Mountains & Lakes for Kids: Nature Activities, Crafts, Books & Hiking Fun
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Looking for a simple way to add some fun and structure to your summer at home with little ones? Theme Week Summer was designed with preschool and early elementary-aged kids in mind, giving you a low-pressure rhythm for the season with flexible, intentional ideas. Each week centers around a new theme, and you can grab my free printables to create your own summer schedule and plan out books to read, activities to try, snacks to make, and more! 👉 Click here to visit the main blog post and get your free calendar and planning worksheet.
This week’s theme is Mountains & Lakes — and we’re headed into the Poconos for a summer vacation with my husband’s family! I’m sure there will be some hiking, some lake time, and lots of peaceful nature to soak in. So this week is all about embracing the outdoors with simple activities, themed snacks, and quiet moments for reading and resting. Whether you're in the mountains or just dreaming of a peaceful getaway, you can make this theme week your own!
Theme Week Summer: Easy Ideas for an Intentional Summer at Home
Theme Week Summer is all about simple, intentional fun at home with your preschoolers and early elementary kids! Grab free printables to plan your own summer themes and follow along with weekly inspiration, activities, books, snacks, and more.
Mountains & Lakes ⛰️🛶
Mountains & Lakes Week is the perfect way to explore the beauty of nature with your little ones. This blog post includes simple craft ideas, fun nature-inspired activities, themed snacks, and books and shows to match. Whether you’re traveling to the Poconos like us or creating your own mountain escape at home, these ideas are great for preschoolers and early elementary-aged kids.
Activities to Do
Make a mountain collage using torn paper or nature scraps
Paint lake scenes with watercolor
Go on a nature walk and collect rocks, leaves, or wildflowers
Build mini tents or cabins with craft sticks
Play a "lake fishing" game with magnets or paper fish
Create animal tracks with toy animals and playdough
shop activities & crafts
see ideas on pinterest
Places to Visit
Local to Lancaster, PA:
Tucquan Glen, Chickies Rock, or Speedwell Forge Lake
Local lakes or rivers for picnicking or skipping stones
Nature preserves, hiking trails, or state parks
Build your own backyard nature trail if you’re staying home
Snacks to Eat
Check out the carousel below for some of the cutest and easiest lake and mountain-themed snack ideas I found on Pinterest!
Some ideas include:
Trail mix with mini marshmallows, cereal, pretzels & chocolate chips
"Campfire" pretzel sticks dipped in chocolate and rolled in red/orange sprinkles
Lake Jello cups with blue gelatin and gummy fish
Teddy grahams in pudding with crushed cookie "dirt"
Watermelon cut into fish or mountain shapes with cookie cutters
see ideas on pinterest
shop snack supplies
Books to Read
See the carousel below for some fun lake and mountain-themed picture books!
A few highlights:
"Over and Under the Pond" by Kate Messner
"Little Owl's Day" by Divya Srinivasan
"We're Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen
"The Hike" by Alison Farrell
"In the Woods" by David Elliott
Shows to Watch
Mountain & Lake TV Shows for Preschoolers
Bluey – "The Creek" (Season 1, Episode 29) – Disney+
Peppa Pig – "Grampy Rabbit's Lighthouse" (Season 3, Episode 35) – Paramount+
Puffin Rock (many nature-themed episodes) – Netflix
Wild Kratts – "Mountain Gorilla" – PBS Kids
Mountain & Lake Movies for Preschoolers
Brother Bear – Disney+
The Parent Trap (camp scenes and lake setting) – Disney+
Open Season – Netflix
My Side of the Mountain (older kids) – Prime Video
Memory Verse
“In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.”
Here’s a recap of our Mountains & Lakes Week:
Here’s a peek at what we actually did during Mountains & Lakes Week!
Stay tuned!
Whether you're heading for the hills or just bringing the mountain vibes home, Mountains & Lakes Week is all about wonder, exploration, and soaking up God’s creation. From peaceful lake walks to playful crafts, I hope this theme brings calm and joy to your family this week.
