Lake Life
Oct 13, 2024

How I Made Our Lake Home a Wildlife Wonderland for My Kids

“Watching my kids’ faces light up as they spot a butterfly in our garden or hear the distant call of an owl after dark has made turning our lakefront home into a wildlife haven so worthwhile. It's not just about having critters around—it's about creating a safe, fun environment where they can explore, learn, and feel connected to nature. From building birdhouses to setting up a kid-friendly water feature, every project has brought us closer to the wildlife we now share our space with.”

How I Made Our Lake Home a Wildlife Wonderland for My Kids

When we first moved to the lake, I knew it would be an adventure. I imagined lazy afternoons by the water, the kids running barefoot through the yard, and nights spent stargazing by the fire. What I didn’t fully expect, though, was how quickly the lake would become not just our home but a thriving haven for wildlife—right in our backyard.

It wasn’t long before I realized that the magic of lake living wasn’t just about the serene views or quiet mornings. It was about the animals we shared our space with. Birds, butterflies, frogs, and even the occasional curious critter were all part of this beautiful ecosystem we were lucky enough to call home. And for the kids? This was an absolute dream come true.

But, as I quickly learned, attracting and protecting wildlife while ensuring it was safe for the kids took a little more planning than I first thought. Here’s how I turned our lakefront into a wildlife wonderland where the kids can get up close to nature in a way that’s both safe and fun.

1. Planting Native Gardens with the Kids

We started small. One day, after a family trip to a local nursery, we came home with native plants. The idea was to create a space that could attract birds and butterflies while giving the kids a hands-on project to get excited about. The whole family got involved, and soon we had a pollinator garden bursting with milkweed, coneflowers, and wild grasses.

Watching the first butterflies flutter through our yard was pure magic for the kids. They’d sit for what felt like hours, waiting for a Monarch to land on the milkweed or chasing after the bees in fascination. And it wasn’t just entertaining—it became an organic way for them to learn about the creatures that lived right outside their door.

2. Adding a Birdbath (For More Than Just Birds)

One thing I hadn’t anticipated was how much the kids would love watching the animals come for water. Sure, we had the lake, but something about adding a simple birdbath to our yard brought the action even closer. We set it up just off the porch, shallow enough for the smaller birds but deep enough for a splash or two.

The real surprise came when the kids spotted not just birds, but squirrels, frogs, and even a few dragonflies stopping by. I started keeping a little stool by the window, so they could perch and watch. It felt like our very own live nature documentary—without having to leave home.

3. Building Critter Shelters Together

I’m not sure who was more excited about this project, me or the kids. We spent a weekend gathering fallen branches, old logs, and smooth stones to create what we called "critter shelters." These little piles gave small animals like frogs, chipmunks, and bugs a place to hide and explore, and it gave the kids a reason to venture outside first thing in the morning, eager to see if anyone had moved in overnight.

I’ll never forget the day they found a toad nestled in the shelter. It was like discovering buried treasure—something so small and ordinary, yet completely thrilling. And the best part? It became a lesson in respecting wildlife. I made sure the kids knew that these animals were visitors, not pets, and that our job was to protect them, not disturb them.

4. The Birdhouses and Bee Hotels Adventure

One of the most fun (and messy) projects we took on was building and decorating birdhouses and bee hotels. I wanted to encourage more bird species to nest in our yard, and the kids were all about making it happen. We painted the birdhouses in bright colors, hung them high in the trees, and set the bee hotels in sunny spots around the garden.

Not only did we end up attracting more birds, but we also started seeing solitary bees buzzing around the bee hotels. The kids were fascinated by these little pollinators, and it gave us another opportunity to talk about how important they are for our plants and flowers. I’ll admit, I had a moment of hesitation about inviting bees so close to where the kids played, but we made sure to place the hotels in less trafficked areas. It worked out beautifully—and no one’s been stung yet!

5. Nighttime Critter Watching (With Lights)

One of my favorite things about living by the lake is how alive it becomes at night. Once the sun sets and the stars come out, the wildlife wakes up. From the distant hoots of owls to the occasional bat swooping by, there’s something magical about the lake after dark.

The kids, naturally, wanted in on the action. So, we set up some soft outdoor lights—nothing too bright that would disturb the wildlife but just enough for the kids to see what was going on. Armed with flashlights and a bit of patience, they now spend warm summer nights catching glimpses of nocturnal critters in action. It’s become a nighttime ritual that’s as much about the mystery as it is about being quiet observers of nature.

6. Learning to Respect Wildlife (No Touching, Just Watching)

Of course, with all the wildlife coming and going, there were bound to be some “close encounters.” The kids were tempted more than once to chase after a frog or try to feed a squirrel, so we set a firm rule: no touching, just watching. I explained that these animals weren’t pets—they were part of the wild, and we needed to give them space.

It didn’t take long for the kids to get it. They learned to be patient and still, to wait for the animals to come to them, rather than charging in. And as a parent, there’s nothing quite as rewarding as seeing your kids develop a quiet respect for the natural world around them.

Final Thoughts: Nature’s Playground for Kids

Turning our lakefront home into a wildlife haven has been one of the most rewarding experiences—not just for me, but for the kids, too. They’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of nature, the importance of protecting it, and, most of all, they’ve had fun along the way.

Our yard has become more than just a place to play—it’s a place to explore, to learn, and to feel connected to something bigger. Watching the kids’ faces light up when they spot a new bird at the feeder or discover a frog by the water has made it all worth it. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the magic of lake living is so much more than just the views—it’s about sharing that space with the wildlife that calls it home, and making sure our kids grow up knowing how special that is.