If your family is going out to explore the world around them, a nature backpack is a great thing to grab as you are running out the door!

You may be wondering what a nature backpack is and what’s in it?

A nature backpack is bag filled with useful items that you can take with you whenever your family goes out exploring. Children can fill their own backpacks up with the items that they want to take with them as well.

Here are some of the things we add to our backpacks:

• Water
• Compass
• Flashlight
• Nature Journal (sketch book and/or notebook)
• Pencils (regular and colored)
• Sharpener
• Eraser
• Ruler
• Safety scissors
• Tape measure
• Pencil case
• Plant and animal identification books
• Work/garden gloves
• Tweezers
• Binoculars
• Various sized plastic bags (clear)
• Various sized plastic bottles (clear)
• Magnifying glass
• Snack (trail mix)*
• String
• Camera (We use our phones)
• Small Net*
• Water
• Bio-scope
• Clear cup
• Old flat sheet or beach towel
• Bag for trash
• Insect repellant and after bite (we make our own)
• Sunblock
• Rain poncho
• Dark construction paper (black or blue)
• Child friendly first-aid kit*

* Denotes link to activity

Fill your backpack with items that fit your family’s needs and take it with you when you visit parks, zoos, and other outdoor areas. You never know when someone is going to be inspired to record what they see around them, so make sure they have access to some kind of creative outlet (journal, camera, video recorder).
Go over safety rules with your family and make sure they understand how each item in the backpack can and should be used. For safety reasons, consider exploring places together. 

We usually keep a small duffle bag in the car filled with extra clothing, sunblock, insect repellent, after bite, rain ponchos, extra snacks, a regular first-aid kit, and some other items.

If you do a lot of traveling, you may be interested in keeping the book Carschooling by Diane Flynn Keith with you.

Disclaimer: FranW.com is not responsible for any injuries that may occur while exploring the great outdoors.

The following activities have been designed to inspire fun and safe learning experiences.

Make Your Own: Child Friendly First-Aid Kid

Make Your Own: Trail Mix

Make Your Own: Net-Bag

Resources to help you explore more of your world…

Frog Research Project

Bird Watching Activities

Owls

Butterflies