Can't get out far to explore nature?
On this page you'll find activities and ideas to occupy yourself and family at home, in your garden or local outdoor space.
For dino fans
Dinosaur activities for families
Crazy about dinosaurs?
We've got a host of activities and info for you to explore.
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DinosaursHow to draw a dinosaur
Learn how to create a cartoon T. rex. Plus find out how palaeoartists draw dinosaurs.
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DinosaursHow to make a T. rex origami dinosaur
Follow these simple origami instructions to bring back this famous dinosaur in paper form.
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DinosaursMake your own Dippy the Diplodocus skull
If you're a fan of Dippy the dinosaur, this activity is for you!
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DinosaursWhat dinosaur are you?
Take our quiz to find out which dinosaur you're most like - could it be the terrifying T. rex or the placid Plateosaurus?
For crafters and creators
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British wildlife
How to grow a cress caterpillar
Create a colourful caterpillar and grow your own food all in one activity.
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How to make a simple origami frog
Find out how to make a very easy folded paper jumping frog.
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Colouring pages for kids and adults
Download and print the colouring pages for a quiet and calming activity that kids and adults can try at home.
For garden explorers
Dippy's Naturenauts game
Become a naturenaut by grabbing your mobile phone or tablet and exploring nature with Dippy.
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British wildlife
How to press flowers
Follow our simple instructions to prepare pressed flowers for craft projects or create your own plant herbarium.
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British wildlife
How to make a bird feeder
Follow our simple guide to building a bird feeder for your garden from a reused plastic bottle.
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British wildlifeHow to grow a lawn that's better for wildlife
Attract bees to your lawn with clover, grow a mini wildflower meadow, add areas of aromatic thyme and more ideas.
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British wildlife
How to make a simple butterfly feeder
Put on a butterfly buffet and watch these intriguing insects feeding.
For keen-eyed nature spotters
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British wildlifeBritish garden birds: spring and summer highlights
Find out about some of the birds you're likely to see and hear in parks and gardens.
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Common UK bumblebees ID guide
Download this pocket ID guide for the six most common UK bumblebees.
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UK Tree identification guide
Identify evergreen and deciduous trees found in the UK with this step-by-step guide.
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British wildlife
How to make a pitfall trap to catch insects and other minibeasts
Want to find out what small creatures are crawling around your garden? Follow our steps to set up a simple pitfall trap.
From our educational resources
Investigate at home
Be a scientist at home and find specimens where you live. Use your scientific skills, make observations, ask questions and look for evidence.
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Build a bird
In this activity, children design and draw a bird to live in a particular habitat, chosing suitable body parts from a template.
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Cut out dinosaur feet
In this activity, children make and decorate tie-on dinosaur feet to wear.
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Make your own exhibition activity
In this activity, children choose specimens for their exhibition, then sketch and describe them.
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Making bird cakes
In this activity, children make bird cakes and learn about birds' diets.
Evening activities
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British wildlife
Night life: how to spot insects in the dark
What nocturnal insects will you find where you live?
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SpaceMeteor showers to watch in 2020
Planetary researcher and stardust expert Dr Ashley King shares his tips on how to get the best view.
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SpaceShooting stars: How to photograph the night sky
Anyone can capture the majesty of the galaxy with a simple camera. All you need is a dark, clear night and the willingness to have a go.
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Bats in flight identification guide
Download our handy guide to five of the most common UK bat species.
Continue exploring
Discover
Find answers to your big nature questions in our magazine section, packed full of stories about the natural world.
Nature Live Online
Join the team on Tuesdays at 12.00 and Fridays at 10.30 for interactive talks featuring topical discussions with our scientists and cutting-edge research.
You can ask questions during the live broadcast on YouTube.
Take Part
Develop your natural history interests: take part in our citizen science projects or get help identifying your finds.
The Museum is closed but our work continues
We hope you share our passion for the Museum. We're continuing to connect people to nature by bringing the Museum to you through inspiring stories and educational activities.
But the Museum is a registered charity and we need your help. With our doors closed, we're losing vital income. So if you could help us with a donation – no matter the size – we'd greatly appreciate it. Thank you.