Family Activity Guide: Nature Walk + Nature Hunt FREEBIE!
Studies show that being outside in nature supports physical wellness and mental wellness.
Benefits of Being Outdoors
Better Sleep
Lower rates of depression
Faster rates of stress recovery
Better cardiovascular health
Improvement in overall emotional well-being
Get Started
Being outside can be as simple as sitting together as your family on the front porch or in the backyard. Being outside can also mean taking a trip to the beach, a park or exploring a nearby city. A simple Google search can lead you to many different options by your location. Pick a spot, pack a snack and get ready to boost your mental health!!
Don’t forget to pack a gallon sized ziploc for nature collections. You can also pack magnifying glasses, binoculars and other tools.
Your Nature Walk Guide
Nature walks can be whatever you make them! You can bird watch, search for wildlife, study plants and so much more.
Before taking your nature walk you will want to put on sunscreen, close-toed shoes and pack some water. Depending on how long you plan to be outdoors, you can pack a snack or lunch. We also advise that you take a small emergency kit.
Invite your child(ren) to lead the family adventure. You want children walking in front of you to ensure their safety. More importantly, allowing your child(ren) to lead builds confidence and helps them to develop decision making skills. Focus on the five senses; sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell as you really soak in all that nature has to offer such as:
Plants
Seeds/Nuts
Fungi
Animals
Evidence of Animals
Geological Features
Begin your nature collection! Collect small items like pinecones, acorns, cool rocks, sticks, stones and more into your gallon sized ziploc. You can save the items for exploration or even use them in crafts. Download our free nature hunt guide to get you started.
Stop and smell the flowers, LITERALLY! You can also take a moment to enjoy the sound of nearby water, birds and other animals.
Additional Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Fishing
Kayaking
Walking/Running
Sports
Hunting
Photographing Nature