One of the things I am trying to teach my boys is a love of nature.  We like to go exploring in the woods and by the lake.

The best part is that I’m learning things about nature with them.  I’ve never been a real outdoorsy-type, but having curious boys has helped bring me out of my shell (or, rather, get me outside).

If you’d like to share an appreciation for nature with your kids, you should check out these free guides:

The free guide “Become a Junior Forest Ranger” produced by the USDA Forest Service, provides educational materials and activities your child can complete to earn a Junior Forest Ranger pin and membership card.  The membership card will allow your child to access additional resources in the Junior Forest Ranger Clubhouse website.

Download the Book of Free Stuff to Do Outside from the USDA Forest Service and the Ad Council provides some fun activities to do outdoors with your children.  These activities are easy to do, and will help introduce your kids to nature.  You can also use the website to find a forest to explore near you.

The National Wildlife Federation also has a very useful section on outdoor activities you can do with kids.

The blog Go Explore Nature also has a ton of great projects and resources to help get your kids outside and excited about nature.

Getting outdoors with your kids is an educational, fun activity, and best of all, it’s FREE!

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