Use age appropriate, fun activities to make adventures into the outdoors fun for kids and grownups.
Nature Walk Basics
Plan the walk ahead of time by using local guidebooks or online resources. Trails.com is a great resource for finding local walks and hikes in most areas.
Tools Needed
- Field guides for birds – these can be picked up at the local library
- Field guides for trees, local flora and fauna – check the library for local guides
- Hike and trail guides – most every area has trail guides which list many hikes that are appropriate for children
- Backpacks – for adults and kids. Don’t let the kids carry too much in their pack, make judgments based on age and individual. A two year old and a six year old should carry completely different weight limits.
- Water – bring enough for everyone
- Snacks – never leave home without them. The kids will be hungry from all of their adventures so think of packing healthy, hearty snacks that will keep them full longer: apple with peanut butter, cheese with crackers, cut up veggies and fruit.
- Dress appropriately for the weather conditions – an uncomfortable kid is going to want to go home that much sooner, good outdoor shoes or boots plus layering for the weather will keep a child happier outside for a longer period of time.
- Magnifying lenses
- Bug boxes
- Basket or box for “treasures”
Make the Hike Fun
Kids of all ages love to carry a “nature basket” which they can fill with whatever treasures from nature they choose: rocks, feathers, acorns or ferns.
Remain flexible while hiking with kids, search for “teachable moments” that will come up unexpectedly. Make sure no one feels rushed and is given lots of time to experience the outdoors as they want to.
Use fun activities for older kids to keep them interested and moving:
- have races from one tree to the next
- have a treasure hunt. Make a list beforehand of certain items each child has to find.
Make the Distance Age Appropriate
Keep the length of the walk age appropriate for the child. Bring a stroller or baby backpack for kids under three. Keep the hikes to shorter distances for younger children.
Work With the Seasons
Each season has unlimited teaching and learning opportunities for all ages.
Spring – wildflowers are abundant this time of year. Look for colors, talk about how they are pollinated and why. Knowing names of the flowers is not important but could be fun with an appropriate guidebook.
Summer – watch for birds, animal babies. Talk about what the animals and plants are doing this time of year.
Fall – leaves and acorns should be on the ground at this time. Fun to gather and compare. Leaves make fun projects for all ages: leaf rubbings, leaf people.
Winter – look for animal tracks if the area has snow. Otherwise talk about where animals go when it’s cold, what they are doing there.
Hike Follow Up
Use a journal at home to document what was seen in the outdoors. Younger children can draw pictures or dictate what they want to write about. Use magazines to make a collage of the outdoors. Make art with the treasures that were brought home.
Finding ways to get kids outside doesn't have to be difficult. Using the tips provided here will help make an easy transition out into nature. There is much out there to see and experience and most kids will enjoy it once they are in the woods.
Resources: University of Maine Cooperative Extension
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