Cloud Spotter | Easy Weather Activity For Kids

Cloud spotting is a fun and educational activity for kids, sparking curiosity about weather and nature.

With just some cardboard and a few household items, you can create a simple cloud spotter to help children identify different types of clouds. This hands-on project is perfect for parents, educators, or anyone looking to engage kids in a creative science activity.

As soon as the weather gets nice, my kids love to be outside so I’m constantly looking for fun outdoor activities! I love to make this cloud spotter in the spring and summer to help my kids learn the different types of clouds. It’s so fun watching them identify happy clouds vs. storm clouds, especially during storm season. 🌩️

Cloud Types

Before we begin let’s talk about clouds! This cloud spotter activity focuses on the 4 main types of clouds. I like to start with the basics with kids, but feel free to add additional cloud types if you’re making this weather activity with older kids or maybe in a classroom setting.

Cumulus: Fluffy, white clouds that look like cotton balls, indicating good weather.
Stratus: Low, gray, blanket-like clouds, often with a light rain.
Cirrus: Thin, wispy clouds, high in the sky, sometimes indicating a change in weather.
Nimbus: Dark, thick clouds that cover the sky and bring thunderstorms.

I even like to sing this fun little song with my younger kids when learning about clouds!

Cloud Song For Kids

(to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”)

Cirrus, Cirrus, way up high, feathery clouds across the sky.

Cumulus, so big and bright, fluffy like a pillow white.

Stratus spreads across the blue, flat and gray, it’s cloudy too.

Nimbus means the rain will fall, dark and heavy, over all.

Clouds are cool and fun to know, watch them drifting as they go!

Step-by-Step Instructions – How To Make A Cloud Spotter

Materials Needed

Cardboard (from an Amazon box or similar)
Scissors
Glue or tape
Printed cloud guide (optional, or draw your own)

1. Prepare the Cardboard Base: Cut a piece of cardboard, about 12×12 inches. This will be the main frame for your cloud spotter. Make sure to use a cardboard piece sturdy enough to holder its shape.

2. Decorate and Illustrate: Print the cloud spotter guide and cut out each cloud type and glue it to the bottom of the cardboard. Now is also a good time to add a few fun decorations with markers, paint or printed pictures. Just make sure to leave enough space in the center for the cloud viewing window.

3. Create The Cloud Window: Above the printed or written cloud types, create a viewing window for cloud spotting. Hand sketch a cloud shape or a simple rectangle and carefully cut it out with scissor or an Xacto knife.

4. Go Cloud Spotting: Take your cloud spotter outside on a cloudy day. Hold it up to the sky and look through the window to find clouds. Enourage your kids to describe what they see and compare it to the cloud guide to identify the correct type of cloud!

I love that there are so many educational benefits to this cloud spotting activity. Kids can sharpen their observations skills by spotting clouds and comparing them to the cloud guide. This is the perfect way to introduce meteorology to young kids, you can even discuss how clouds form. Plus this easy learning activity gets kids outside and engaged with nature! What could be better?!

Tips For Success

Start with a simple guide for younger kids, focusing on 3-4 cloud types.
Pair this fun activity with a weather journal where kids can draw or write about the clouds they spot.
Check the weather forecast to pick a cloudy day to use your cloud spotter.
For added fun, combine cloud spotting with storytelling – ask kids to imagine what shapes or animals they see in the clouds.
This would be an amazing science lesson for kindergarten and homeschool kids!

This cardboard cloud spotter is an affordable, eco-friendly way to teach kids about the sky above. It’s the perfect blend of crafting and learning, making science accessible and exciting. So grab some cardboard and start exploring today!