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.

NK-Bee and Flower

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.

Spring Seek and Find

Explore outside and see how many things you can check off your Spring Seek and Find!

Read More

Winter Bug Count

Not sure what that creepy crawly in your basement is? Experts will help identify your find!

Read More

Make a Snow Fort

Discover why some animals spend the winter under the snow by building your own snow fort!

Read More

Swan Snowshoe Challenge

Try warming up an egg like a swan or running 100 m to take flight.

Read More

Winter Bird Feeder Maze Activity

Download and print this fun activity sheet to help this winter bird find its way to the bird feeder!

Read More

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?

Read More

Project FeederWatch

Get to know the birds in your backyard while helping scientists out at the same time!

Read More

Budding Birders Guides

Get your naturalist on with these birding guides from Nature Calgary

Read More

Mission: Monarch Migration

Come learn about monarch butterflies and the journey the go on every year!

Read More

Bird Footprints Craft

Make your own bird footprints with this simple DIY craft!

Read More

Nature 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!

NK-Bat

Why do geese poop so much?

Geese poop a lot — in fact, they can poop up to 15 times per hour!

Read More

What’s the difference between a snow goose and a Canada goose?

A guide to help you tell apart Snow Goose and Canada Goose.

Read More

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!

Read More

What happens to spiders in the winter?

Find out what happens to our favourite 8-legged air breathing arthropods during Alberta’s harsh winters.

Read More

Amazing Amphibians & Riveting Reptiles

Recorded Presentation
Speaker: ALYSSA METRO & CORRIANNE BRONS
Host: Nature Alberta

Read More

Do Red Squirrels Hibernate?

Do red squirrels hibernate? How do they survive Alberta’s harsh winters?

Read More

What is a drey?

What is a drey and what does it have to do with squirrels?

Read More

Why are bluebirds blue?

The blue feathers of a bluebird are blue for a special reason!

Read More

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!

Read More

How does a seed turn into a plant & why don’t all seeds germinate?

Learn how plants grow and why not all seeds germinate.

Read More

My 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 – Listening to Nature

Nature Alberta’s Parton, John Acorn, has shared his do-it-yourself (DIY) Listening Lid with us. Let’s make your own Listening Lid and give it a try!

Read More

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.

Read More

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!

Read More

My BIG Alberta Backyard – Kleskun Hill Natural Area

Learn all about the small area of badlands up north near Grande Prairie: the Kleskun Hills.

Read More

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 More

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.

Read More

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!

Read More

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.

Read More

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!

Read More

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.

Read More

Nature 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.

NK-butterfly

Tree Planting for Biodiversity

Thurs, June 8 at 6 PM
Rundle Park in Edmonton

Read More

Kids Can Catch Event

Alberta Conservation Association
Fort Saskatchewan
June 10,10 am

Read More

Nature Play Fest

Helen Schuler Nature Centre
Henderson Lake Park, Lethbridge
June 10th, 12 – 4 pm

Read More

Owls Discovery Day

Jan 22 from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Helen Schuler Nature Centre
Lethbridge, AB

Read More

Nature Programs at HSNC

Nature Activities at Helen Schuler Nature Centre
May – Aug
Lethbridge

Read More

D & D Land Reclamation Style: Become an Earth Doctor

Future Energy Systems
Wed, Sept 21 from 5 – 6 pm

Read More

Fall Biodiversity Challenge

Contribute nature observations between Sept 15 – 18 anywhere in Alberta on iNaturalist!

Read More

Family Nature Nights: Healthy Planet

Wed, Aug 24 at 6 pm
Edmonton
Rundle Park

Read More

Family Nature Nights: Incredible Ecosystems

Wed, July 13 at 6 pm
Red Deer
Kerry Wood Nature Centre

Read More

Family Nature Nights: Fur & Feathers

Wed, July 20 at 6 pm
Edmonton
Alfred Savage Centre, Whitemud Park

Read More

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 !