If you want to find an outdoor screen-free family activity, consider birdwatching for kids. It's an easy, low-cost way to spark curiosity about the natural world, and it's something you can do whether you live on a farm, in a forest, or even in a high-rise apartment building.
Growing up in Ontario, I loved to visit my grandparents, who lived on St. Joseph's Island near Sault Ste. Marie. My grandfather, who emigrated from the UK in the 1950s, was an avid birdwatcher and enthusiastic outdoorsman.
Today, I have a couple of his field guides, and now and then, I flip through them as a reminder of the wonderful times we enjoyed together. And the books also serve as a reminder to encourage my own children to pay attention to the birds we see.
Birdwatching gets my kids outside, connects them with nature, and teaches them about wildlife. Whether we're out for a homeschool nature lesson, adding to our forest schooling experience, or just enjoying the fresh air, birdwatching always becomes an adventure.
Getting Started with Birdwatching for Kids
The best place to start birdwatching is right in your own backyard or at a nearby park. Kids feel comfortable in familiar places and quickly notice details about the birds around them.
Before heading outside, we usually grab our binoculars and a field guide, as well as bug spray and/or a bug suit, depending on how bad the mosquitoes are. I encourage my daughters to look for colors, markings, and bird shapes to help identify species. Observing birds together has become part of our spring and summer homeschool routine.
How to Attract Birds to Your Yard
One of the easiest ways to get kids excited about birdwatching is to bring the birds to them. We set up bird feeders filled with sunflower seeds and suet to attract chickadees, woodpeckers, and nuthatches. If you're up for a project, a DIY bird feeder from recycled materials makes a great hands-on activity for kids.
Planting a pollinator garden of native trees, shrubs and flowers also helps draw birds in. Since we live in the boreal forest, we see how birds rely on wild berries, insects, and natural shelter.
A small garden with native plants can turn any space into a thriving birdwatching hub. If you don't have a yard, a window feeder works just as well.
Essential Gear for Birdwatching with Kids
Birdwatching doesn't require fancy gear, but a few essentials make it more enjoyable. Here are a few ideas.
- Binoculars – Help kids see birds up close and notice details like wing bars and beak shapes.
- Bird Guidebook or App – Useful for identifying species and learning their calls.
- Notebook or Journal – We keep a birdwatching log to record sightings and sketch different species.
- Water and Snacks – Essential for keeping little explorers happy on longer outings.
- Layered Clothing and Good Boots – Out here, weather changes fast, so dressing appropriately makes all the difference.
Want a free birdwatching logbook for your kids? Grab my printable version— it's a great way to track their discoveries.
Exploring Beyond the Backyard
Once kids get the hang of backyard birdwatching, take the adventure further. Back in 2022, when we camped across Canada in our renovated camper trailer we explored nature reserves, lakes, and forested trails to find different bird species.
At home in the boreal Northwest Territories, we see migratory birds that travel thousands of miles, stopping at wetlands and rivers to rest. We've spotted lots of ravens, loons, ducks, whiskeyjacks, red-winged blackbirds, and, of course, ptarmigan and spruce grouse.
We once saw what I think was a sandhill crane and the occasional blue jay. Every summer, we've seen at least one bald eagle, too. I try to refer to the Northwest Territories Birds guide and check off the ones we see.
Before heading out, I remind everyone about birdwatching etiquette—move quietly, avoid sudden movements, and respect the birds' space. This also reinforces wilderness survival skills, like learning to observe without disturbing the environment.
Identifying Local Birds
Common backyard birds in North America include blue jays, robins, cardinals, chickadees, and sparrows. We teach our kids to pay attention to details like wing patterns, beak shapes, and unique behaviors.
In the spring, robins hop along the ground looking for worms, while woodpeckers hammer at trees in search of insects. Noticing these differences helps kids develop a deeper appreciation for the wildlife around them.
During different seasons, we watch for migratory birds stopping in our area. Spring and fall migrations are great times to spot new species. If your kids enjoy tracking their sightings, they might even want to join a citizen science project like the Great Backyard Bird Count.
Fun Activities to Extend Birdwatching
Birdwatching doesn't stop when we put down the binoculars. I try to weave it into our homeschooling in fun ways.
- DIY Bird Feeders – Making simple feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed.
- Nature Sketching – Drawing birds in journals helps kids sharpen their observation skills.
- Bird Calls – Learning different bird songs and calls adds another layer of knowledge.
- Outdoor Science Experiments – Exploring how birds use different beak shapes to eat various foods.
- Bird-Inspired Baking – Making birdseed treats or baking cookies shaped like their favorite birds.
Tips for a Successful Birdwatching Experience
To get started birdwatching with kids, keep your outings short and engaging. Young kids may lose interest quickly, so start with short outings.
Remind children to be patient and quiet when birdwatching. Teach your kids the value of stillness and observation. And remember to dress for the weather with sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and raincoats if needed. Remember sunblock when the days get warm.
Birdwatching and Homeschooling
Birdwatching ties into many homeschooling subjects, including science, geography, and environmental studies. It teaches kids patience, observation, and respect for wildlife.
Over the years, my girls have recorded their sightings, sketched birds, and learned about migration patterns. This real-world learning blends well with our hands-on homeschool and core curriculum, reinforcing nature literacy and survival skills.
Getting Involved in Citizen Science
Citizen science projects offer a way to contribute to real-world research. Programs like Birds Canada's Christmas Birds Count or eBird help scientists track bird populations. Participating in these projects shows kids that their observations matter.
Making Birdwatching a Family Tradition
Birdwatching has become part of our family traditions. Whether we're watching birds from our cabin windows, hiking through the forest, or spotting loons when out fishing in our bay, we're always learning. These shared experiences bring us closer together and deepen our appreciation for the wild places we call home.
Birdwatching for Kids is Also for Adults
Birdwatching is an excellent screen-free family activity. It's a way to slow down, observe the world, and appreciate nature.
Whether you're spotting birds in your backyard, at a park, or deep in the wilderness, it's an activity that grows with your kids. With each new bird they identify, they'll better understand the natural world, and maybe even start a lifelong love of birdwatching.
