Nature Kids
Nature Kids encourages youth and their families to observe, investigate and explore nature. While it's geared towards children ages 4-12, anyone with a sense of curiosity and childlike wonder can learn something about the nature in Alberta. To connect with the Nature Kids team email us at naturekids@naturealberta.ca.
Nature Kids Events & Family Nature Nights
Nature Kids events promote positive learning experiences for families of all ages and abilities by fostering appreciation for nature. Family Nature Nights are free, public events on Wednesday evenings in July and August. Each event features a different theme with local naturalist experts who lead engaging education stations and guided activities.
2024 Family Nature Nights: Avian Adventures
Nature Alberta
Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Red Deer
July 10, 6:00 PM
2024 Family Nature Nights: Bird Defenders
Nature Alberta
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Calgary
July 17, 6:00-8:30 pm
2024 Family Nature Nights: Fantastic Forests
Nature Alberta
Jackie Parker Park, Edmonton
July 24, 6:00-8:30 pm
2024 Family Nature Nights: BiodiverCity
Nature Alberta
Whitemud Park, Edmonton
July 31, 6:00-8:30 pm
2024 Family Nature Nights: Fish Tales
Nature Alberta
Goldbar Park, Edmonton
August 7, 6:00-8:30 pm
2024 Family Nature Nights: Nature Detectives
Nature Alberta
John Janzen Nature Centre, Edmonton
August 14, 6:00-8:30 pm
2024 Family Nature Nights: Delta Defenders
Nature Alberta
Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park, Edmonton
August 21, 6:00-8:30 pm
Family Nature Nights 2024!
Nature Alberta
Family Nature Nights
Red Deer, Calgary, Edmonton, St Albert
Jul, Aug
Nature Programs at HSNC
Nature Activities at Helen Schuler Nature Centre
Lethbridge, AB
2023 Family Nature Nights: Nuts about Wildlife
Nature Alberta
John Janzen Nature Center, Edmonton
Aug 16, 6:00 PM
Free Nature Kids Activity Books
Families are encouraged to engage in nature activities with a focus on exploring the wild outdoors, and our free downloadable Nature Kids activity books can get you out and active! Also check out the latest in our Nature Kids section in every issue of Nature Alberta Magazine, available by subscription or free on the Magazine page.
Nature Kids Do-It-Yourself Activities
Families are encouraged to engage in nature activities with a focus on exploring and learning about the wild outdoors. Parent/guardian participation in Nature Kids is important, as children will need assistance and supervision with the activities. Nature Kids is meant to be a fun learning experience for the whole family! CLICK HERE to look through all DIY Activities.
Out and About: Bug Pitfall Trap
A pitfall trap is a great way to catch bugs to examine them, and you only need a few items to do it!
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Observe, Investigate, and Explore Nature
Investigating nature can be a fun treasure hunt when you use Seek by iNaturalist to learn about nature around you.
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Host a Moth Ball
Some insects are more active at night, including most species of moths. Throw them a moth ball to get a closer look!
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Scavenger Hunt
Examine the Alberta Native Bee Council’s drawings and photos of four common species, then colour them.
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Nature Sketch
Sketch your favourite reptile or amphibian, its habitat, and food!
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Slithering and Hopping
Slither like a snake, hop like a frog and learn about predator and prey relationships with these games.
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Observe and Record
Go for a walk in your neighbourhood, nearby park, or favourite natural area to observe and record the birds you see.
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Bird Protecting Window Decal
You can help birds avoid hitting your windows by breaking up the reflection – cover your windows with ribbons, decals, or crafts like this one!
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Bat Echolocation
Partner up with a friend, sibling, or adult to understand how a bat’s echolocation works.
Read MoreNature Kids Fun Facts
We love curious young minds, and connecting with our network of experts to get answers to your burning questions! There's always something fascinating to learn about the many plants and animals that live here in Alberta and why they behave the way they do. CLICK HERE to get in the know with our round up of fun facts!
What is the biggest recorded size of hail that’s ever fallen in Alberta?
Hailstones can get pretty large, so what is the biggest one? Find out with Ask Stuart!
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Why are duck feet orange and Canada geese feet black?
Ever wondered why there are different coloured feet on some birds? Find out with Ask Stuart!
