From the Extension Office
Tired of hearing “I’m bored!” before you even finish your first sip of coffee?
“Let’s Go Outside - Can You Find?” program from Nebraska Extension - Fit and Healthy Kids might just be your new favorite parenting tool - and your toddler’s favorite adventure.
What is it?
“Let’s Go Outside - Can You Find?” is a no-cost, nature-based scavenger hunt series designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers.
Each activity takes children outdoors to explore their world with curiosity and creativity - while secretly building skills like fine motor coordination, sensory awareness, and early critical thinking.
From finding pinecones and dandelions to making shadow art and flower bracelets, every week brings a new mission that’s part playtime, part learning, and 100% engaging.
Why it matters:
Research shows that outdoor play helps children develop socially, emotionally, and physically.
And let’s be honest - it gives parents a much-needed breather and a reason to say, “Let’s go outside!” instead of “Please stop jumping off the couch.”
Each activity includes: simple materials (think paper, crayons, nature), book suggestions to extend learning, play prompts and parent tips, and easy-to-follow steps for success (and fun).
How to start:
Just navigate to https://go.unl.edu/letsgooutside to download the full set of “Let’s Go Outside - Can You Find?” guides. Whether you’re hunting for tree knots or chasing shadows, “Can You Find?” turns any patch of grass into a playground of possibilities.
Because the best memories? They don’t happen in front of a screen - they happen in a pile of crunchy leaves, with sticky fingers, messy hair, and lots of giggles.
Now go ahead - lace up those little sneakers and see what your child can find… and what you might rediscover, too.