How to Pack an Exploring Bag for Kids

Kids can find adventure in the simplest places. By creating an Exploring Bag for them, you can turn a neighborhood stroll into a fun, curiosity-building experience. Here's what you need to get started.

Instructions

1. A kid-sized backpack that's big enough to hold some basic exploring tools, but not so big that your child wants to bring along his entire train set.

2. A magnifying glass, a tool that is guaranteed to hold a child's interest for years.

3. A clear, plastic container for bug and critter collecting. Poke holes in the lids before you leave home.

4. A spade for scooping up dirt and turning over rocks. Teach your kids how to pull the rock toward them so that any surprised snakes will run away from them.

5. A map. Young kids may want to draw their own. Some may be content to use a highway map in the front yard. Older kids may enjoy leading the way on an actual hiking trail.

6. A butterfly net. Many toy stores carry miniature versions for small hands.

7. A compass. Even in our high-tech world, a compass is a fascinating tool for kids of all ages.

8. A camera for documenting the adventures and capturing all the bugs and objects you want to identify at home.

9. A small flashlight and/or headlamp. Certainly these are helpful as the sun goes down, but they are also great for shining into holes or dark logs.

10. Gloves. Some kids-even adventurous ones-just don't like to get their hands dirty. Look for kid-sized gloves in the gardening aisles.

11. A plant or animal I.D. book. This is especially helpful for older kids, but even preschool-age kids like to know the official names of trees and animals.

12. And for the grown-ups to carry along on the adventure: plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, bug repellant and first-aid supplies.