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Discover “Acorn the Nature Nut”
Join John Acorn on an adventure of a lifetime in episodes of “Acorn the Nature Nut”, now available on YouTube!
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Why are there so many snow geese around in the spring?
Nature Kids! get the goods on geese, in the latest issue of Nature Alberta Magazine!
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How do geese spend their year?
Nature Kids! get the goods on geese, in the latest issue of Nature Alberta Magazine!
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Spring is in the Air – Breeding Birds in Alberta
Recorded Presentation
Speaker: Jan Wijmenga
Host: Nature Alberta
What is hibernation?
Hibernation is not just a deep sleep; there are different kinds including brumation, torpor, and true hibernation.
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What do Squirrels do in Winter?
The winter survival strategies of different squirrel species in Alberta.
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A Hoot With Alberta Owls
Recorded Presentation
Speaker: Stephanie Weizenbach
Host: Nature Alberta
Why do larch trees change colour and drop their needles?
Larch turns a beautiful golden yellow in autumn, but by Halloween it looks bare and spooky — just right for the season!
Read MoreMy BIG Alberta Backyard
Alberta is filled with amazing natural spaces just waiting to be explored! If you're ready to embark on an adventure, you've come to the right place! CLICK HERE to explore Alberta's BIG Backyard.
My BIG Alberta Backyard – Leave No Trace
Nature Kids! Learn how to leave no trace when spending time in nature.
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My BIG Alberta Backyard – Chinook Provincial Recreation Area
Nature Kids! Explore the beautiful scenery of Chinook Provincial Recreation Area!
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My BIG Alberta Backyard – Jasper National Park
Nature Kids! Explore the sights and species of Jasper National Park.
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My BIG Alberta Backyard – Animals of Autumn
As autumn winds blow in and the leaves begin to change colour, let’s learn about some wonderfully spooky animals that live in Alberta.
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My BIG Alberta Backyard – Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Lush green trees, sparkling blue lakes, and towering old mountains – a place you won’t forget.
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My BIG Alberta Backyard – Listening to Nature
Nature Alberta’s Parton, John Acorn, has shared his do-it-yourself (DIY) Listening Lid with us!
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My BIG Alberta Backyard – Winter Animal Tracking
In the winter, animals leave tracks everywhere they go. Their tracks leave lots of hints. Was it a deer or a coyote that walked through? Were they in a group or alone? You can learn lots in information by being a nature detective and examining wildlife tracks.
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My BIG Alberta Backyard – NatureHood
It’s time to explore your NatureHood! Not sure where to start or what to look for? Start with reading this article!
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My BIG Alberta Backyard – Kleskun Hill Natural Area
Learn all about the small area of badlands up north near Grande Prairie: the Kleskun Hills.
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My BIG Alberta Backyard – Midland Provincial Park
Midland Provincial Park, just outside Drumheller, is most famous for the fossils that have been discovered there.
Read MoreNatureHood / CommuNature
Nature Kids is proud to be a partner in Nature Canada’s NatureHood program. Nature Alberta’s NatureHood program inspires families and children to observe, investigate, and explore nature, increasing the appreciation and conservation of nature in our province. The program is focused on wildlife observation and interpretation, with linkages to migratory bird sanctuaries and national wildlife areas. As part of the NatureHood program, Nature Kids hosts many engaging events and publishes interesting nature facts along with self-guided nature activities. Keep an eye on this website and our social media — Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter — for the latest events and content!
Nature Kids est fière d’être partenaire du programme CommuNature de Nature Canada. Le programme CommuNature de Nature Alberta incite les familles et les enfants à observer, étudier et explorer la nature, augmentant ainsi l'appréciation et la conservation de la nature dans notre province. Le programme est axé sur l'observation et l'interprétation de la faune, avec des liens avec les refuges d'oiseaux migrateurs et les réserves nationales de faune. Dans le cadre du programme CommuNature, Nature Kids organise de nombreux événements captivants et publie des faits intéressants sur la nature, ainsi que des activités autoguidées sur la nature. Gardez un œil sur ce site Web et nos médias sociaux – Facebook, Instagram et Twitter – pour connaître les derniers événements et contenus!