The forest not only offers a pleasantly cool environment, subdued light, and soothing silence, but also appeals to all the senses with its scents, textures, and sounds. For young and old, forest games are more than just a pastime. They are a way to escape from the often highly artificial daily routines and bring us back to nature. We would therefore like to present some of the most beautiful forest games for children here.
1. Hide and seek in the forest
The classic outdoor version – because in the forest, you can hide behind tree trunks. While one child counts to 15 or 20, the others hide – the last one to be found is the next to search.
2. Forest Memory I
The memory game can be played in two versions. One is easy to arrange spontaneously by collecting leaves, chestnuts, and branches from characteristic trees and plants and covering them with a cloth . The cloth is raised for one minute so the children can memorize what is on the forest floor. The goal is then to find as many of the objects they have seen as possible. The player who finds the most matching objects wins.
3. Forest Memory II
This version requires a bit more preparation – photos of trees, bushes, or other natural features , such as rock formations, in the forest must be taken the day before. Using the photos, the children – and adult participants – must then identify and locate the objects depicted. It's a great game for learning more about the forest and teaching about the plants found there.
4. Forest course
Another activity that can be done with just a few "ingredients." This one simply requires stretching a strong string from tree to tree—the longer the better. Blindfolded, the children must feel their way along this "guideline." The uneven forest floor presents a real challenge, but the difficulty should be adjusted to suit the age group so as not to overwhelm the little ones.
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5. Branch Puzzles
This forest puzzle is exciting and educational, especially for younger children. It simply involves cutting branches from various trees and shrubs into three or four pieces. The children then have to put the original branches back together – and identify the corresponding tree.
6. Forest pictures
What the forest has to offer can be used creatively. Branches or twigs can be used to create picture frames on the forest floor, which can then be filled with colorful leaves, beautiful stones, acorns and hazelnuts, and even bird feathers. The main thing is that the finished picture is pleasing! Several children can participate and create together, and of course, a photo of the complete work of art is a must.
7. Connect leaves
This leaf game is very simple: you simply tear a collection of different leaves in half. The children should first put the halves back together – and then figure out which tree the leaf belongs to.
8. Recognize forest voices
The forest isn't nearly as quiet as it seems. If children sit with their eyes closed and listen, they can pay attention to various sounds: the wind in the leaves, the murmur of streams, birdsong. This simple game is also a simple mindfulness exercise that adults can also join in with.
9. What am I? in the forest
The popular guessing game "What am I?" can also be played in the forest. Each child is given a tag on their back with the name of a plant or animal. As the questions progress, each participant must figure out who or what they are from the others – but the other children are only allowed to answer yes or no. A fun and entertaining game that's sure to delight even young children.
Hiking and learning in the forest
Of course, you can also easily incorporate games and activities into a hike , creating a variety of exciting breaks that everyone can enjoy. With the eBook Hiking Guide, children and adults can experience nature from new perspectives.
Outdoor instruction, or in the forest, is also being recommended or encouraged by an increasing number of educators, kindergartens, and schools. Subject-specific or interdisciplinary instruction "on site" not only teaches even the youngest children to love and respect nature, but also strengthens important skills such as creativity, communication, and teamwork.
