Summer Nature Study for Kids
This Summer is the perfect time to start nature study with your kids. Studying nature together is a great way to learn about the natural world, the wildlife in your own backyard, and how you can participate in efforts to save local ecosystems. This Summer Nature Study for Kids will bring joy and learning in the outdoors.
Summer Nature Study for Kids
Studying nature with kids can be tricky, but I’ve put together a free nature observation worksheet to get you started on the path towards adventures in nature together. There are opportunities to learn about flowers, bugs, and explore all the things you see in the wild this Summer.
Keep reading to discover my favorite tips and Summer activities for nature study and get your very own observation worksheets today.
How To Save Nature
We are all protected by nature. Healthy natural ecosystems provide clean water, purified air, good soil, and a reliable climate, and nutrients we use for food and medicine. When we work together to reduce waste, go green, and help save nature, we are ensuring a healthy future for our planet and ourselves.
Saving nature starts with teaching our kids about nature. Getting excited about the natural world and all its beauty is a great starting point for educating your kids about the importance of healthy ecosystems. Nature study and nature observation are great tools for teaching your kids.
Nature Study with Kids
The study of nature provides tons of great opportunities for discovery, creativity, and building problem-solving skills too. Nature study is all about helping your children interact with the natural world. Studying nature together gives kids a chance to explore and experiment with their own ideas about the world around them.
You can encourage inquisitive minds with a daily or weekly nature study activity. Summer is a great time to get started with nature study. One of the simplest ways to engage in nature study with kids of any age is to go on a nature walk.
Consider these tips as you plan your first nature walk:
- Choose a time of day that works for your family
- Don’t forget to take water and snacks if you’re planning a long walk
- Consider the terrain and your children’s abilities before choosing a path
- Apply sunscreen and bug spray to protect yourself from UV rays and mosquitos
Study of Nature
Best Nature Books
Gearing up for successfully studying nature with your kids can begin even before you go outdoors. There are lots of ways to get your kids excited to explore the natural world. We like to use nature journals and handbooks with information about local wildlife.
Nature journaling can be as simple as providing your kids with notebooks to record what they’re seeing in nature. Some nature journals include spaces to press flowers and save found items. Many people use watercolors or colored pencils to draw detailed images of natural observations.
Check out some of our favorite nature books for getting kids of any age excited about exploring and learning about the natural world:
- Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock
- Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World by Julia Rothman
- Exploring Nature Journal for Kids: Observe and Record the Outdoors by Kim Andrew
Free Nature Observation Worksheet
It can be challenging to start nature study with your kids, especially young children. I’ve put together some free nature observation worksheets for each season to help you get started.
Summer is a great time to get started with nature study because the weather is warm and the days are long. You can use these free nature observation worksheets to encourage the study of nature with your little explorers this Summer. Here’s what you’ll find on each Summer observation page:
Draw a Bug
Grab a magnifying glass and get your kids outside to find some Summer bugs right in the backyard. This nature study observation page will encourage your kids to explore bugs and draw what they see. Have fun drawing ladybugs, ants, and butterflies this Summer.
For even more nature study fun, learn about the different body parts of your bug, what it likes to eat, and how it moves around. It’s a great introduction to entomology for curious little explorers.
If your kids fall in love with bugs, you can learn more with my Bug & Insect Summer Camp at home. It’s a fun way to explore these little creatures and study nature too.
What’s Your Favorite Thing About Summer?
I love this section of these free nature observation worksheets because it’s a great creative writing prompt for reluctant writers. Plus, you can use it as a way to talk about your favorite things to do outdoors during the Summer months.
Extend the lesson by talking about things you might not get to do if we don’t practice conservation and work together to save nature. For example, reducing our carbon footprint can help ensure we get to participate in activities like surfing and skiing.
Your kids might also enjoy exploring Pollution Activities and Environmental Activities for Kids. There are lots of fun hands-on ways to explore conservation and nature study too.
What Colors Do You See?
We associate brown and orange with Fall, light green, and baby blue with Spring, but what about Summer? What colors do we see in Summer?
I love this section of the summer nature observation worksheet because it encourages your kids to get out and explore in search of colors. It’s also an activity that you can do again and again since the colors change depending on your environment.
Draw a Summer Flower
Summer is an exciting time to explore flowers with curious learners. Talk about your favorite flowers and point them out during nature walks together. Then, draw your favorite summer flowers in the box that’s provided.
You can learn more about flowers, seeds, and how they grow with my Flower Science Activities for Preschoolers and Kindergartners. It’s a great way to encourage curiosity, learn about the scientific method, and fill your Summer with fun nature study activities this year.
Nature Scavenger Hunt Checklist
I love scavenger hunts! There’s a small scavenger hunt opportunity on this free nature observation worksheet for you and your kiddos to enjoy too. Scavenger hunts are a fun way to practice problem-solving skills.
In this nature scavenger hunt, you will search for berries, bees, mushrooms, and more. Take pictures of the things you find or draw them in your nature journal for even more nature study fun this Summer.
Summer Activities to Enjoy
Looking for even more ways to have fun this Summer? I’ve included a small section for your Summer “to do list” at the bottom of this free nature observation worksheet. You’ll find some of our favorite activity suggestions like “go on a hike” and space to add your favorite Summer activities too.
Free Nature Observation Worksheet
Free Printables Summer Observation Sheet
Find these under the Summer Section – Plus, over 300 FREE Printables and Challenges
So how will you get outdoors and explore nature this Summer?
Whether you enjoy a nature walk observation, or a complete summer season exploring nature with children, this fun nature worksheet is a wonderful addition.
Share your own ideas about the study of nature in the comment section. I can’t wait to read them!
Nature Activities
Studies have shown that you will also love the following ideas if you like them. I have pulled them together for you right here!
Nature Summer Camp Theme Activities
Fun Ways to Incorporate Nature Studies Into Your Homeschooling All Year Long
45+ Fun Printable Summer Activities for Kids
