Is the rain and the cold keeping you indoors? We’ve got seven family-friendly ways to bring the outdoors in, so you can connect with nature no matter the weather. From indoor woodlands to nature-themed colouring and games, discover forest-themed activities you can do at home.
1. Have an indoor woodland picnic
Little ones love imaginative play (and snacks), and a few simple props can help turn your living room into your own secret woodland. Lay out a blanket, prepare some easy picnic food and surround yourselves with houseplants to create your own mini forest.
For extra fun, download our free Gruffalo-themed picnic pack for food ideas, masks, bunting, games and more.
2. Relax with forest colouring sheets
Colouring is a calming and mindful activity for children and adults alike. Our beautifully illustrated, free downloadable colouring sheets feature trees, acorns, leaves and forest wildlife. They're perfect for grabbing a quiet moment on a rainy day.
3. Play a round of Tree Trumps
Kids love cards, and our free Tree Trumps card game is a great way to help them (and you!) learn about the incredible tree species found across England’s forests and woodlands. Each card teaches fun facts about height, wildlife value and more.
4. Play 'nature bingo' indoors
This is a perfect rainy‑day game that helps young children to tune into the natural world from the comfort of home. Create a simple bingo board and include things like:
- something made of wood.
- a bird or other wildlife.
- berries or fruit.
- trees or flowers.
Hunt for the objects around the house and out of windows. The first to shout 'bingo!' is the winner.
5. Draw a tree from memory
Invite your children to think of their favourite tree – real, imagined, or from a story - and draw it. Or gather together collage materials and junk modelling supplies from the recycling and have a go at creating a 3D version!
This activity boosts creativity and encourages a love of the natural world. Why not share their artwork with us on social media? We love seeing their creations and how they imagine our forests at home.
6. Create an indoor forest mural
Turn a wall or window into a forest scene. Children can use coloured paper, chalk pens, washable paints, and even collected leaves and twigs, to add trees, birds or animals until they have a indoor woodland of their own.
This is a great long‑term activity that can be added to over more than one rainy day.
7. Become a rainy-day sound collector
You don’t need to be deep in the forest to hear the sounds of nature. On a rainy day at home, encourage children to make a cosy nest next to an open window or door (just a crack!), or even on a porch.
Ask them to close their eyes and list the different sounds they can hear… perhaps birdsong, whistling wind, splashing raindrops and drifting voices? Take it one step further by helping them turn their collected sounds into a short poem.
Want more forest inspiration for families?
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