Nature Kids
Nature Kids is our nature programming especially for kids and their families! While it's mostly primarily towards children ages 4-12, anyone with a sense of curiosity and childlike wonder can learn something about the nature in Alberta.
We provide educational materials and organize field experiences that promote being outdoors, observing nature, scientific investigation, environmental stewardship and healthy living. To connect with the Nature Kids team email us at naturekids@naturealberta.ca.
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.
Winter Bug Count
Not sure what that creepy crawly in your basement is? Experts will help identify your find!
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Make a Snow Fort
Discover why some animals spend the winter under the snow by building your own snow fort!
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Swan Snowshoe Challenge
Try warming up an egg like a swan or running 100 m to take flight.
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Winter Bird Feeder Maze Activity
Download and print this fun activity sheet to help this winter bird find its way to the bird feeder!
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Winter Birdwatching Scavenger Hunt
Kids can have fun bird watching too! These activity sheets have been created with junior bird watchers in mind, so get out and get observing. How many of our feathered friends can you find?
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Project FeederWatch
Get to know the birds in your backyard while helping scientists out at the same time!
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Budding Birders Guides
Get your naturalist on with these birding guides from Nature Calgary
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Mission: Monarch Migration
Come learn about monarch butterflies and the journey the go on every year!
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Bird Footprints Craft
Make your own bird footprints with this simple DIY craft!
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Spiderling Web Craft for Kids
Help sibling spiderlings disperse and build their own web with this fun Halloween themed nature craft.
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!
Are there bugs that live in the snow?
Most people might assume that bugs aren’t active outside during the winter because we rarely see them, but the truth is much cooler!
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What happens to spiders in the winter?
Find out what happens to our favourite 8-legged air breathing arthropods during Alberta’s harsh winters.
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Amazing Amphibians & Riveting Reptiles
Recorded Presentation
Speaker: ALYSSA METRO & CORRIANNE BRONS
Host: Nature Alberta
Do Red Squirrels Hibernate?
Do red squirrels hibernate? How do they survive Alberta’s harsh winters?
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What is a drey?
What is a drey and what does it have to do with squirrels?
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Why are bluebirds blue?
The blue feathers of a bluebird are blue for a special reason!
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What is a cavity-nesting bird?
Many birds make open cup nests while other birds nest in cavities. Not the same cavity as in your teeth!
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How does a seed turn into a plant & why don’t all seeds germinate?
Learn how plants grow and why not all seeds germinate.
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What happens to fish when the pond turns to ice?
Do fish still swim and eat when the lake is covered in ice? Find out with this fun fact!
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How do trees survive the winter without leaves?
First, let’s talk about what leaves are. Leaves help trees turn sunlight into energy, but only if they are uncovered. If snow covers the leaves, they can’t make any more energy. One of the reasons some trees lose their leaves in the fall is because they won’t be able to use the leaves during the…
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 – 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.
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My BIG Alberta Backyard – Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary in Calgary is one of the smallest Migratory Bird Sanctuaries covering only 36 hectares.
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My BIG Alberta Backyard – Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary
The Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary is a Migratory Bird Sanctuary located in the aspen parkland in Red Deer. Learn all about this sanctuary and the Kerry Wood Nature Centre!
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My BIG Alberta Backyard – Beaver Hill Biosphere Reserve
The Beaver Hill Biosphere Reserve is a unique area located east of Edmonton in the knob and kettle transition zone between parkland and boreal regions.
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My BIG Alberta Backyard – Waterton Biosphere Reserve
The Waterton Biosphere Reserve is located in southwestern Alberta, where the prairies meet the Rocky Mountains. Find out what a biosphere reserve is and what type of wildlife you will find in Waterton!
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My BIG Alberta Backyard – Grande Prairie Trumpeter Swan IBA
The Grande Prairie Trumpeter Swan IBA is located near the city of Grande Prairie in the Saskatoon Island Provincial Park, just a quick 25-minute drive from the city centre. It has several lakes that many species of birds call home every year.
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The Importance of Alberta’s Protected Areas
Learn all about the protected areas of Alberta and why they are important!
Read MoreNature Kids Events & Family Nature Nights
Nature Kids events are geared to children ages 4-12 but all are welcome. Family Nature Nights promote positive learning experiences for youth and their families by fostering appreciation for nature. These free, public events take place in urban parks and are open to families of all ages and abilities. Each event features a different theme with local naturalist experts who present on their area of expertise. This is accompanied by a guided nature walk, crafts, games, and a whole lot of learning. Family Nature Nights are planned for Wednesday evenings in July and August in Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer. Visit our Facebook page or email naturekids@naturealberta.ca for more information about future FNN events.
Owls Discovery Day
Jan 22 from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Helen Schuler Nature Centre
Lethbridge, AB
Kids Nature Programs at HSNC
Youth Nature Activities at Helen Schuler Nature Centre
February, March
Lethbridge
Tree Planting for Biodiversity
Thurs, June 8 at 6 PM
Rundle Park in Edmonton
D & D Land Reclamation Style: Become an Earth Doctor
Future Energy Systems
Wed, Sept 21 from 5 – 6 pm
Fall Biodiversity Challenge
Contribute nature observations between Sept 15 – 18 anywhere in Alberta on iNaturalist!
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Family Nature Nights: Healthy Planet
Wed, Aug 24 at 6 pm
Edmonton
Rundle Park
Family Nature Nights: Incredible Ecosystems
Wed, July 13 at 6 pm
Red Deer
Kerry Wood Nature Centre
Family Nature Nights: Fur & Feathers
Wed, July 20 at 6 pm
Edmonton
Alfred Savage Centre, Whitemud Park
Family Nature Nights: Water Wonders
Wed, July 27 at 6 pm
Edmonton
Goldbar Park
Family Nature Nights: Brilliant Birds
Wed, Aug 3 at 6 pm
Calgary
Weaselhead Park
NatureHood / CommuNature
Nature Kids is proud to be a partner in Nature Canada’s NatureHood program. This program is about connecting families across Canada to nearby nature and exploring their own ‘hoods to discover the plants and animals species that live in our own backyards. Nature Kids will be hosting several events in the coming months as part of the NatureHood program so keep an eye on this website and to our Facebook page for more information!
Nature Kids est fier d’être partenaire du programme CommuNature de Nature Canada. Ce programme vise à connecter les familles à travers le Canada à la nature voisine et à explorer leurs propres voisinages pour découvrir les espèces végétales et animales qui vivent dans notre propre arrière-cour. Il y a tellement de nature à explorer tout autour de nous et nous n’avons pas besoin d’aller bien loin pour la découvrir. Nature Kids organisera plusieurs événements dans les mois à venir dans le cadre du programme CommuNature, alors restez à l’écoute de ce site Web et de notre page Facebook pour plus d’information bientôt !