Nature studies during the winter can seem a bit intimidating, especially if you live in an area that gets cold, snowy winters. Saskatchewan I’m looking at you! But there are still ways to enjoy nature in the winter, including a winter nature walk.
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Winter Nature Walk Ideas
I am not the biggest fan of winter, but my kids love it outside no matter the season. I push myself to get out more all year long including in the winter. Our winter nature walks are just as much for the kids as they are for me.
First Sign of Winter
Head out for a nature walk on December 21st (the first day of winter) look out for the first signs of winter. I know winter weather doesn’t wait until December 21st to show up. It might be a good idea to keep an eye out on all your walks for signs of new seasons.
Bird Watching Walk
Depending on your house and windows, you might not even need to go for a walk to do some bird watching. Focus on the birds that you see and see if you can identify them. Are they birds native to your area? etc.
Animal Tracks Walk
If you live in a rural area this can be a lot of fun. We enjoy looking for animal tracks throughout the year, in dirt, mud, or snow. If you go out early after a fresh snowfall you’ll be able to see them clearly.
What will you see?
Star Walk
Take a nighttime walk and look up at the sky, seeing which constellations are visible. If observed through the year, the constellations shift gradually to the west.
In the winter, you are going to be looking in a different direction in space at night than you are during the summer.
Moon Walk
Head out and take a walk in the moonlight. I recommend that you take several walks through the winter season to observe the phases of the moon. Your children will also notice a difference in how much light they need to use in addition to the moonlight to see where they are going.
Dawn Walk
get up early and head out to see the sunrise. This is great in the winter months as you don’t have to get up quite so early, win-win for everyone! Grab some travel mugs and enjoy some hot chocolate as you walk.