Explore Nature With These Awesome Outdoor Activity Books for Kids
by Devon A. Corneal
It’s summer and time to have some fun! On perfect sunny days, our go-to is the pool. Maybe you prefer the slip ‘n slide or a lake to cool off. It’s all good. But what do you do on grey cloudy days or hectic afternoons when you can’t quite get everyone packed in the car with pool toys and towels? Here at Brightly, we have a solution. We’ve collected some of our favorite outdoor activity books for kids — from preschoolers to preteens. Curious about bugs? Hiking? Astronomy? Birds? Plants? Arts & Crafts? We have you covered. Just make sure to get outside!
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Nature Activity Book for Little Ones
Available from:Introduce your little ones to all the wonders that nature has to offer with these outdoor learning activities! With more than 100 ideas, your little explorer will have plenty to get them excited about the outdoors. Your next trip to the park or a day out at the beach will be a great learning opportunity, plus they will have so much fun along the way!
(Ages 2 - 5)Also available from: -
All About Trees Activity Book
Available from:Do your children often ask you about the names of trees? This activity book is designed to provide them with answers to all their tree-related questions in a fun way. It includes guided drawings, word searches, connect the dots, mazes, and other activities that teach children how to identify North American trees like oak and pine, and how they grow.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
The Animal Adventurer's Guide
Available from:Calling all animal enthusiasts and adventure-seekers! Look no further! This is the perfect guide for teaching kids how to identify various animals, from the many mammals outside to the birds that fly above us. Including the most fun activities, helpful tips, and useful tools that'll turn your kids into animal experts in no time. Get ready to hear all about their exciting discoveries!
(Ages 5 - 9)Also available from: -
The Nature Adventure Book
Available from:Have a child whose hands are always in the dirt? Does your son or daughter love to collect leaves and rocks? Then grab The Nature Adventure Book and head outside. Simple activities and crafts will turn afternoon walks into nature-filled adventures and will guarantee a summer of fun.
(Ages 5 - 9)Also available from: -
Read, Learn & Create–The Nature Craft Book
Available from:With The Nature Craft Book, young readers get to take a closer look at the natural beauty around them. Through observation of their surroundings, children can learn to create wonderful craft projects from common materials, allowing them to express their creativity and imagination while deepening their appreciation for the natural environment. With this book as their guide, children can explore the outdoors and discover the joy of creating beautiful and unique crafts.
(Ages 6 - 9)Also available from: -
National Geographic Kids Get Outside Guide
Available from:This comprehensive guide provides children with a variety of ways to have fun outdoors! It includes activities that encourage them to explore nature, accompanied by scientific facts to enhance their learning experience. They can learn how to make backyard bird baths, visit local state parks, take part in outdoor community events, and much more. The guide also offers activities for each season, from spring to winter, so that kids can stay engaged all year round.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
The Young Adventurer's Guide to (Almost) Everything
Available from:Do you have a child who loves to camp or hike? If so, they need this book. Packed with step-by-step illustrations and useful information, including how to survive in the woods, navigate without modern technology, and build a shelter with only natural materials, this is a must-have roadmap for a summer of outdoor exploration.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Eyewitness Workbooks: Insect
Readers will find puzzles, quizzes, and cool insect facts on every page of this middle grade workbook. Forget boring science. This is the kind of hands-on learning that kids love. Want even more insect info? Check out Bugs, a gorgeous pop-up book that will thrill future entomologists.
(Ages 8 - 12)Preorder from: -
A Girl's Guide to the Wild
Available from:It’s easy sometimes to stereotype our children and encourage boys to play in the dirt and girls to play with dolls, but girls are just as interested in and capable of being outdoor adventurers. Designed to empower girls to investigate the natural sciences and to encourage a love of the outdoors, this collection of activities, puzzles, projects, and journaling opportunities shows girls that the world is right there waiting for them. And don't miss the companion title,My Nature Journal and Activity Book!
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
The Outdoor Scientist
Available from:Temple Grandin is known for her compassion, intellect, and deep curiosity. In The Outdoor Scientist she encourages children to use their questioning minds to become careful observers of the world around them and join the ranks of citizen scientists around the globe who collaborate to collect data on everything from weather patterns to animal migration. Filled with fascinating projects, this is a book the whole family will love.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Star Finder!
Available from:I spent countless hours as a kid looking at the stars, memorizing constellations so I could draw them from memory the following day. If your child is also an avid stargazer, consider giving them this excellent introduction to astronomy and encourage them to spend a few summer evenings exploring the night sky.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Maker Lab: Outdoors
Available from:Think you need fancy equipment to conduct scientific experiments? Think again! Using nothing but what you have around the house, you and your kids can dive into 25 experiments that will teach you about everything from water power to magnetism, and you’ll definitely have fun doing it!
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from:
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2021 and updated in 2023.