The summer holidays are the perfect time to get children outdoors, away from screens, and enjoying the fresh air. You don’t need expensive days out to keep little ones entertained – your garden can become a fantastic place for creativity, discovery, and wildlife watching.
At Rosewood, we love seeing gardens enjoyed by the whole family. Here are six simple garden activities that children can do at home this summer, many using items you already have in the house.
1. Make a Homemade Bird Feeder
Creating a bird feeder is a brilliant way to introduce children to garden wildlife. The RHS have a brilliant guide on how to make your own bird feeder and the benefits it brings.
You will need:
- A toilet roll tube or pine cone
- Peanut butter (or a bird-safe alternative)
- Bird seed
- String
What to do:
Spread the peanut butter over the tube or pine cone, roll it in bird seed, and hang it from a tree branch.
Children will love checking each day to see which birds visit. It’s also a great opportunity to talk about local wildlife and how gardens provide food and shelter for birds.
2. Build a Bug Hotel
Bug hotels provide a safe space for insects such as ladybirds, beetles, and solitary bees.
Collect:
- Small sticks
- Bamboo canes
- Pine cones
- Dry leaves
- Pieces of bark
Stack the materials inside an old wooden box, plant pot, or crate and place it in a quiet corner of the garden.
Not only is this a fun construction project, but it also helps support pollinators and other beneficial insects that keep gardens healthy.
3. Plant a Mini Herb Garden
Children often enjoy gardening more when they can eat what they grow. Easy herbs for beginners include:
- Mint
- Basil
- Chives
- Parsley
Use small pots, recycled containers, or a sunny patch of soil. Let children water the plants and watch them grow over the holidays. Fresh herbs can then be added to salads, sandwiches, or summer drinks.
4. Create a Nature Treasure Hunt
Turn the garden into an adventure with a simple treasure hunt. Ask children to find:
- A feather
- A smooth stone
- A yellow flower
- A leaf with an interesting shape
- Something that smells nice
This activity encourages observation skills and helps children notice the small details in nature that are often overlooked.
5. Paint Garden Stones
Collect a few smooth stones and decorate them with weatherproof paints or markers. Ideas include:
- Ladybirds
- Bees
- Flowers
- Rainbows
- Funny faces
Once dry, hide them around flower beds or along paths. Painted stones make lovely garden decorations and can even become part of a family treasure hunt!
6. Make a Fairy Garden or Dinosaur Garden
Choose a small corner of the garden, a raised bed, or a large container and let children create their own miniature world. They can add:
- Pebble paths
- Twigs for fences
- Small plants or moss
- Toy dinosaurs or fairy figures
This imaginative activity can keep children entertained for hours and can be added to throughout the summer.
Why Garden Activities Are Great for Children
Spending time in the garden can help children:
- Stay active
- Develop creativity
- Learn about nature and wildlife
- Build confidence through hands-on activities
- Enjoy quality family time outdoors
A well-maintained garden provides a safe and welcoming space for all of these activities.
Keeping Your Garden Ready for Family Fun
If your lawn is overgrown, borders need tidying, or hedges are taking over the play space, our team at Rosewood can help. Regular garden maintenance keeps outdoor areas looking their best and ensures there is plenty of room for children to explore, play, and enjoy the summer holidays.
Whether you need lawn care, hedge trimming, weeding, or a full garden tidy-up, we’re here to help you make the most of your outdoor space this summer.
Get in touch today for a free quote and let’s create a garden the whole family can enjoy!