10 Wildlife Activities for kids

Looking for a way to get your kids outdoors, having fun, and connecting with nature? 

At Sunset Creek, we know how magical it is to watch children light up when they spot a kookaburra, follow kangaroo tracks, or discover the tiny world of insects hiding under a log. Spending time with wildlife doesn’t just spark curiosity—it helps kids learn empathy, responsibility, and a love for the natural world.

To help you bring that sense of wonder into your own backyard (and beyond!), we’ve put together 10 fun and easy wildlife activities for kids. From building bug hotels to making animal puppets, these ideas are perfect for curious minds and little adventurers of all ages.

1. Make a Nature Journal

Become a wildlife explorer! A nature journal is like your own adventure book where you can sketch animals, press leaves, or write about the creatures you spot. Every page tells the story of your discoveries.

What You’ll Need: Notebook (or homemade stapled pages), pencils, crayons or markers, glue/tape for leaves or photos.

2. DIY Bird Feeder

Want to make some feathered friends? A simple bird feeder brings the birds right to your backyard. Watch them swoop in for a snack and see how many different kinds you can spot.

What You’ll Need: Pinecone (or recycled plastic bottle), peanut butter or honey, birdseed, string to hang.

3. Wildlife Bingo

Who doesn’t love a game of bingo? But this time, instead of numbers, you’re spotting kookaburras, kangaroos, and butterflies! Perfect for a walk at the park or even just from your backyard.

What You’ll Need: Printable bingo card (make your own or download one), pencil or stickers to mark off sightings.

4. Build a Bug Hotel

Give the little critters a cozy home! Bugs are super important for gardens, and by building them a “hotel,” you’ll get a chance to watch them up close.

What You’ll Need: Small box, sticks, bark, leaves, pinecones, and any natural materials you can collect.

5. Animal Tracking Adventure

Be a wildlife detective! Go exploring and look for paw prints, feathers, scat, or chewed leaves. Each clue tells you which animal has been nearby.

What You’ll Need: Notebook or camera, magnifying glass (optional), comfy shoes for exploring.

6. Create a Backyard Habitat

You don’t need a huge forest to help animals—your backyard can be a safe haven! With some water, plants, and hiding spots, you can turn your garden into a wildlife wonderland.

What You’ll Need: Native plants, shallow water dish, rocks/logs for hiding places.

7. Wildlife Art with Natural Materials

Nature makes the best art supplies! Use leaves, flowers, seeds, and twigs to make pictures of your favorite animals. Imagine a kangaroo made of gum leaves or a bird with feather “wings".

What You’ll Need: Leaves, twigs, flowers, seeds, paper, glue.

8. Scavenger Hunt in Nature

Ready for an outdoor challenge? Make a list of things to find: a feather, a smooth rock, a bird call, or an insect under a log. Can you find them all?

What You’ll Need: Printable scavenger hunt sheet (or a handwritten list), pencil, small bag for collecting treasures (optional).

9. Animal Puppet Show

Bring the animal kingdom to life! Create puppets of kangaroos, wombats, or cockatoos and put on your own wildlife rescue play. It’s a fun way to learn and be creative at the same time.

What You’ll Need: Socks, paper bags, cardboard, markers, glue, googly eyes (optional).

10. Adopt an Animal (Symbolically)

Pick a favorite animal—maybe a joey, a kookaburra, or a koala—and “adopt” it by learning everything about it. Make a fact poster, draw pictures, or even write a story about your animal’s life.

What You’ll Need: Poster board or paper, markers, printed pictures (optional), fact sheets or books.

Exploring the outdoors is one of the best ways for kids to connect with the world around them—and every little adventure helps build a love for wildlife that lasts a lifetime. Whether it’s spotting birds at a homemade feeder, discovering tiny bugs in their hotel, or creating art from leaves and twigs, these activities are all about having fun while learning to care for nature. So head outside, try a few of these ideas, and see what amazing creatures you can find right in your own backyard. Even better, take some cool photos and share them with us on social media #sunsetcreekstannifer