Birding is not only a passionate hobby for many adults, but it can also be an exciting and educational activity for kids. If you want to introduce your children to the captivating world of birds, here are 19 easy ways to get kids into birding:

1. Set up a bird feeder:

Install a bird feeder in your backyard and teach your kids how to fill it with different types of birdseed. Watching birds come and go will spark their curiosity and interest.

2. Create a bird-friendly garden:

Plant trees, shrubs, and flowers that attract birds. Encourage your kids to help with gardening tasks and observe the different bird species that visit your garden.

3. Invest in a bird identification guidebook:

Get a kid-friendly bird identification guidebook so that your children can identify the birds they encounter. Make it a game by rewarding them with stickers or points for correct identifications.

4. Use birding apps:

Download birding apps that provide bird songs, images, and information. These interactive apps can enhance your kids’ birding experience and make learning more enjoyable.

5. Join a local birdwatching club or group:

Find a local birdwatching club or group where your children can interact with experienced birders. Participating in group activities will help them learn from others and build a sense of community.

6. Attend birding festivals or events:

Check out birding festivals or events in your area and take your kids to experience the world of birding on a larger scale. They can attend workshops, talks, and guided bird walks.

7. Play bird-themed games:

Engage your kids in bird-themed board games or online games that teach them about different bird species, habitats, and behaviors. This will make learning about birds more playful and entertaining.

8. Set up a bird watching station:

Create a dedicated bird watching station in your home with binoculars, a comfortable seating area, and relevant field guides. Encourage your kids to spend time observing birds and taking notes or sketches.

9. Go on birding hikes:

Take your children on nature hikes where they can observe birds in their natural habitats. Teach them to listen for specific bird calls or songs, and point out interesting behaviors.

10. Document bird sightings:

Get your kids involved in documenting their bird sightings. Provide them with a bird journal or a birding app where they can record the date, location, and observations of birds they encounter.

11. Watch bird documentaries:

Watch educational bird documentaries together as a family. This will provide valuable insights into the lives of different bird species and ignite curiosity in your children.

12. Visit local wildlife centers or sanctuaries:

Plan trips to local wildlife centers or bird sanctuaries where your kids can see birds up close and learn from expert guides.

13. Build a birdhouse:

Engage your kids in a DIY project by building a birdhouse together. They will have fun constructing it and will feel proud when they see birds nesting in it.

14. Take part in citizen science programs:

Explore citizen science programs that involve bird-related research. Your kids can contribute valuable data by participating in bird counts or monitoring programs.

15. Host a bird-themed party:

Organize a bird-themed birthday party for your child and incorporate games, decorations, and food related to birds. This will make birding a fun and memorable experience for them.

16. Read bird-related books:

Introduce your kids to age-appropriate books about birds. Whether it’s fictional stories or informational books, reading about birds will expand their knowledge and spark their imagination.

17. Encourage bird photography:

Provide your children with a camera or a smartphone to capture pictures of birds they encounter. This will develop their observation skills and create lasting memories.

18. Volunteer at bird rescue centers:

Look for volunteering opportunities at bird rescue centers or rehabilitation facilities. Your kids will learn about bird conservation efforts and gain a deeper appreciation for the avian world.

19. Foster a love for nature:

Instill a love for nature in your children by exposing them to various outdoor activities. Whether it’s camping, hiking, or simply spending time in natural environments, this will foster a connection to birds and their habitats.

By following these 19 easy ways to get kids into birding, you can ignite a lifelong passion for birds in your children. Remember to make it enjoyable, educational, and allow them to explore at their own pace. Happy birding!