What is special about playing in the forest?
Forests fascinate young and old. The forest is a very special place for us humans and an important habitat for many animals, plants and trees. Forests not only offer wild animals sufficient hiding places in the undergrowth – it is also a ideal setting for play. A day in the forest guarantees fun, excitement and adventure. Here you will find many fun play options for action-packed hours in nature.
When playing in the forest, children get lots of fresh air and take in their surroundings with all their senses. This is good for health and promotes the physical development and just feels good. Many forest games also help your children develop an a conscious approach to nature develop. They get to know animals' habitats, identify plants or tree species, and playfully strengthen their connection to all forest inhabitants.
The forest as a recreational area helps our soul too: here we calm down, relax and do ourselves some good. Even science knows today that a day in the forest has a demonstrable positive effect on physical and mental well-being. A walk in the forest is calming, strengthens the immune system and lifts the mood – for young and old.
You'd best plan your next trip to the forest today and look forward to great outdoor games in all weathers.
These forest games are suitable for children
Forest games for children can be divided into different categories subdivided. That way there's sure to be something suitable for every type of game.
These are the most popular forest games:
Games with natural materials
sensory games
group games
experiential games
memory and guessing games
running games
search games
When is the best season to play in the forest?
Forest games are fun in every season. With the right clothing, rain, snow or strong winds can't harm you. Especially in the autumn, when the leaves change color and many forest animals search for food for the winter, there is plenty to discover in the forest. Here you have the opportunity to play great autumn games in nature.
In the summer months the forest provides natural protection from the sun and excessive heat. And even in the awakening spring and snowy winter many special adventures await you here. With the right planning, exciting games in your bag and weatherproof outdoor equipment, your next forest walk will be a complete success, promised.
Weatherproof outdoor clothing
So that wind and weather can't affect your children, at HABA you'll find robust and comfortable outdoor gear for every season. Perfectly dressed, playing in the forest is even more fun.
Instructions: 6 game ideas for exciting forest games
Are you still missing game ideas for exciting and funny forest games? No problem! We've put together the 6 most beautiful games for you that are perfect for a successful day in the forest. On your marks, get set, start playing!
Treasure hunt in the forest
Materials needed:
notebook
pens
colorful marker ribbons
backpack/bag
A treasure hunt in the forest is especially fun. Here you have lots of open space, various hiding places and there's something to discover around every corner – maybe even the treasure that awaits you at the end of the treasure hunt in the forest and is the goal of the game. Beforehand you think together of things your children have to find. Be creative. Here are some ideas:
a pretty leaf
a walking stick
a heart-shaped stone
a chestnut
five fruits from different trees
a large pine cone
Berries or nuts (Caution: your children should not eat wild berries without asking you!)
If the little ones have found all the materials, they may search for the treasure, which you have hidden in advance and marked with a colorful ribbonhave. To keep the suspense high: choose a good spot in a part of the forest for the hiding place that your children are only allowed to enter for the treasure hunt.
Build a fort
Materials needed:
many branches and small logs
moss and leaves
a knife/carving tool
Your own fortress in the forest – your children will be thrilled when they are allowed to build a fort with you. It doesn't take much preparation. Look around and first collect loose branches. Please do not cut branches off trees, but really restrict yourselves only to wood that is already on the ground. Here you will surely find enough material to build a nice fort.
First take the large tree trunks and place them at a 45-degree angle against each other so that the construction holds. Always work in an overlapping cross pattern so that your fortress remains stable. Once the basic structure stands, cover your fort with small branches, leaves and moss. That way it's well camouflaged and you are the heroes of the forest.
Searching for forest treasures & telling stories
Materials needed:
as many collected objects as you like
imagination and creativity
In this forest game, the creativity and imagination of your children is required. Give them a set time in which they can look around the forest independently. However, agree very clearly how far they are allowed to move away from you.
During this time, your little explorers collect as many forest treasures as possible. The aim of this game is then to sit together comfortably and tell an exciting, funny or crazy story using the materials and mention each of the found objects or incorporate them into the story.
Run a forest obstacle course
a nice spot of forest with obstacles
a good dose of adventurous spirit
possibly a stopwatch
Choose a special spot in the forest that small obstacles such as streams, fallen tree trunks, rocks or caves. Mark out a route that should later be run for time. The forest course is also excellent as a group game, in which little athletes can compete against each other.
