Winter is one of those seasons that can feel a little… long. If you’re a homeschool parent like me, you know exactly what I mean. The cold days start to blur together, motivation dips, and suddenly the kids are bouncing off the walls, asking, “What are we doing for school today?”
For a long time, I thought winter nature study meant we had to go outside—but let’s be honest, sometimes it’s too cold, the ground is icy, the kids don’t want to bundle up again, and neither do we. So over the years, I’ve collected a whole list of winter nature study ideas that work beautifully even when you want to stay warm indoors. And when you do feel up for going outside, I’ve included plenty of ideas for that, too.
If you’ve been struggling to keep learning fun and hands-on during the winter months, this list is going to save your homeschool days. Let’s dive in.
Why Winter Nature Study Matters
Winter nature study encourages kids to slow down and notice details they might miss in warmer months. Nature becomes quieter, calmer, and more open. Without leaves and buzzing insects, kids suddenly see:
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Animal tracks
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Bird activity
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The structure of trees
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Weather patterns
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Seasonal changes
It’s a chance to spark curiosity in new ways—without needing fancy supplies or hours of planning.
20 Winter Nature Study Ideas for Kids (That You Can Do Even If It’s Cold Outside)
1. Make a Bird-Feeding Station
Birds are so active in winter because food is harder to find.
You can:
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Use pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed
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Cut an orange in half and use the peel as a feeder
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Hang leftover holiday ribbon with seeds stuck to it
Then track which birds visit! Keep a notebook with sketches or tally marks.
Problem Solved: Kids get restless indoors—birdwatching keeps them entertained and learning without going outside for long.
2. Collect & Identify Winter Tree Branches
Clip a few small branches (from your yard or fallen ones) and bring them indoors. Compare their:
Look up winter tree ID guides (they’re so fun—you’ll be shocked how different trees look without leaves).
3. Make a Snow or Ice Observation Tray
Grab a tray, fill it with snow or bring in an ice chunk, and let kids explore with:
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Magnifying glass
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Flashlight
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Food coloring
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Warm water droppers
Science + sensory play = winter magic.
4. Track Winter Wildlife Prints
If you’re up for a short walk, this one is gold.
Look for:
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Rabbit tracks
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Bird prints
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Dog/coyote prints
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Squirrel trails
Take photos and draw them in a winter nature journal when you get home.
5. Do a Winter Sky Study
Winter skies are stunning—crystal-clear nights, early sunsets, and bright stars.
Kids can:
This is a great “quiet evening activity” that feels magical.
6. Create Winter Sound Maps
Winter is quieter outside. Bundle up for a 5-minute walk, stand still, and have kids draw a circle on paper.
Then they:
Birds to the right? Scratchy tree branches? A distant car?
This helps kids understand sound direction, distance, and seasonal differences.
7. Observe Indoor Winter Plants
You don’t need to leave your house for this one.
Study:
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Poinsettias
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Paperwhites
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Amaryllis
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Rosemary plants
Kids can track growth, sunlight needs, and leaf patterns.
8. Make a Winter Weather Log
Winter weather is fun for science:
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Snowfall
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Temperatures
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Cloud types
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Frost patterns
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Wind speed
Have kids record these daily for a week or month. Add hand-drawn illustrations!
9. Study the Life Cycle of Evergreen Trees
When everything else looks dead, evergreens shine. Study:
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Needles
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Cones
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Bark
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Types of evergreens
Bring pinecones inside and do a pinecone dissection.
10. Create Crystal Sun Catchers
This is a beautiful indoor craft that doubles as nature study.
Using:
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Water
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Epsom salt or borax
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Food coloring
Hang them near the window to observe refraction and crystal formation.
11. Watch Winter Birds Through a Window
Place a notebook near your window. Kids can record:
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Bird types
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Behavior
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Feeding habits
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Colors and patterns
This is perfect for days when stepping outside is a no-go.
12. Study Winter Camouflage
Show kids pictures of animals like:
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Arctic fox
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Snowshoe hare
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Owls in winter settings
Talk about why seasonal camouflage matters.
Then do a camouflage scavenger hunt indoors—hide white objects around the house and see who finds them.
13. Make Indoor Winter Nature Art
Grab natural items like:
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Pinecones
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Sticks
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Evergreen sprigs
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Acorns
Kids can create nature collages, sculptures, or wreaths.
Low prep + creative + educational.
14. Examine Frost or Ice Crystals (If Available)
On frosty mornings, scrape a bit of frost onto dark paper and bring it inside to observe with a magnifying glass.
If it’s too warm where you live, make ice crystal trays in the freezer.
15. Track Winter Animal Behavior
Even observing your own pets counts!
Kids can note:
Then compare with winter wildlife.
16. Do a Winter Scavenger Hunt (Indoors or Outdoors)
Create a list kids can check off:
Add as many items as you want!
17. Watch Winter-Inspired Nature Documentaries
If you need a zero-prep day, documentaries totally count as nature study.
Kid favorites:
Pair with a notebook sketch afterward.
18. Study Winter Constellations
Winter constellations are some of the easiest for kids to learn:
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Orion
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Taurus
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Gemini
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Canis Major
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Canis Minor
You can use apps like SkyView or Star Walk for guided stargazing.
19. Grow a Crystal Snowflake
Using borax or salt and a simple pipe cleaner snowflake shape, kids can grow their own “snowflake.”
It’s science, chemistry, winter vibes, and pure awe all in one.
20. Make a Winter Nature Table
Choose a spot in your home and let kids display winter treasures:
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Pinecones
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Sticks
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Evergreen sprigs
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Rocks
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Feathers
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Icicles in a bowl
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Nature art
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Bird journal pages
Rotate items weekly for a fresh learning experience.
How to Make Winter Nature Study Actually Work (Without Stress)
Here’s what I’ve learned after many winters of attempting (and failing) to be the Pinterest-perfect nature study mom:
✔ Keep it super simple
Kids don’t need a “nature unit.” They just need time to wonder.
✔ Let them choose activities
When kids feel involved, they stay curious longer.
✔ Don’t force outdoor time
If it’s too cold or everyone’s cranky? Stay inside. Nature study works indoors too.
✔ Use what you have
You truly do not need any special supplies.
✔ Keep a nature journal handy
Even a cheap notebook becomes a treasure during winter learning.
✔ Celebrate small moments
Not every day needs to be a big adventure—a 5-minute window birdwatching session counts.
The Real Problem This Solves
Winter comes with a lot of challenges for homeschool families:
But when you incorporate winter nature study—even in tiny doses—you’re giving your kids:
Nature becomes the teacher.
And you get a break while still giving your kids a rich educational experience.
Final Thoughts
Winter nature study doesn’t have to be complicated, uncomfortable, or Pinterest-perfect. It just needs to be real, doable, and meaningful. Even one or two of these ideas can completely transform your winter homeschool rhythm.
And the best part?
Your kids will start noticing nature in a season most people try to ignore. That kind of curiosity sticks with them forever.
If you enjoyed this post and want more homeschool ideas you can actually use, make sure to check out my other seasonal homeschool posts. And don’t forget—sharing this post helps more homeschool families who are struggling through the winter just like we are.
Leave a Comment
Do you have a favorite winter nature activity? Or which idea from this list are you excited to try with your kids first?
I’d love to hear—drop a comment below!
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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.
~With love,
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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