If you have a garden or safe outdoor space where your children can play whilst isolating, then there's a surprising amount to be discovered.

Here we’ve listed 10 EASY activities for fun in the garden:

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​1. Under rocks and in plant pots

It's amazing how many creatures can be found. Remember to put them back where they were found. And if there is anything really interesting, draw pictures of what you have found!


​2. Make a mud pie or dirt sculpture.

Find some mud - add lots of water! Use a wooden spoon for mixing or just get in there with your hands.

Then find interesting things from nature to mix in. Sticks, twigs and bark will add texture.

Then find things like leaves, feathers, pebbles and seeds as these make the perfect decorations to go on top of your mud pies.

3. A bee friendly seed bomb

If your grownup has some wildflower seeds then mix them with mud and form a ball. Let it dry out in the sun. Then when they’re dry, catapult your seed bomb into a space in your garden where they’ll grow into bee-friendly flowers.

Bluebell, Honeysuckle, Lavender, White Campion, Cornflower, Bluebells, Corncockle, Oxeye Daisy, Foxglove, Self Heal, Corn Marigold, Common Knapweed, Ribwort Plantain, Corn Poppy, Sheeps Fescue, Corn Chamomile, Slender Creeping Red Fescue, Small Leaved Timothy, Crested Dogstail, Red Campion, Salad Burnet, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Crocuses and Rosemary

are good examples of bee friendly plants and flowers.

4. Make a daisy chain

An oldie but goodie! Pick as many daisy’s as you like. The more you have... the longer the chain cab be!

Then, with the help of your grown up, use a cocktail stick to poke a hole in the bottom of the stem and thread through the next stem. Repeat this until you have a chain of daisies.

5. Stargazing

When it get’s dark, sit outside in your garden with your grown up(s) and a nice cosy blanket. There are lots of free apps for stargazing that can be downloaded on tablets or phones to show you the names of the stars and planets you can see.

The International Space Station might be close enough to Earth to see in March and early April.

6. Spelling outside

Find some long twigs, lots of leaves, flower petals that are already on the ground, pebbles, acorns... whatever you can find in your garden, and use them to spell out your name. If your name is too long spell out the word SPRING, like the picture above.

7. Bird watching.

Do you have a bird feeder or tree in your garden? Listen out for the sounds of the different birds, there are so many in Spring. If you can see them, it’s time to get your drawing skills out and recreate what you see.

There’s lots to see on the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) website and you can identify the birds in your garden.

8. Raise a butterfly.

If you have any wriggly caterpillars in your garden, then you can safely rescue one and watch it grow into a butterfly before releasing it.

You will need a clear tub with a lid that has tiny smooth holes so that your baby butterfly can get sunshine and oxygen.

For the full steps on how to choose and care for your caterpillar, first visit the National Trust instructions here.

9. Splashing.

If it’s a rainy day that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun outside. Get your raincoat and wellies on and make the most of the weather. If the puddles are big enough, take your rubber ducks with you and splash happy. Use a plastic wash basin & measuring jug for pouring.

10. Sit and be still.

If it’s a warm day, or even if it’s not and you’re wrapped up. Sit outside and take lots of deep breaths. Enjoy just listening to the birds in the sunshine or the rain hitting the roof. It’s very important for kids and grownups to take time to just sit and listen to nature. Your grown up can view more tips on mindfulness for children here on the Mindful website.