Now your children run alternately and as fast as they can the set course. Stop the time. You can also hold several rounds and have your children try to beat their own time. In the evening the course champions will surely fall into bed tired but happy.
Tree hunt
Materials needed:
blindfold
This game is particularly suitable for a small group. Form teams of two children each. Now one ties the eyes of the other team member. The 'seeing' child leads their partner to a tree. Take detours if possible to make the guessing later more exciting. Once at the tree, the child with the blindfold on may feel and touch the tree.
Afterwards the child is led back to the starting point and may take off the blindfold. Now they must try to retrace the way and find the tree they touched earlier.
Carving
Materials needed:
branches
There are many branches lying around in the forest that are perfect for carving. Whether a nice walking stick, a magic wand or a spear for little Vikings – your children can get creative while carving. However, watch that young children do not injure themselves. Older children can already play this game independently and take the carved masterpieces home later.
Packing list: What you need to play in the forest
For an exciting day in the forest, in addition to good spirits, you also need the right equipment and provisions. So that you don't lack anything later, we've put together a small packing list you can use as a guide.
Equipment at a glance
Provisions: drinks, sandwiches & Co.
first aid kit
charged mobile phone
camera (optional)
blanket / picnic blanket
damp cloth/wet wipes for cleaning hands
explorer toys such as magnifying glass, binoculars, observation jar or walkie-talkie
trash bag
Children's birthday in the forest
Games in the forest are not only the highlight of a family outing – the children's birthday party can also be celebrated in the forest.
A nice birthday doesn't always have to cost a lot. For a successful day, your birthday child and their little guests need only a exciting place to play and romping, gifts and a delicious birthday cake. The forest offers the perfect adventure playground for all of that. Take cake, presents and guests, drive to the nearest mixed forest and experience an exciting day together that you will not forget so quickly.
Dressed correctly: Practical outdoor clothing for games in the forest
Games in the forest are usually pretty wild. For this reason your children need robust, but still comfortable clothing. It is important that the little ones don't start sweating while playing. It's best to dress your children according to the layering principle . If they get too warm, they can easily remove a layer. For the often uneven forest floor, the best are sturdy and waterproof shoes. These should fit well but not squeeze. Since children's feet grow quickly, always pay attention to the right size.
Materials like fleece or softshell are particularly good for many forest games. Softshell ensures that heat is transported outwards and your children don't sweat so easily. The water-repellent material still provides enough warmth and doesn't restrict the little ones in their freedom of movement. If it's a bit colder outside, reach for garments made of fleeceThe cuddly-soft fabric keeps comfortably warm and is still breathable. Also always have mud and rain clothing in the backpack that you can quickly pull on during a shower, when playing at the water or on wet ground.
Frequently asked questions about forest games
Are children allowed to gather berries, nuts and mushrooms in the forest?
In general, it is allowed to collect a small quantity of fruits, mushrooms or nuts in the forest. But caution: before your children try berries or nuts, look closely to see whether they are edible. You should only collect mushrooms if you really know the specifics and can safely toxic from non-toxic edible mushrooms.
What rules must be observed when playing in the forest?
So that the forest always remains clean and and tidy, leave it exactly as you found it.Take your trash with you – it's best to pack a trash bag that you can dispose of later. If you want to bring your dog along, keep them on a leash, so as not to scare walkers or animals.
What should be done if our child is injured while playing in the forest?
Of course it's important that you always keep a watchful eye on your children. This helps prevent possible injuries such as cuts while whittling or falls from great heights. Still, it can happen quickly that your child slips while roughhousing and gets an abrasion. Therefore, it's best to always have a first aid kit in your backpack. That way the little adventurers are quickly cared for and the play can continue undisturbed.
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Image credits
Children lying in leaves © Cavan Images - stock.adobe.com
Child hiding behind tree © dusanpetkovic1 - stock.adobe.com
Family walking in fog © Tomsickova - stock.adobe.com
Children running into shelter made of branches © Monkey Business - stock.adobe.com
Child climbing in climbing park © mpix-foto - stock.adobe.com
Child hugging tree © patpitchaya - stock.adobe.com
Child playing with pinata © Seventyfour - stock.adobe.com
Child jumping in puddle © ValentinValkov - stock.adobe.com