Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this half term while also teaching them about the environment?
Here are some exciting and eco-friendly activities that will help your family connect with nature and learn about water conservation.
As you enjoy your half term activities, remember to stay safe around open water. Always supervise children near lakes, ponds, or streams, and avoid walking on ice, as it may not be safe. After any outdoor fun, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly, especially if you’ve touched water or outdoor surfaces. These simple steps can help keep everyone healthy and safe while you make the most of your holiday adventures!
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Take the kids on a nature scavenger hunt to explore local green spaces. Make a list of items to find, like different types of leaves, rocks, or water sources like ponds or streams. Discuss how clean water is important for wildlife and how protecting these areas helps keep water sources safe for animals. Once you've gathered some treasures, create nature-based crafts like leaf rubbings or twig decorations.
How about becoming a pond detective? Take a look at our list to help identify different pond insects, beetles, and other freshwater creatures!
2. DIY Water-Saving Crafts
Get creative by making water-saving devices at home! Try making a rain gauge using an old plastic bottle to measure rainfall. You could also design fun "water reminder" stickers for the bathroom, reminding everyone to turn off the tap when brushing their teeth.
3. Plant a Pollinator Garden
Planting a pollinator garden is a great way to help local ecosystems. Choose plants that attract bees and butterflies and discuss how plants need water to grow. Use a watering can to show how to water plants efficiently without wasting water.
4. Upcycled Bird Feeder Craft
Make bird feeders from recycled materials like milk cartons or plastic bottles. Not only does this help local wildlife, but it also teaches kids the importance of recycling and reducing waste. Set up the feeder near a birdbath and talk about how birds rely on clean water just like we do.
5. Colouring Activities
Download our water-themed colouring sheets that teach kids about the water cycle or water-saving tips. Colouring can be a fun way to introduce concepts like why we should take shorter showers or turn off the tap when washing hands.
6. DIY Bug Hotel
Create a bug hotel using natural materials like sticks, leaves, and bark. Explain how many insects depend on clean water sources and discuss why it’s important to keep rivers, lakes, and streams pollution-free for wildlife.
7. Visit a Local Nature Reserve
Take the kids out on a nearby nature walk and visit local rivers, lakes, or nature reserves. Use the opportunity to talk about where water comes from and how we can protect these precious resources. These visits are often free and provide a chance to explore nature up close. Bring a picnic and discuss how to reduce waste by using reusable containers and utensils. Carry reusable water bottles to stay hydrated!
8. Clean Up a Local Park or Beach
Make a family day out of cleaning up a local park or beach. It’s a great way to teach kids about the importance of keeping our environment clean. Explain how trash can end up in rivers and oceans, harming both animals and water quality.
9. Home Movie Night with an Environmental Twist
Host a movie day featuring documentaries or animations about nature and the environment. Films like "The Lorax" or "Our Planet" can spark conversations about conservation and protecting the earth.
10. Create a Water Conservation Poster
Challenge the kids to design a water conservation poster. They can draw or paint ways to save water, like taking shorter showers or fixing leaky taps. Display the posters at home or even share them with your local community centre to spread the message.
These activities are not just fun but also educational, helping kids understand how their actions impact the environment. For more creative ideas, check out our blog on water-saving crafts to explore additional ways to stay eco-friendly this half term!
Here’s what we’re doing across all 500 schools in the Affinity Water region:
- Teach students about saving water and how they can help protect chalk streams.
- Give teachers lesson toolkits to use in classrooms and assemblies about water conservation.
- Host a fun poster contest where schools can win a £3,000 class trip to a biodiversity centre, plus a prize for the top student.
- Provide each school with a water butt to encourage creative ways to save water.
You can also download the Take-Home pack from our education toolkit!
We want to hear all about your half-term adventures! Tag us on social media and share the activities you’ve enjoyed. Show us what you’ve been up to - we can't wait to see your fun water-saving moments!