How Kids Can Learn About Nature on a Fall Hike

A walk through the woods or along the paths of a park provides not only good exercise and family time, but also a good chance for kids to be more observant of the natural world. With a little help from you and maybe from the iNaturalist app, they can become amateur naturalists and develop observation skills that will enrich their travels wherever they go.

Simple Games to Get Started

Of course, you’re not going to say something like “today we’re going to learn about trees” — that’s a sure turn off — but playing games can get kids looking around them. Asking how many different leaves they can find might lead to wondering about the names of trees, or you can start friendly competitions for who will be the first to spot a bird or an insect.

Encourage Young Collectors

Kids love collecting things, and the natural world offers plenty of options that don’t interfere with living things. Fallen leaves attract kids with their bright colors, and you won’t have to encourage kids to collect seashells during a walk on the beach. A walk alongside a stream or on a beach can turn up small rocks worn smooth by water. Older kids can “collect” wildflowers by recording them with photos. The iNaturalist app can add to the fun by identifying their finds.

Try Crafty Foraging

The woods and fields are filled with free materials for creative kids. Pinecones can become flowers by cutting out center whorls, or larger ones can be decorated with colored beads as miniature Christmas trees. Dried milkweed pods glued together become stars, and pressed fall leaves make colorful collages.

You may be surprised at the interests your kids develop when they begin looking around as they walk. Some day you may find yourself the parent of a leading ornithologist or botanist!