Plan a nature walk to spot animals near you

You don't have to travel far to meet animals. A short walk in a park, a garden or along a street is full of birds, insects and other small creatures.

Published October 1, 2026

Animals live all around us, even in cities. A nature walk is free, healthy and a great follow-up to time spent on animal pages and games.

Before you go

Choose a short route that suits your child's age: a park, a garden, a field or a quiet street. Decide together what you will look for, for example three birds, something that crawls and something that flies. Our "Animal bingo" worksheet works well as a checklist.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes and clothes for the weather
Water and a small snack
A notebook or the printed worksheet, and pencils
A magnifying glass if you have one

Use all your senses

Stop for a minute and listen: how many different bird songs can you hear? Look closely at tree bark, under leaves and in flower beds, where insects hide. Notice tracks in mud or sand. Small children love being "detectives".

Respect the animals you meet

Watch quietly from a distance and never chase animals. If you lift a stone or a log to look underneath, put it back gently in the same place. Leave nests, eggs and young animals where they are: their parents are usually nearby.

Back home

Talk about what you saw and look up the animals you found. Your child can draw their favourite one, fill in a fact file or look for similar animals on our site. Over time, you can keep a family diary of the animals you meet in each season.

Stay safe

Stay together, keep hands away from mouths after touching soil or plants, and wash them when you get home. Avoid touching unknown animals, and keep a safe distance from dogs you do not know. With a little preparation, every walk can become an adventure.