate the forest’s gifts while making noise—gently and respectfully—together.

#13 Pond Dipping and Water Exploration

Pond dipping opens up a fascinating underwater world for learners to investigate. Using nets and containers to collect small aquatic creatures like tadpoles, water beetles, or dragonfly larvae, children engage deeply with biodiversity and life cycles. This hands-on activity promotes gentle care and scientific curiosity.

We have a detailed guide on how to safely set up pond dipping.

Observing pond life fosters questions about water quality, habitats, and the interconnectedness of life. It’s a wonderful gateway to conversations about ecology, pollution, and conservation efforts.

Participation also nurtures patience and gentle handling as learners carefully examine delicate creatures before releasing them back to their environment.

Pond dipping combines exploration with sensory experience—the feel of water, the sounds of frogs or birds nearby, the sight of reflections and ripples—offering a multi-layered connection to a vital forest ecosystem element. It’s an exciting, engaging way to learn through discovery and respect.

#14 Building Miniature Fairy or Bug Houses

Constructing tiny homes for fairies or bugs sparks imagination and care for the smallest forest dwellers.

Using natural materials like twigs, leaves, moss, and pine needles, learners create miniature shelters that invite them to think about the needs of insects and small animals. This activity blends creativity with environmental empathy.

Making these little houses gives children a sense of stewardship and responsibility as they consider which materials are best and where to place their creations safely. The process encourages patience and fine motor skills, and watching ants or spiders explore the houses can be particularly rewarding.

It also provides a gentle way to introduce ideas about habitats and biodiversity. These tiny structures symbolize the larger ecosystem’s complexity and remind learners that every creature, no matter how small, has a role to play and deserves thoughtful care.

#15 Journaling and Nature Sketching

Great for older children, journaling and sketching in a forest setting help learners slow down and reflect on their experiences.

Writing down observations, feelings, or questions tied to what they see and hear enhances mindfulness and emotional expression. Likewise, nature sketching invites detailed attention to plants, animals, and landscapes, fostering artistic skills alongside scientific observation.

This practice offers a personal archive of discovery and growth, allowing learners to revisit their outdoor experiences later and notice changes over time. It also encourages a deeper connection to the forest, as drawing or writing requires close study and thoughtful engagement.

Those who might feel shy or less verbal find this an accessible, private way to communicate with nature.