Stuck for something to do with the kids? Step outside to the garden or a nearby park and measure a tree! It’s one of those wonderfully simple nature activities that turns an ordinary walk into a little adventure. See how many trees you can measure between you — what’s the smallest tree you can find, and how tall is the biggest one nearby?
This is a genuinely easy and fun outdoor activity to do with your child, and it needs almost nothing in the way of equipment. Here’s how to measure a tree using just a ruler, a tape measure, and a bit of teamwork.
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How To Measure A Tree
You will need:
- A tree
- A ruler
- A long tape measure
- At least two people
Instructions
1. Stand near the tree, facing its trunk. Hold the bottom of the ruler in your right hand so it points straight up. Stretch your arm out and close your left eye.
2. Line up the ruler so the edge looks like it’s next to the tree.
3. Walk carefully backwards until the ruler seems to be the same size as the tree.
4. Have your partner use the tape measure to work out the distance from you to the bottom of the tree. You could put your shoe over one end of the tape to keep it in place.
5. The length of the measuring tape is almost equal to the height of the tree!
It’s a great excuse to get outdoors, do a bit of hands-on maths, and compare notes on which tree in your area is the tallest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is this activity suitable for?
It works well for most primary-school-aged children, especially with an adult or older sibling helping hold the tape measure and check the sums. Younger children can join in by holding the ruler or walking out the tape.
Do I need any special equipment?
No — just a ruler, a long tape measure, and a tree! It’s a low-cost, low-prep activity that’s perfect for a spontaneous walk in the garden, park or woods.
How accurate is this method?
It’s an estimate rather than an exact science, using simple proportion and a bit of perspective. It won’t be perfectly precise, but it’s a fun, hands-on way for kids to get a rough sense of a tree’s height — and the process is half the fun.
Related Articles
Looking for more outdoor fun? Try our Scavenger Hunt list for a walk, or browse 15 Fun Nature Activities for Kids for more ideas to keep everyone busy outdoors.
Did you try to measure a tree? How did you get on? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Enjoyed this? Save it for your next rainy day list, or browse our other nature and outdoor activity ideas for more ways to keep the kids entertained.
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