How to Get Your Kids in Nature More

Kids belong in nature; it's part of who they are and should part of their core education. Getting your kids out in nature enough might take some planning if you aren't used to getting outside. If you're wondering how to get your kids in nature more, here are some ideas

"We are all meant to be naturalists, each in his own degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plant and animal life and to care for none of these things." - Charlotte Mason 

1. Take Learning Outside

I'm a homeschooling mom, and sometimes, I block myself inside. We stay inside and learn, but there is no reason that learning cannot take place outside. When I was in college, some of my favorite professors would take us outside for class when the weather finally turned nice in the spring. Breathing in the fresh air helped me focus more, and I enjoyed my class.

Use the same idea at home! Take your kids outside and teach them. You can do read-aloud books outside. Kids can work on worksheets outside too. 

2. Go On Nature Walks 

Our family takes, at least, one nature walk per week. These nature walks might be at a lake, a family member's property, or trails near our homes. I let my kids gather nature items that they want to journal about later.

If we have extra time, we might nature journal outside! Any good nature walk needs to have problems and questions for kids to think and ponder. So, ask questions and show them what you notice. 

3. Weekly Park Trips 

Your goal is to get your kids outside, and going to a park is one simple way to do that. Kids love the park, and it offers plenty of fresh air for your child. 

Who doesn't love a park trip? Ask friends to join you, and your kids can enjoy time with their other homeschool friends. 

4. Take Evening Family Walks 

Our family loves to take evening walks together when the weather is nice. The older kids can ride their bikes. We talk about our days and might walk on some trails throughout our neighborhood.

Even if you aren't in the woods, you would be surprised by how much nature you can find. Leaves, insects, and water exist all around us. Find it wherever you are and let your child enjoy it! 

5. Have Picnics Together 

Take a picnic! Find a local park or lake, and take a picnic. Your kids can play, and you'd be surprised at the things that kids can find when they're in nature. Take along their journals, so if your child finds something awesome, they can journal it! 

6. Visit Local Farmers

Do you live in an area that has farmers? If so, schedule a few local farm trips. Your kids can see where their food comes from up close and personal. Kids love to see cows, chickens, and pigs! Plus, it's a fantastic learning experience for kids to see the process of farming. It might spark a lifelong interest! 

7. Garden Together

If you have a garden, bring your kids in the garden with you. Gardening is a learning experience, and kids love to grow flowers and vegetables. It's a life skill that kids can develop from toddlerhood up, so don't feel weird bringing your 2 or 3-year-olds into the garden. Tiny tots can plant seeds, pull weeds, and help with the harvest. 

8. Spend Time Outside Yourself

Kids learn by seeing, and if they see their parents valuing time in nature, they will as well. If you take your coffee and book outside in the morning or evening, you can bet your kids will follow and do the same.

If you love to take walks and bird watching, your kids will enjoy it as well. Kids want to do whatever their parents do, so learn to love nature. Chances are there is so much that you don't know about the world around you.

Can you identify all of the trees and birds in your area? If not, you have some learning to do!