The Ultimate Guide to Nature Journaling for Kids: Fun Activities and Benefits

The Importance of Nature Journaling for Kids

Unleashing Curiosity and Creativity in the Great Outdoors

In a world filled with screens and distractions (seriously, how many cat videos can one human watch?), encouraging children to step outside and engage with nature is more important than ever.

Obviously, as a writer & scientist myself, I'm a little biased on this one, but one of the most rewarding ways to foster this connection is through nature journaling.

This mindful, simple practice not only nurtures curiosity and creativity but also helps children develop essential observation skills and a deep appreciation for the natural world—plus, it gets them away from that glowing screen for a bit!

(Which, let's be real, we could all benefit from these days!)

Nature journaling invites kids to record their observations, feelings, and discoveries in a fun and engaging way, and puts them in the drivers seat to share what they value, in an easy way.

Whether it’s sketching a curious backyard bird, writing a few short lines about a vibrant sunset, or noting the adorable ears of a squirrel, these experiences enrich their understanding of the environment and encourage a lifelong love for exploration.

Who knows? Maybe they'll end up discovering the next great animal species—or at least the best stick in the park!

Why Nature Journaling Matters

1. Encourages Observation Skills

Kids are natural scientists, but our brains are always learning how to filter out information -- especially as we get older! Nature journaling teaches children to slow down and truly observe their surroundings.

As they document their experiences, they learn to notice details they might otherwise overlook—the intricate patterns on a leaf, the texture of bark, or the way shadows shift as the sun moves across the sky. This practice of mindful observation enhances their analytical skills, fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world—and possibly making them the smartest kid on the block. 

Along with noticing their surroundings, kids also learn how to notice their inner world through this practice too, because they can start to notice what lights them up. (To me, this is really one of the best benefits of all of nature journals!)

2. Boosts Creativity and Expression

When children engage in nature journaling, they have the opportunity to express themselves creatively, without any rules or parameters decided by others. They get to feel in control, and be in control of their own expression. 

This free space to be who you really are is priceless to a young, growing mind!

They can draw, paint, or write about their experiences in ways that resonate with them. This freedom of expression can boost their confidence and encourage them to explore different artistic styles, ultimately nurturing their creative instincts. 

Plus, it gives them a chance to show off their artistic skills, and who doesn’t want to be the Picasso of pine cones?

3. Promotes Environmental Stewardship

The bread and butter of nature lovers, right here! 

One of my favourite quotes comes from the physicist, Brian Cox: "The world is beautiful to look at, and even more beautiful to understand."

Nature journalling doesn't just stoke curiosity -- it helps promote understanding. And understanding is where we can really start to tap into the deep feelings of love and reverence for the planet that changes lives, including the lives of the people and animals around us!

By documenting their experiences in nature, children begin to form a connection with the environment. This sense of connection can lead to a greater understanding of conservation and the importance of protecting wildlife and natural habitats. In a word, it promotes 'worldliness' -- the sense that we're all citizens of a single planet. 

Nature journaling encourages kids to become mindful stewards of the earth, inspiring them to take action for the planet’s well-being, and to create lives that are situated in empathy, care, understanding, and love. 

Because let’s be real—the world could use more of all of those traits!

4. Supports Learning Across Subjects

Nature journaling is a fantastic way to integrate multiple subjects, from science and art to language and math.

Take it from a kid who never truly found 'my place' early on, because, it turned out, my place was spending time in all of the places!

Some people are built to explore and excel in a single field. But many of us (and possibly your kiddos, too!) are built to explore the connections between things. We don't want to choose between the marvellous parts of the world.

With nature journalling, kids can explore scientific concepts by observing wildlife behaviours, practicing their writing skills by describing their experiences, or even incorporating measurements and data collection into their entries.

They can be scientists. Or artists. Or analysts. Or storytellers, weaving together their observations and emotions into narratives that capture the essence of their outdoor adventures. 

Or, all of the above! 

This cross-disciplinary approach helps children see the interconnectedness of different subjects in real-world contexts, making learning feel like an exciting adventure rather than a chore.

And take it from me, the ability to craft a life based on the various things you love is worth cultivating!

Quick Tips for Using Your Nature Journal

To help your kids get started on their nature journaling journey, here are some practical tips:

1. Choose the Right Journal

Select a nature journal that suits your child’s interests and style. Look for one that’s durable and has enough space for both writing and drawing—because trust us, there’s nothing worse than a flimsy journal when a gust of wind decides to make a guest appearance. Or should I say, gust appearance. 

2. Start with Simple Observations

Encourage your child to begin with simple observations. They can jot down the weather, describe what they see, or sketch a favourite plant or animal. This can be done during family outings, nature walks, or even in the backyard—where the biggest adventure might just be spotting that neighbour’s cat in the flower bed!

3. Include Different Activities

Mix things up by incorporating various activities into their journaling. Here are some ideas:

• Scavenger Hunts: Create a list of items to find in nature (e.g., specific leaves, animal tracks) and encourage them to document their discoveries. Bonus points if they find the mythical four-leaf clover!
• Seasonal Changes: Have them track changes in their environment over time, noting how plants and animals adapt to different seasons. This could even turn into an epic saga of "The Great Leaf Color Change of Fall."
• Creative Writing Prompts: Offer prompts such as “Write a story from the perspective of a tree” or “Describe a day in the life of your favorite animal.” Who knew trees had such riveting tales?

4. Use All the Senses

Remind your child to engage all their senses while observing nature. What do they see, hear, smell, and feel? Encourage them to record these sensory experiences in their journal, which can lead to richer entries. The smell of pine? The sound of rustling leaves? It’s like an immersive experience in a world of wonders!

5. Make it a Family Activity

Nature journaling can be a wonderful family bonding experience. Consider going on nature walks together, sharing observations, and discussing what you each document in your journals. This shared enthusiasm can create a supportive environment that nurtures curiosity and creativity.

Plus, it makes for great family stories—“Remember that time we all thought we saw the Loch Ness Monster in the water?”

To make this easy for you, I've created a nature journal specifically designed for kids!

You can download it right here!

What’s Inside the Nature Journal?

The Wild Wonder Mail FREE 80-page Nature Journal for Kids is designed to inspire young explorers and includes various engaging features:

• Animal Trackers: A dedicated section for kids to document wildlife sightings, helping them learn about local species and their behaviours. Just imagine the pride when they can tell their friends about the deer they spotted!
• Weather Trackers: Pages to record daily weather observations, promoting an understanding of meteorology and climate patterns. “Today’s forecast: cloudy with a chance of awesome!”
• Creativity Prompts: (Some of my personal faves!) Fun activities that encourage artistic expression, such as drawing, painting, or crafting based on their nature experiences. 
• Observation Pages: Space for kids to write about their findings, feelings, and thoughts, enhancing their reflective skills and connection to nature. “What did I learn today? Nature is full of surprises!”
• Nature Expedition Pages: These interactive lists are designed to spark curiosity and inspire exploration, for every big or small expedition you might go on!

Start Your Nature Journaling Adventure Now!

Nature journaling is an invaluable tool for kids to explore, learn, and connect with the world around them. It nurtures observation skills, boosts creativity, and fosters a sense of responsibility toward the environment. With the right nature journal in hand, kids can embark on countless adventures, capturing the beauty of nature and their thoughts along the way.

So grab their free journal (and one for you, too!), head outdoors, and start your nature journaling adventures today! The world is full of wonders waiting to be discovered, and every page you fill brings you one step closer to becoming a true explorer of the natural world.

Because remember, adventure is out there—and it starts with just a page!