Wondering how you can get your child or grandchild interested in wildlife? Check out these seven tips from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Co-Host Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant.
No matter if you live in the city or have hiking trails nearby, there are many unique ways to spark an interest in wildlife and to build empathy for animals at a young age.
7 wildlife activities for kids
1. Find or build a garden
“Planting is a great introduction to conservation and scientific observation,” Dr. Rae said. “You can plant a single flower or a single seed and learn so much from that experience.”
Build a garden in your backyard or find a community garden to get involved with. Not sure if you have a green thumb? Start with a small plant you can keep indoors or put on your balcony. Encourage your child to observe as a seed transforms into a plant. How long does it take to sprout? Do flowers bloom?
“You’re going to notice so many things,” Dr Rae said. “It’s a really cool way for kids and families to have an entire informal scientific experience.”
Help support native species by learning how to build a garden for wildlife.
2. Visit zoos and aquariums
A great way for kids to get to know wildlife is by visiting an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility. There, they can see animals from around the world and learn about different habitats and behaviors from animal experts.
“There’s real measured evidence that when kids and families are able to interact and get up close and view animals in zoos and aquariums, it does build empathy,” Dr. Rae said.
Just one visit to a zoo can make an impact for years to come because the more we learn about a species, the more we care about them, Dr. Rae said.
Find an AZA-accredited facility near you and learn why these facilities are critical to conservation success.
3. Spend time outdoors
“Time in nature as a young person can really connect you with the planet and animals and can build empathy for wildlife,” Dr. Rae said.
Experiencing the outdoors doesn’t have to be through a national park visit. Even an afternoon at a city park can help facilitate a love of nature. Green spaces provide homes to many species. Encourage your child to look for different insects or listen to bird calls. Take them to a park to simply soak up the sun and observe their environment. Discover ways to find wild places in urban spaces.
4. Check out animal books at your library
A fun, free way to learn about wildlife is to visit your local library. Find children’s books about species from across the world. Consider focusing on different animals each week, such as mammals, rodents, insects or marine life. Ask a librarian to help curate a collection. Then, read the books together and talk about your new favorite animals.
5. Visit local museums
Search for nature or science museums in your area. Many have programs designed for children to learn about wildlife and wild places. Together, you can discover your local ecosystem and the history of your area!
6. Watch nature shows
“I became the biggest wild animal lover through watching nature programming on TV like Wild Kingdom,” Dr. Rae said.
If you haven’t tuned in to Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild yet, what are you waiting for? Share the joy of wildlife with your whole family by streaming free episodes.
Plus, follow Wild Kingdom and other nature programs on social media to get short videos about wildlife.
7. Download a birding app
Consider downloading an app, such as Merlin Bird ID, to identify different birds. While you may be able to recognize a cardinal or a blue jay, do you know which species make the bird calls in your area?
Simply turn on your microphone in the app and easily identify a bird from its call. Then, grab a pair of binoculars and see if you can find the bird outside your window. It’s a fantastic way to experience the natural world, especially when it’s too hot or cold to be outside.
Check out these backyard birding tips from the National Wildlife Federation.
Be creative and find your child’s unique passion
Use these activities as stepping stones to ignite your child’s love of wildlife. Then, get creative. Which ones are your child most drawn to? Do they like spending time outside? Or do they enjoy reading about wildlife more?
“Sometimes we’re fed a mainstream idea for what empathy for nature looks like,” Dr. Rae said. “But it’s ok to be creative with it.”
“If a kid really wants to paint landscapes all day, that counts! Or if they want to study soil erosion, or if they’re super interested in octopi and nothing else, that’s ok,” Dr. Rae said.
The great thing about wildlife conservation is there is room for everyone’s interests and talents. Learn how to hone your child’s passion for wildlife.
“It can be a fun adventure for a family to explore what sparks an interest or a passion,” Dr. Rae said.
With these activities, you can help build the next generation of conservationists today!
