8 Fun and Easy Bird Watching Activities for Preschoolers!

Hey there, fellow nature-lover! If you’ve got little ones at home who are full of energy (and endless curiosity), I’ve got a fun idea for you: bird watching! Yep, even preschoolers can get in on the action. It’s simple, it gets them outdoors, and it’s such a great way to teach them about nature. Plus, let’s be real—anything that keeps them entertained and away from screens for a while is a win, right?

So, grab your snacks, your favorite little explorer, and maybe even a pair of binoculars (kid-friendly ones, of course). Let’s dive into some super fun, easy, and totally engaging bird-watching activities that preschoolers will love. Trust me—this is going to be a blast.

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Why Bird Watching Is Perfect for Preschoolers

First off, why bird watching? What’s so special about it? Well, let me tell you: birds are everywhere. You don’t need to trek through a forest or visit a fancy nature reserve to spot them. Just look out your window, head to your backyard, or take a walk to the park. (Easy, right?)

Plus, bird watching is great for kids because it encourages them to slow down and observe the world around them. And let’s not forget—it’s so educational. They’ll learn about colors, sounds, and even behavior. (Why is that robin hopping? Why does the cardinal have such bright red feathers?) It’s like a mini science class, but way more fun.

1. Backyard Bird Hunt: Start Close to Home

If you’re new to bird watching, the best place to start is right at home. Your backyard (or balcony, or local park) is probably already full of bird activity—you just need to stop and notice it.

Here’s what you can do:

• Set Up a Bird Feeder: Kids love watching birds come to a feeder. It’s like magic—one minute there’s nothing, and the next, a bird swoops in for a snack. You can even make your own feeder (more on that in a sec!).
• Grab Some Binoculars: No fancy gear needed—just a basic pair of binoculars (or even toy ones for toddlers). Preschoolers will feel like real explorers peering through them.
• Keep a List: Grab a notebook and help your little one draw pictures or write down the birds they see. (No pressure to be accurate—it’s all about having fun.)

Oh, and here’s a tip: put out different kinds of bird food. Seed mixes, suet, or even fruit can attract a variety of birds. (Did you know blue jays love peanuts? Who knew!)

2. DIY Bird Feeders: Fun and Easy Crafts

Kids love crafts, right? Combine that with bird watching, and you’ve got a winning activity. Making a bird feeder is super simple, and it’s a great hands-on way to get your preschooler involved.

Peanut Butter Pinecone Feeder

This one’s a classic, and it’s a hit every time. Here’s how you do it:

1. Grab a pinecone (you can find one outside or buy some at a craft store).
2. Spread peanut butter all over it (messy hands are part of the fun, trust me).
3. Roll it in birdseed until it’s completely covered.
4. Tie a string around the top and hang it from a tree.

Now, wait for the birds to show up! (Pro tip: Cardinals and chickadees are big fans of this feeder.)

Milk Carton Bird Feeder

If you’ve got an empty milk carton lying around, don’t toss it—turn it into a bird feeder!

1. Cut a hole in one side (big enough for a bird to perch and grab some food).
2. Decorate it with paint or stickers.
3. Fill it with birdseed and hang it outside.

Your little one will love checking to see if any birds come to visit their masterpiece.

3. Bird-Themed Storytime: Bring the Birds Indoors

Not every bird-watching activity has to happen outside. Sometimes, the weather doesn’t cooperate, or you just want a cozy indoor activity. That’s where books come in!

There are so many adorable bird-themed books out there that preschoolers will love. A few favorites:

• “Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell: A sweet story about baby owls waiting for their mom to come home.
• “Feathers for Lunch” by Lois Ehlert: A beautifully illustrated book about a cat who almost catches a bird.
• “Are You My Mother?” by P.D. Eastman: A classic tale of a baby bird searching for its mom.

After storytime, you can ask questions like, “What’s your favorite bird in the book?” or “Do you think we’ll see an owl outside?” It’s a great way to spark their imagination.

