Garden fun for every age

Summer activities to keep kids happy outdoors

There’s nothing quite like garden fun in the summer - making the most of lighter evenings and sunny afternoons at home with your family. Whether your little one is toddling through a sensory garden or your older child is helping to plant herbs for dinner, spending time outdoors is brilliant for bonding, learning, and letting off a little bit of steam!

Here’s your age-by-age guide to fun, educational and safe garden activities the whole family can enjoy.

1. Babies & toddlers (0–2 years)
Sensory play in nature

Tiny tots are learning about the world through their senses. At this age, your garden can offer a new texture, sight, sound and smell every time you head outdoors.

Nature basket - Fill a shallow basket with smooth stones, large seed pods, herbs like lavender and rosemary for your baby to feel and smell. Remember to keep a close eye on your little one as they explore!
Mini water splash mat - Pop a towel or blanket down on the ground and place a shallow tray with warm water on top. Add some cups to scoop and pour, or even some petals and stones to ‘wash’.
Herb pot exploration - Let them touch and smell soft herbs in pots, like mint or lemon balm.

Our top tip: Our biodegradable baby wipes are ideal for a quick freshen up after messy play.

2. Preschoolers (3–5 years)
Playful outdoor games & early gardening

As a parent of a preschooler, you’re probably already well aware that they are full of energy and curiosity at this age! Structured yet simple garden activities will help develop motor skills and hone that focus.

Treasure hunt - Hide nature objects like pinecones, smooth pebbles or toy bugs for them to find. For older kids, give them riddle clues, or draw them a treasure map!
Worm composting - Start a simple worm bin by making holes in a see-through container, filling it with damp soil before finding some worms to put in. Make sure to keep feeding it compost scraps from your kitchen. Your little one will love watching them wiggle about!
Bean pole teepee - Grow climbing beans around a bamboo pole wigwam and watch it turn into a secret den. Not much of a gardener? Drape a light blanket over some poles for an easy den!

3. Early Primary (6–8 years)
Garden art & mini projects

This age group loves a crafty project with a clear start and finish, especially when it’s hands-on and creative.

Painted pots - Use non-toxic paints to decorate plant pots for a mini container garden.
Nature weaving - Make a simple frame with sticks and weave in grasses, flowers, and leaves.
Bug hotel build - Stack wood, stones, and twigs in a crate to create a home for garden creatures. Keep checking in on your hotel to see which bugs have moved in!

Our top tip: Gardening can be mucky, so our non-toxic hand wash is gentle for little hands post-play.

4. Older Kids (9–12 years)
DIY projects & gardening know-how

Older kids thrive on a little bit of extra responsibility. Give them a corner of the garden to look after and grow what they like, or give them a build-it-yourself challenge.

DIY greenhouse ideas - Create a mini greenhouse using old plastic bottles or windowpanes.
Grow-your-own herbs - Task them with caring for a herb garden to use in family meals.
Potting bench station - Set up a kids’ version of a potting bench with small tools and storage for seed packets. They could even decorate their station with non-toxic paints!

Our top tip: Encourage journal writing with plant progress notes. They could even use pictures and videos to share on a blog post with friends and family.

5. Teens (13+)
Creative garden decor

It’s well known that teenagers often want more independence. Garden projects that reflect their style and give them creative control are a great way to keep them engaged.

Vertical gardening ideas - Repurpose pallets or hanging containers for a living wall.
Funny garden ornaments - Let them design or personalise funny signs or sculptures using recycled bits of wood.
Upcycled furniture or mural wall - Paint a fence panel, or turn an old table into a planting station.

Let the garden fun begin!

Whatever their age, there's something magical about summer days spent outdoors together.

If you need a little hand with the clean up after all that outdoor exploring, take a look at our eco essentials range - from laundry liquid to hand wash and all purpose cleaner, we’ve got you covered!

TL;DR: Here’s our top ideas for garden fun for all ages!