40+ Things To Do On A Nature Walk with free printable

Nature walks are one of my favorite ways to get my kids outside year round, no matter what season it is. A walk outdoors is the perfect way to encourage healthy physical activity, and teach your kids something new, and it’s perfect for starting conversations. So grab these free printable nature activities and see all the cool things to do on a Nature Walk.

Don’t miss this free printable nature walk checklist and a scavenger hunt to encourage learning fun while exploring nature study with your kids this year.

Things to do on a Nature Walk

You can go for a nature walk at just about any time of the day and in any season. Walking at a local park, in your neighborhood, or on a nearby trail will give you so much to see and learn about together. Wondering how to plan your own nature walk this summer?

Keep reading to get my favorite tips for planning a nature walk, ideas about how to begin nature study with your kids this summer, free printable nature walk activities, and more.

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Nature Study with Kids

Nature study is definitely one of our favorite things to do as a family. There’s so much to be learned about the great outdoors! However, beginning nature study with kids can feel a bit overwhelming at first.

For elementary nature study, I think it’s important to focus on observation. Just enjoy being outside and connecting with nature. You can use hands-on activities and experiments to enrich the experience when appropriate, but don’t feel like you have to match all those fantastic Pinterest ideas all the time.

The elementary years are a time of discovery that should be enjoyed! To help you get started incorporating nature study into your homeschool, check out my seasonal nature observation pages:

Summer Nature Study for Kids

Winter Nature Study for Kids

Spring Nature Study for Kids

Once you’ve established a routine involving time spent exploring the natural world around you through backyard exploration and nature walks, you can add even more fun with activities like hiking or keeping a nature journal.

So how can you plan a successful nature walk with young children?

Keep reading for my favorite pro tips.

How to Plan a Nature Walk

You don’t need a detailed itinerary for your first nature walk. It’s also not necessary to follow an established path. In fact, letting your children choose the direction and speed of your nature walk can be really magical.

However, there are some logistics that parents might want to account for when planning a successful nature walk. First, think about the weather and prepare accordingly.

There’s no need to stay indoors if it’s not exactly the right temperature, but you’ll need to dress appropriately and bring raincoats, boots, sunscreen, hats, gloves, or whatever might be needed for comfort. There’s nothing worse than getting started on your nature walk and having kids meltdown because it begins to rain a bit.

Another thing you’ll want to consider is timing. If your children are young enough to still need naps during the day, don’t plan a nature walk near nap time. You’ll also want to avoid meal times.

Finally, think about letting your children chart the course for the nature walk. Try to model being present and focusing on the world around you with your child. Take this opportunity to get down on their level to notice the wildflowers and pebbles.

Things to Look for on a Nature Walk

There are so many things to look for on a nature walk and lots to explore even in your own backyard! To help inspire your family, I’ve put together an easy printable checklist filled with ideas you can use to encourage observation in nature.

With this printable nature walk checklist, you’ll get 40 fantastic ideas for things to look for on a nature walk. Plus, there’s a second printable nature walk page where kids can write in all the fun things they have found while exploring nature.

See how many fun things you can find that aren’t on my list!

This nature walk printable includes items like beehives, berries, tree bark, frogs, mushrooms, pinecones, and more. It’s the perfect way to encourage children that might be reluctant to explore outdoors.

Nature Books for Kids

Easy Nature Study Activities

If you’re looking for more easy nature study activities to encourage reluctant kids or add fun to your nature walks, check out some of my favorites below:

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Encourage the spirit of competition with a nature scavenger hunt that’s sure to get your kids engaged in exploring nature this year. Scavenger hunts give kids the opportunity to become little explorers. Plus, they’re perfect for sparking conversations and lessons about the local flora and fauna you see.

Treasure Collection

Nature is filled with treasures like bird feathers, perfectly round pebbles, and brightly colored flowers. My kids often come home from our nature walks with their pockets filled. They collect rocks, acorns, and flower petals.

Before your nature walk begins, read What’s In Your Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures by Heather L. Montgomery to encourage your kids to begin their own treasure collection. Then, equip them with a little bag or shoebox to gather their treasures for closer study at home.

Liz at Kitchen Pantry Scientist has another great idea for treasure collecting in nature with young children. Check out her duct tape bracelet for making sure your nature study “sticks.”

Indoor Nature Table

It’s totally possible to get outside and explore nature all year long, but some days we just can’t. Whether it’s the weather or your health that has you stuck indoors, there are lots of ways to explore nature right in your living room too.

Nature tables encourage observation and exploration, fostering a deeper connection with the world around us while helping kids develop scientific reasoning skills they’ll use throughout their lives. Check out some of my favorite indoor nature table ideas:

Fabulous Fall Nature Table Ideas

Reggio Inspired Spring Nature Table

The Perfect Winter Nature Table

Summer Ocean Theme Nature Table

Don’t forget to grab the free printable nature walk checklist to encourage your little explorers this year. I just know you’re going to have so much fun incorporating nature study into your homeschool this season.

Nature Activities

Share your favorite nature study activities and tools in the comment section. I can’t wait to read them and explore your favorites with my kids this summer too!