Free Nature Journal for Kids

10 Ideas For Kids To Nature Journal (+ Free Nature Journal for Kids!)

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If you’re looking for ways to get your kids more interested in nature, a great way to do it is by having them keep a nature journal! Not only is this a fun activity, but it’s also a great way for your kids to learn more about the world around them. Plus, there are some great benefits to keeping a nature journal, like improving focus and attention span.

So if you’re looking for a fun way to get your kids outdoors and learning at the same time, nature journaling is definitely the activity for you! You’re likely to come up with way more than 10 nature journal ideas, but I’ve listed 10 ideas here for things that your kids can document in their nature journal. Plus, be sure you grab the free nature journal for kids specifically designed just for post!

nature journal ideas - different nature notebooks

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10 Nature Journal Ideas To Do With Your Kids

Nature journaling is a great way to spend time outdoors with your kids while also getting them to document what they see and learn. Here are 10 ideas for things that you can have your kids nature journal about:

1. Go on a nature walk and document what you see, smell, and hear using your free nature journal for kids.

Spring is the perfect time to get outside and explore nature! Go on a nature walk with your family or friends, and document what you see, smell, and hear using your free nature journal for kids. Here are some things you might want to look for:

  • Birds singing in the trees
  • Flowers starting to bloom
  • Butterflies flitting from flower to flower
  • Bees collecting pollen
  • The sound of leaves rustling in the breeze
  • The smell of fresh cut grass
  • The sound of children laughing and playing

Take your time and really savor all the sights and sounds of spring. And don’t forget to take plenty of pictures to add to your nature journal!

2. Collect leaves, flowers, and other bits of nature to press into your journal.

A fun and unique way to decorate your journal is pressing flowers and leaves! It’s a great way to add a special touch to your pages, and it’s also a great way to preserve the beauty of nature.

All you need is a stack of heavy books, some wax paper, and a little patience. Start by placing a piece of wax paper between two pages of your journal. Then, arrange your leaves and flowers on the wax paper.

Be sure to place them so that they are flat and free of wrinkles. Next, place another piece of wax paper over the top of the leaves and flowers, and then close your journal.

flower press for nature journaling ideas

Finally, stack your journal on top of a few heavy books and let it sit for 24-48 hours. After that, you can remove the wax paper and enjoy your beautifully pressed flowers!

3. Draw or paint a picture of your favorite plant or animal.

One fun activity to do in your nature journal is to draw or paint a picture of your favorite plant or animal. This can be done from life, from a photo, or from memory. Be sure to include as many details as possible, such as the colors of the flowers or the patterns on the bird’s feathers.

As you work, think about what it is that you love about this particular plant or animal. Is it the way it smells? The way it moves? The sound it makes? Once you’re finished, take a moment to reflect on your drawing and why you were drawn to this particular subject. By taking the time to really notice and appreciate the natural world around us, we can develop a deeper connection with

4. Write down a list of all the different birds you see and hear on your nature walk.

You can journal all the different birds you see and hear on your nature walk. This is a great way to learn more about the local bird population and to tune into the many different sounds of nature.

Whenever you spot a bird, make a note of its name (if you know it) or its distinctive appearance inside the nature journal. Then, when you get home, you and the kids look up the bird in a field guide or online to find out more about it. Not only will you guys learn more about the birds in your area, but you’ll also end up with a beautiful record of your nature walk!

black binoculars on opened book

5. Keep track of the changing seasons by noting how plants and animals change over time.

One of the best things about nature is that it is always changing. Every season brings new sights and sounds, and even the same place can look completely different from one month to the next.

As a nature journaler, you can document these changes by keeping track of how plants and animals respond to the changing seasons. For example, you might note how the leaves on a tree change color in autumn, or how a certain flower only blooms in spring. By paying close attention to the natural world around you, you can gain a greater appreciation for the beauty of nature and the ever-changing cycle of life.

6. Create a rubbing of tree bark or leaves using crayons or colored pencils.

Have you ever made a rubbing of tree bark or leaves? It’s a fun activity that allows you to get up close and personal with nature. All you need is a crayon or colored pencil and some paper.

First, find a tree or bush with interesting bark or leaves. Then, place your paper on top of the bark or leaves and rub the side of your crayon or pencil over the paper. The result is a cool pattern that you can hang on your wall or use to decorate a notebook. Tree rubbings are a great way to add a little bit of nature to your day-to-day life.

7. Use a magnifying glass to get a close-up look at bugs, leaves, and other small items from nature.

Kids love getting up close and personal with bugs, leaves, and other small items from nature, and a magnifying glass is the perfect tool for the job. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to teach kids about the process of observation and documentation.

Simply have them choose an item from nature, then use the magnifying glass to take a closer look. Encourage them to describe what they see in their journal, or even sketch a picture of their subject.

With a little practice, they’ll be noticing all sorts of details that they never would have noticed before – and they’ll have a blast doing it!

magnifying glass for bugs for nature journal ideas

8. Press flowers or leaves into modeling clay to make nature-themed sculptures.

Did you know that you can turn a simple piece of modeling clay into a work of art inspired by nature? All you need are some flowers or leaves, and a little bit of imagination.

Simply press the flowers or leaves into the clay, and then use your fingers to mold the clay into whatever shape you like. You can make a sculpture of a tree, a flower, or even an animal. The possibilities are endless! And once you’re finished, you’ll have a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece of art to display in your home.

9. Go on a night walk and document the stars, moon, and any animals you see or hear.

There’s something special about going for a walk at night. The air feels different, and the world seems quieter. Even if you live in the city, you can often see more stars at night than you would during the day. Why not take a nature journal with you on your next night walk?

Document the phase of the moon and the position of the stars. If you’re lucky, you might see or hear some nocturnal animals. owls, bats, and even raccoons are active at night. By documenting your observations, you’ll create a unique record of the natural world that you can look back on and enjoy for years to come.

10. Make a list of things you want to learn more about and research them using books, the internet, or by talking to a ranger at your local park.

Have you ever seen something in nature and wondered what it was? Or maybe you’ve seen something in nature and wished you knew more about it? It could be a plant, an animal, or a rock – anything, really. Whatever it was, you probably had the urge to learn more about it.

There’s no need to wonder anymore! Making a research list is a great way to quench your kids’ thirst for knowledge about the natural world. All you need to do is come up with a list of things you want to know more about and start doing some research using books, the internet, or by talking to a ranger at your local park.

Not only will you learn some interesting facts, but you’ll also have a lot of fun in the process!

Download this free nature journal for kids!

This free nature journal for kids is the perfect way to encourage kids to get outside and explore nature! By providing them with a journal specifically for nature-themed activities, you’ll give them a fun and easy way to document their findings.

Grab this free nature journal for kids! They'l love going outdoors when they have this!

    10 Ideas For Kids To Nature Journal (+ Free Nature Journal for Kids!)

    These 10 ideas are just a starting point – there are endless possibilities for nature journaling! Get outside and explore! The sky is the limit for what you can find to journal about in nature. From trees to rocks to bugs, there’s always something new to discover.

    Take a walk with your kids today armed with this free nature journal (one for each kiddo) and some pens or pencils, and see how many different things they can document during their outing. With this free nature journal printable, it’s easy to get started.

    Who knows? You may just start a lifelong habit of documenting nature while spending time together outdoors. What are your favorite nature journaling activities? Share them with us in the comments below!

    Want to read this later? Download as a PDF!

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