6 Fun Backyard Garden Activities for Kids
Gardening is a simple way to give kids hands-on learning through nature—no worksheets required. If you want a practical way to mix learning and outdoor time, start with the garden.
Getting kids outside is good for their bodies and minds. When they help out in the garden—even in small ways—they’re learning real-life skills, building confidence, and getting a healthy dose of sunshine and fresh air. Whether you homeschool or just want to make the most of spring afternoons, gardening is a productive and low-cost way to spend time together.
You don’t need a big backyard or fancy setup to get started. A few containers, some soil, and seeds are enough to get kids involved. When my kids were little they loved helping me in the garden, and some of our favorite memories are of the things they grew! My daughter Laura was so proud of her cantaloupe, and Hannah loved growing carrots!
Why Gardening is Fun for Kids
Here’s what kids can gain from helping out in the garden:
- Responsibility – Plants need consistent care, and kids can help track watering and weeding tasks.
- Basic science skills – From seed to sprout, gardening teaches the life cycle of plants and how things grow.
- Fine motor skills – Digging, planting, and handling small seeds all help with dexterity.
- Patience and observation – Watching plants grow doesn’t happen overnight.
- Time outside – Fresh air, natural light, and movement help kids stay healthy and burn energy.
This is hands-on learning that doesn’t require screens, expensive tools, or a formal curriculum.
Backyard Gardening Activities for Kids
These activities are easy to set up and can be done with kids of all ages:
1. Plant a Snack Garden
Choose vegetables and fruits kids like to eat—like cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, strawberries, or sugar snap peas. Let them help with planting and watering.
source: Kids Gardening: Plant a Snack Garden
2. Start Seeds in Containers
Use egg cartons, yogurt cups, or seed trays. Kids can fill them with soil, plant the seeds, and label each one. Place them by a sunny window or outside once it’s warm enough.
3. Decorate Plant Markers
Popsicle sticks, flat rocks, or wooden spoons make good plant markers. Kids can draw pictures or write the name of the plant if they’re able.
source: How to Make Simple Plant Markers
4. Go on a Garden Scavenger Hunt
Give your kids a list of things to look for outside—bugs, colors, types of leaves, or garden tools. This keeps younger kids engaged while you work nearby. Download the printable garden scavenger hunt below!
5. Track Plant Growth in a Seed Journal
Print out a seed growth journal page and have kids draw or describe what they see each week. This adds a bit of writing and observation practice into your day.
6. Make a Garden Sensory Bin (For Toddlers)
If you’re not ready for a full garden, set up a bin with potting soil, plastic bugs, measuring spoons, small containers, and pretend veggies. It’s a good option when the weather isn’t cooperating or you need to keep little hands busy. Here are a few ready made ideas if you don’t want to make one:
Free Printable Garden Activities
To make things easier, I’ve created a few printables you can use alongside these activities:
- Vegetable Flashcards for a Garden Themed Unit
- Garden Scavenger Hunt for Kids
- My Vegetable Garden Coloring Page
These are perfect for homeschool nature study, screen-free afternoons, or weekend projects.
How to Download the Scavenger Hunt
Just click the button below and you’ll be taken to the download page.
More Ideas to Extend the Learning
If your child shows interest in gardening, here are a few ways to build on that:
- Read a book about plants, soil, or bugs
- Set up a weather chart and track rainfall and temperature
- Watch a time-lapse video of a seed growing
- Start a compost jar or pile and observe what happens
- Let them take charge of a small section of the garden
You don’t have to do everything at once. Pick one or two activities to try this week and see how it goes.
Gardening with kids doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about spending time together, learning by doing, and keeping things simple. A little dirt, some basic tools, and a bit of patience go a long way.
