As much as we love being outdoors, we know that sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate. There are days when it’s too cold to step outside without layering up or too hot to even think about being out there for more than a few minutes. But that doesn’t mean we have to leave nature behind, and I’ve found a few ways to keep that connection alive—even when we’re stuck indoors.
At our house, we value the time we spend outdoors, even if it’s just a short walk or some time spent sitting in the backyard. But there are definitely those days when the weather just doesn’t make it easy. Whether it’s a frigid winter day, a sweltering summer afternoon, or a rainy spell, we’ve had our share of times when we’d rather stay inside than brave the elements. That’s when we’ve had to get a little creative and bring nature indoors.
Bird Watching
One of our favorite indoor nature activities is bird watching. It’s something we can do no matter the season, and it really helps us feel connected to nature—even when we’re stuck inside. We’ve set up a bird feeder right outside our window, and I can’t tell you how exciting it is to watch the birds that come and go. The kids love identifying them and making not of which ones visit. They’ll grab their journals and sketch what they see or make little notes about the birds’ behavior.
Sometimes, we’ll make special treats for the birds—like birdseed ornaments—or repurpose recycled materials to create our own feeders. For a bit of a splurge, you can try bird feeders with built-in cameras that let you watch the birds through an app. Alternatively, there are budget-friendly options like clear bird feeders that suction to the window. It’s so fun and easy, and it’s a perfect way to watch nature unfold from the comfort of home.
Keep a Weather Journal
Another activity we enjoy is keeping a weather journal. On cold, snowy mornings, or rainy afternoons, we’ll gather around the window with our notebooks and sketch the view outside. The best part? The kids love to note how the weather and seasons change, and it’s a great way to teach them to observe the world around them. You can even set up a thermometer just outside the window to track the temperature so your kids can see how it shifts throughout the day. It’s a fun, low-stress way to stay engaged with nature, and it’s so easy to do. Plus, when it’s nice outside again, you can simply step out into your backyard or onto your porch and sketch from there!
Bring Nature Indoors Physically
Sometimes, we also bring nature indoors physically. I’ll admit, this one’s always fun for me. Last year, we went on a short walk and collected various evergreen needles and pinecones. We brought them inside to observe and compare. The kids loved looking closely at the textures and shapes of the cones, and it sparked some great conversations about the trees they came from. Another tradition of ours is collecting snow when it falls in the winter. We’ll gather a bunch and bring it inside to experiment with—whether it’s playing with it in a bin or using it for science experiments. These little activities keep the spirit of nature alive inside our home and give us something fun to look forward to on those days we just can’t get outside for long.
Nature Crafts and Science Experiments
Another easy way to bring nature indoors is through nature-inspired crafts and simple science experiments. You can collect fallen leaves, twigs, or rocks from your yard (or neighborhood park) to save for those harsh weather days and use them for art projects or experiments. For example, a leaf rub is a quick and fun way to observe the details of a leaf. Or you can turn a rainy day into an experiment by collecting rainwater and testing its pH level. There are so many fun ways to use nature for hands-on learning that don’t require leaving the house.
Final Thoughts
Bringing nature indoors isn’t just a way to fill time—it’s a chance to keep your kids connected to the environment, even when the weather keeps you indoors. Whether it’s through a weather journal, birdwatching, or simply bringing nature inside to observe up close, these activities foster a sense of curiosity and wonder that will last year-round.
When the weather does cooperate, we’re ready to step outside and continue our outdoor explorations. Until then, we can still stay grounded in nature from the comfort of our home!
Ready to bring more nature into your kids’ lives?
Explore Little Monsters Universe’s shop for educational units that encourage outdoor exploration, as well as creative ways to bring nature indoors. From nature journaling to science experiments, our resources help spark curiosity and foster a deeper connection with the world around us—no matter the weather. [Visit the shop now to learn more!]