Gardening with your kids is not only a great way to spend quality time together, but it also teaches them valuable life skills while keeping them connected to nature. Plus, it’s an awesome way to boost their sensory skills and promote mental and physical well-being. Sounds pretty good, right?
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a total newbie, these fun and simple gardening activities will keep your child engaged, curious, and learning. And the best part? You don’t need a green thumb to get started!
Why Gardening is Great for Kids
Kids love bright colors and big objects, and let’s be honest, they can lose interest quickly if something feels too hard. That’s why your first gardening project with them should be fun, easy, and successful! Gardening is an amazing sensory experience—they get to touch, feel, smell, and explore the world around them. It helps them connect with nature and teaches patience, creativity, and responsibility.
Did you know even toddlers can help out in the garden? Yep! Kids as young as three can lay mulch, pull weeds, and learn a lot about where food comes from and how plants grow.
Beyond learning about plants, gardening is a fantastic stress-buster. It helps boost self-esteem and even reduces anxiety and depression. Plus, it sneaks in some exercise and sunshine! Gardening is like a built-in science lesson that uses all their senses—what’s not to love?
Ready to get started? Let’s dig into some fun activities you and your little ones can enjoy together.
1. Build Your Own Planters
Got some old household items lying around? Repurposing them into planters is a fun, eco-friendly way to get creative in the garden. Here are a few ideas to get you going:
- Toolbox Planter: Got an old toolbox that’s seen better days? Empty it out, drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage, and fill it with soil to create a unique planter. Let your child paint it with outdoor paint for an extra personal touch!
- Kitchen Strainer: A kitchen strainer already has holes—perfect for drainage! Just pop a few coffee filters at the bottom to keep the soil in, and you’re ready to plant.
- Baskets: Baskets are another great option for planters because they drain well. Plus, they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can add a unique flair to your garden.
2. Make a Rainwater Barrel
Collecting rainwater is a super easy and eco-friendly way to water your garden. You can even make your own rain barrel with an old garbage bin! Just attach a tap to the bottom, and you’ve got a homemade water-saving system. Want to make it fun for the kids? Let them paint raindrops or designs on the side of the barrel.
3. Mulch Beds to Retain Water
Mulching is one of the easiest ways to keep your garden healthy. It helps the soil retain water, keeps the temperature steady, and adds nutrients as it breaks down. Plus, it’s a great job for kids to help with! Show them how to spread mulch around your plants, and they’ll feel like pro gardeners.
4. Grow Native Plants
Native plants are perfect for your garden because they’re naturally suited to your local climate, meaning less work for you and your kids. They need less water and don’t require special soil, making them easier to grow and maintain.
First, research plants that thrive in your area. Then, head to the garden center with your child to pick out some native plants to grow together. Not only will you be conserving resources, but you’ll also be teaching your little one about sustainable gardening.
5. Pull Weeds by Hand
Weeding might not be the most glamorous garden job, but it’s super important. Plus, it’s a great way to get outside and get moving! Show your child how to identify weeds, and then work together to pull them out by hand. It’s a great workout, and it helps keep your garden chemical-free.
6. Start Composting
Composting is a fantastic way to reduce waste and give your garden a nutrient boost. All you need are food scraps (no meat!), grass clippings, and garden waste. It’s also an awesome science project for your kids—they’ll love learning how composting works and seeing how food scraps turn into rich soil for the garden.
7. Watering the Plants
It doesn’t get more basic than watering the plants, and kids of all ages can handle it! Get your little one a cute watering can, set a watering schedule, and let them help keep the garden hydrated.
8. Clean the Garden
A clean garden is a happy garden! Give your child a small rake or broom, and have them help tidy up by removing dead leaves and flowers. Not only does this keep the garden looking nice, but it also helps keep the area healthy and clean.
9. Pick Fruits and Veggies
Harvesting time is always a favorite! Kids love picking fruits and veggies from the garden. Plus, you can invite them to help in the kitchen, turning their harvest into delicious meals, pickles, or even homemade jam.
10. Make a Bird Feeder
Here’s a fun and easy project: turn an old plastic bottle into a bird feeder! Just drill some small holes, fill it with birdseed, and hang it up. Your child will love watching the birds visit your garden, and it’s a great way to foster a love of nature.
11. Learn About Bugs
Bugs are a big part of any garden! Grab a magnifying glass and help your child explore the different insects in your garden. This is a great way to overcome any fear of bugs while learning about the important role they play in nature.
12. Paint the Pots
Let your child’s creativity shine by painting your garden pots! It’s a fun way to add color and personality to your outdoor space, and it gives your little artist a chance to express themselves.
13. Create a Fairy Garden
Let your child’s imagination run wild by creating a fairy garden! Use colorful pebbles, sticks, shells, and tiny plants to create a magical little world. It’s a creative and fun project that will have your child’s face lighting up with excitement.
14. Paint Rocks
Want to add a pop of color to your garden? Painting rocks is a simple and fun way to brighten up your space. Let your child pick the colors and designs, and then use the rocks to decorate garden beds or pathways.
15. Save Your Seeds
Collecting and saving seeds from plants is a great way to teach your child about plant life cycles. At the end of each growing season, help them gather seeds, dry them out, and store them for next year. It’s a fun way to keep the garden going and save money on seeds!
Make Gardening Fun for Kids
Gardening doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be a fun and exciting adventure for your child! Here are a few tips to make it more enjoyable:
- Give them their own little space in the garden to play and dig.
- Let them explore and learn at their own pace.
- Buy kid-sized tools to make gardening easier for little hands.
And when those first plants start to grow, watch your child’s excitement bloom right along with them! There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing their hard work pay off.
So grab your gardening gloves and let’s get digging—your garden (and your child) will thank you!
