How to Go on Nature Walks with Children

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By Lynn W
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My little one on a nature walk.

Nature walks are a good way to introduce your child to science. Not only does nature walks help you child learn about nature, but it also helps your child’s observation skills, which will help them in later sciences. So, how do you take advantage of nature walks and get the most out of them? Please read further to find out.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

back pack
guidebook
journal, notebook or sketch book
writing materials
drawing materials
binoculars (optional)
bottled water and snack
collecting bag

Step 1

Flower from one of our nature walks.

Nature walks can take place in a variety of places. The simplest is your own neighborhood if you live in an area where there are at least some plants and trees. Keep in mind it does not have to be a well wooded area. That may be ideal, but nature walks truly can be done on a city block as long as there are a least a few trees or plants to study. Other places you can go are parks or nature preserves. Make sure you check out the rules of the park or preserve that you are using so you don’t break any.
Step 2

We saw fish!

Take a small pocket guidebook with you on your nature walks about the type of nature you are studying. If you are going to look at trees, take a tree guidebook. If you are looking for insects, then take an insect guidebook, this way your child will learn about what they are suppose to be studying.
Step 3

We saw butterflies.

Take a notebook or journal on the nature walks so your child can record what they are seeing. Don’t forget to include writing materials and drawing materials so you child can write about the subject and draw diagrams of what they are seeing.
Step 4

Beautiful flowers.

If you have binoculars, you may want to take them along on your nature walks. They are not necessary, but they do add to the study if you have them. Another thing you may want to bring along is a collection bag, to store treasures that you find. If you are in a park or a preserve, make sure you are allowed to collect things before you do. Many parks and preserves have rules against taking things from the park. Also make sure you are not disturbing a habitat before you take anything and keep it in small amounts. The point is to enjoy nature, not make a mess of it!!! So, limit the amount of specimens that you take.
Step 5

Small waterfall

Another activity that you can do on nature walks instead of journaling is a nature scavenger hunt. Have your child try to find certain things like a ladybug, a maple tree, a crocus, a squirrel or rabbit tracks. You can either have them write down what they find or maybe make it even more fun and have them take a picture of their finds.

Comments

deshmukh said

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on 3/21/2009 Yes. taking regular nature walks can be very good for health too. Great article! 5 stars

Susang6 said

on 3/15/2009 Nature walks are good for the mind and body,. Introducing children to nature is essential to their well being. a well written article. Loved your pictures too!