@drashleysoderlund

Pink Blob

How to Foster a Love of the Outdoors in Your Kids

Go to a park with a trail that isn’t next to roads or other dangers, and let your child be the leader. Only do this on trails you are familiar with and that are kid-friendly (e.g., no sudden drops or dangerous areas).

1. Let Your Child Take the Lead on Nature Walks

Let them set the pace and also when to stop and observe. They’ll point out things you would have never seen (kids have that superpower). And they will be learning and engaging other parts of their brains.

1. Let Your Child Take the Lead on Nature Walks

Part of fostering a love of nature in your kids is just getting them to take in their surroundings. To develop an appreciation for the sights and sounds.

2. Make it into a Game With a Nature Scavenger Hunt!

You can incorporate a scavenger hunt on your nature walk in endless ways. If it’s a Fall hike, search for all different colored leaves in the Spring and spot butterflies, insects, and birds.

2. Make it into a Game With a Nature Scavenger Hunt!

Bringing along a magnifying glass, binoculars, a nature journal, or a camera can make nature walks or hikes exciting for kids!

3. Encourage Your Child to Observe Nature With Explorer Tools!

Not only are they enjoying the great outdoors, but they will also be observing the natural world.

3. Encourage Your Child to Observe Nature With Explorer Tools!

Many libraries, nature centers, and botanical gardens offer “nature backpacks” with fun tools you can check out for the day.

3. Encourage Your Child to Observe Nature With Explorer Tools!

Bring some play-dough or air-dry clay and make impressions of tree bark, interesting textures, and nature treasures along the trail.

4. Make Art on Your Nature Walk

Make a nature bracelet by putting tape around your child’s wrist with the sticky part facing out. Along the way, they can gather leaves or flowers and stick them to their bracelet.

4. Make Art on Your Nature Walk

Here in the U.S., buying rain pants is far less common. In Sweden, all children have these — they play outside come rain or snow!! There’s really no such thing as “inside recess.”

5. Go Outside in All Kinds of Weather

At our house, puddle-hunting is a family favorite — for kids and dogs alike.

5. Go Outside in All Kinds of Weather

A short puddle-hunt walk can make a difference when kids get cranky on a rainy day and feel cooped up inside.

5. Go Outside in All Kinds of Weather

@drashleysoderlund

Pink Blob

How to Foster a Love of the Outdoors in Your Kids