LevelUps

Outdoor Activities · Ages 6-12 · 30-60 minutes

Nature Scavenger Portraits

Transform your family outing into a creative art session! Collect natural items during your walk to create unique portraits of each family member.

Safety notes

Ensure children are supervised during the walk and avoid picking items from protected areas.

What you will need

  • Paper
  • crayons or markers
  • natural items (leaves
  • sticks
  • flowers)

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Gather Your Materials: Each family member should have a piece of paper and some crayons or markers ready to use.
  2. Explore Nature Together: Take a walk in a nearby park, nature reserve, or your backyard to collect interesting natural items.
  3. Collect Natural Treasures: Encourage kids to look for leaves, flowers, twigs, and anything else that inspires their creativity!
  4. Create Your Portraits: Use the collected items to design fun facial features or accessories on your paper portraits.
  5. Discuss and Share Your Artwork: Once everyone is finished, share your artwork and talk about your favorite collected items and what inspired your designs.
  6. Showcase Your Art: Find a special place at home to display your nature portraits, celebrating your family's creativity and teamwork.

Parent guide

Encourage your children to express their creativity by discussing different ways to use natural items. Participate in the activity by sharing your own ideas and creations, fostering a collaborative environment.

Educational benefits

  • Fosters creativity and imagination
  • Enhances observational skills and appreciation for nature
  • Promotes teamwork and collaboration among family members

Why this works as a screen-time alternative

This activity encourages creativity and outdoor exploration, providing a hands-on experience that diverts focus from screens. Families can bond while appreciating nature together.

Frequently asked questions

What if we can't find many natural items?

You can use any small items you find during your walk, and even draw or color in additional details!

Can we do this activity in our backyard?

Absolutely! Your backyard can be a great place for this creative scavenger hunt.

What should we do if it rains?

You can still create your portraits indoors using collected items or even household objects.

How can we make this activity more educational?

Discuss the different types of plants and animals you see during your walk to enhance learning about nature.