Tree and Forest Activities for Children in the Western Cape

Introducing children to the natural world is one of the most lasting gifts we can give them. In a time when many young people spend hours behind screens, forests and gardens provide a space for discovery, imagination, and respect for living systems.

Here in the Western Cape, we’re surrounded by incredible biodiversity that can turn an ordinary walk into an adventure.

This guide offers practical activities that families can enjoy together, designed to teach children about trees, biodiversity, and the importance of caring for our environment.

1. Tree Spotting and Identification

Start with the basics: learning to recognise trees. For children, it can be as simple as noticing differences in leaf shapes or bark textures.

• Use a field guide or mobile app to identify common local trees such as wild olives, keurboom, or yellowwood.

  
  

• Turn it into a scavenger hunt: challenge kids to find three different leaf shapes, or spot a tree that looks “older than the house.”

This simple habit builds observation skills and helps them see trees as individuals, not just background greenery.

Want our FREE Western Cape Tree Guide? Download here.

2. Leaf Collection and Creative Projects

Collecting fallen leaves offers both science and art opportunities:

• Leaf rubbings: Place paper over a leaf and use a crayon to reveal its texture.

• Collages: Arrange pressed leaves into patterns or seasonal displays.

• Colour comparisons: Notice how leaves from different species vary in shade and texture.

These activities make it easy for children to connect the science of botany with creativity.

3. Nature Journaling

Give each child a notebook to record their experiences.

Encourage them to:

• Sketch trees or flowers they notice.

• Record observations about size, shape, or colour.

• Write short reflections — “this tree makes me feel calm” or “I saw a bird sitting here.”

Journaling encourages mindfulness and builds a personal connection to the outdoors.

4. Tree Rings and Growth

If you come across a fallen branch or stump, count the growth rings. Each ring marks a year in the tree’s life, revealing how it grew during good or dry seasons.

This is an easy way to explain that trees are living records of local history, they’ve weathered storms, droughts, and years of plenty.

5. Forest and Garden Treasure Hunts

Create a list of natural items for children to find: pinecones, seeds, feathers, or interesting stones. A “treasure hunt” keeps children focused, and it sparks conversation about why each item is important in the ecosystem.

6. Birdwatching

Binoculars and a simple bird guide can transform a walk into an expedition.

Ask children to listen for bird calls and watch for behaviour: Is the bird feeding, building a nest, or warning others?

This builds patience and appreciation for the role of trees as habitats.

7. Safe Tree Climbing

Many children are drawn to climb trees, but it should always be done safely:

• Choose sturdy, low branches.

• Avoid climbing too high or near hazards like walls and powerlines.

• Always supervise.

With guidance, tree climbing becomes both fun and confidence-building.

8. Storytelling Among the Trees

Find a quiet spot and share a story about trees, whether it’s a local fable, a family memory, or a tale you make up together. Then encourage children to invent their own. Storytelling deepens their imagination while reinforcing cultural and natural connections.

9. Long-Term Tree Observations

Choose a tree near your home or favourite park and revisit it through the seasons. Document changes in leaves, flowers, or fruit. Children learn patience and see how trees respond to time and climate.

10. Nature Art Installations

Using only fallen twigs, leaves, and stones, create temporary sculptures or patterns. These “earth artworks” are not only creative but also reinforce the idea that nature can inspire without being taken or damaged.

Helping children connect with trees is about more than entertainment. It’s about raising a generation that sees the value of indigenous forests, understands the risks of invasive species, and appreciates the balance of nature.

These simple activities foster respect for biodiversity while giving families a way to spend meaningful time outdoors.

Whether in your garden, a local park, or on a family hike, the trees around us are teachers. All we need to do is listen, look, and play.

If you’d like guidance on creating a safe, tree-rich space for your children to enjoy at home, Overberg Arborists can help you manage your trees responsibly and sustainably.