5 Senses Nature Walk Free Printable

A Simple, Mindful Nature Activity for Children

A 5 senses nature walk encourages children to slow down and really notice what’s around them. Instead of rushing from place to place, children are invited to pause and focus on what they can see, hear, smell, touch, and how being outside makes them feel. It’s a simple, enjoyable way to explore nature with more intention.

For 2026, I really want to slow things down — for myself as much as for the kids. I love our time outdoors, but sometimes I want us to really notice what’s going on around us, and how being outside makes us feel.

That’s why I made this 5 Senses Nature Walk. It’s something that’s genuinely helped us slow down.

January can feel especially full-on — big weather, busy minds, and the urge to rush straight into the year ahead. This has been a really calm, low-pressure way for us to pause, get outside, and reconnect with the world around us, whatever the weather.

The 5 Senses Nature Walk is a simple, print-and-go sheet you can take with you on any winter walk, encouraging children (and adults too) to notice what they can see, hear, touch, smell, and how being outdoors makes them feel.

For the senses, I’ve used: I saw • I touched • I smelt • I heard • I felt

I’ve swapped out taste on purpose — I didn’t want to encourage children to put things in their mouths. Instead, “how it made me feel” has been a really lovely way for children to reflect on their experience.

DOWNLOAD YOUR 5 SENSES NATURE WALK ACTIVITY SHEET

What Is a 5 Senses Nature Walk?

A 5 senses nature walk invites children to explore the outdoors using all their senses, not just their eyes.

As they walk, children might notice:

• something they can see: such as flowers, bare branches, moss, or changing light.
• a sound they can hear: like birds singing, leaves rustling, or water dripping
• something they can smell: perhaps damp earth, grass, or fresh air after rain
• something they can touch: such as bark, stones, leaves, or the ground beneath their feet
• something they can feel, like the breeze on their face, warmth from the sun, or the quiet of being outdoors

Some prompts are very simple and concrete, while others are more open to interpretation. This gives children the freedom to respond in their own way, whether through words, drawings, or conversation.

There’s no right answers and no expectation to notice everything. It’s about pausing and paying attention to what stands out in the moment, making it a gentle, mindful experience for children who benefit from slower, calmer activities.

Why 5 Senses Walks Work So Well

Nature walks don’t have to be long or complicated to be meaningful. A 5 senses approach helps children:

• slow down and focus
• become more aware of their surroundings
• practise observation and description skills
• feel more connected to the natural world

Because the prompts are open-ended, children of all ages can take part. Younger children might point or talk about what they notice, while older children may enjoy writing or drawing their observations.

It doesn’t feel like a lesson, just a walk with a little extra noticing.

Using the 5 Senses Nature Walk Worksheet

The 5 senses nature walk worksheet (PDF) is designed to be flexible and easy to use.

You can:

• take it on a short walk near home
• use it in a park, woodland, or garden
• complete it all in one go or dip in and out
• use words, drawings, or simple marks

One or two observations are enough. Some children may notice lots, others very little — both are completely fine.

This worksheet works well for:

• family walks
• forest school sessions
• classrooms and outdoor learning
• mindful moments during the school day

Pairing This With Other Nature Activities

If your children enjoy using their senses to explore outdoors, you might also enjoy some of our other nature activities.

🌿 Signs of Winter Nature Spotter Sheet

For a more playful, movement-based activity, our free Winter Nature Spotter Sheet is a great option. It encourages children to look closely at winter details like bare trees, birds, and animal tracks. Read more about it here: Signs Of Winter Scavenger Hunt

🌿 My Year in Nature: Phenology Wheel for Families

If you enjoy noticing small changes over time, you might also like My Year in Nature. This is a free, low-pressure project where families use a phenology wheel to record one small nature observation each month. Read more about it here: My Year in Nature Phenology Wheel Project

A 5 senses nature walk doesn’t need special equipment, lots of time, or a perfect outdoor space. Even a short walk can become a mindful, meaningful experience when children are encouraged to slow down and notice what’s already there.

If you’re interested in other ways to help children connect with nature, the Woodland Trust has a great page all about nature connectedness and ideas for schools and groups that support mindful outdoor exploration.

Woodland Trust – Nature Connectedness

Thanks so much for reading

Jo