4. Bird Songs and Calls: A Symphony of Chirps

Have you ever stopped to really listen to birds? Their songs are amazing! Preschoolers might not notice at first, but once you point it out, they’ll start to hear all kinds of chirps and whistles.

How to Get Started with Bird Songs

• Go on a Listening Walk: Head outside and ask your little one to stay really quiet for a minute. Then, see how many bird sounds you can count. (You can even turn it into a game: “I hear a chirp—do you?”)
• Use an App: There are apps like Merlin Bird ID that let you play bird calls. Play a call, then try to find the matching bird outside.
• Make Your Own Bird Calls: Kids love pretending to be birds. Teach them to whistle or make “tweet-tweet” sounds—it’s silly, but so fun.

This activity is perfect for teaching kids to notice the little details. Plus, it’s a great excuse to sit quietly and just be in nature.

5. Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt: Find Those Feathered Friends

Preschoolers love a good scavenger hunt, right? Turn your next nature walk into a bird-themed adventure!

What to Look For

Make a list of things to spot:

• A bird in a tree
• A bird flying
• A feather on the ground
• A bird nest (but don’t touch—just look!)
• A bird eating (maybe at your feeder!)

You can even create a simple checklist with pictures for your preschooler to check off. (They’ll feel like little detectives.)

6. Feather Art: Bring Nature to the Craft Table

If you find feathers on your bird-watching adventures, don’t just toss them—turn them into art! (Just make sure they’re clean first.)

Feather Painting

1. Use feathers as paintbrushes. Dip them in paint and let your preschooler create their masterpiece.
2. Glue feathers onto paper to make colorful bird collages.

It’s a creative way to connect what they see outside with a fun indoor activity.

7. Pretend Play: Be the Birds

Kids love to pretend, so why not let them be the birds? Pretend play is a fantastic way for preschoolers to learn through imagination.

Ideas for Bird-Themed Pretend Play

• Nest Building: Grab some blankets, pillows, and maybe a few stuffed animals. Help your little one build a cozy “nest” to hang out in.
• Bird Dress-Up: Use construction paper to make “wings” or a “beak” for your preschooler to wear. Then, let them flap around the house or yard. (Bonus: It’s great for getting their energy out!)
• Egg Hunt: Hide plastic eggs around the yard and pretend they’re bird eggs. Preschoolers love searching for them!

8. Simple Bird Watching Journals: Record Their Discoveries

Kids love having their own special notebooks. Why not create a bird-watching journal for your preschooler? It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a small notebook where they can draw pictures of the birds they see.

What to Include in Their Journal

• Drawings of birds (realistic or totally imaginative—it’s all good).
• Stickers of birds or feathers.
• Notes about where they saw the bird (“In the backyard,” “At the park”).

Over time, they’ll love flipping through their journal and remembering all the birds they spotted.

A Friendly Note to You, the Grown-Up

Before we wrap up, let’s talk about something important: patience. Preschoolers have short attention spans (shocking, I know). Bird watching might not always go smoothly. Sometimes, they’ll be more interested in running around or picking up rocks. That’s totally okay!

The goal isn’t to make them expert bird watchers—it’s to have fun and spark their curiosity. If they remember that birds are cool and nature is fun, you’ve done your job.

Ready to Start Your Bird-Watching Adventure?

So, what do you think? Ready to grab your preschooler and dive into the world of birds? Whether you’re making a peanut butter pinecone feeder, listening to bird songs, or just watching robins in the yard, I promise it’ll be a memory you both treasure.

And who knows? Maybe this little hobby will grow into a lifelong love of nature for your kiddo. Wouldn’t that be amazing?

Alright, my friend, it’s time to grab your binoculars (and maybe a cup of coffee for yourself—parenting isn’t easy). Let’s go spot some birds!

Happy bird watching!

Images created using PicLumen.