A Guide to Raising Nature-Loving Children

Getting kids interested in nature is challenging in a digital world. You have to compete with YouTube videos and social media algorithms designed to keep them glued to their screens. However, it’s important to foster a love of nature in your children to ensure we leave the planet in good hands. Here are fun ways to raise nature-loving children that bring families together.

1. Read Nature-Based Books

Use your nightly storytime to read books about nature. Books are an important way children learn about the world, and choosing stories that celebrate nature will inspire them to do the same.

Take a trip to the library to make this activity extra eco-friendly. Let your child choose topics that they enjoy, while also picking some that introduce new concepts to them.

2. Create Outdoor Family Traditions

You don’t need to wait for holidays to enjoy family traditions. Make your own by thinking about how you’d love to spend time outside together. You could tell your kids that you’re thanking the planet for summer rain showers by running around in one at least once a week. Your new tradition could be visiting farmers markets and talking about how the farmers raise their crops. Even a daily after-dinner walk could be an easy way to integrate more of the environment into your child’s life.

3. Schedule Family Getaways

Instead of revisiting the same theme parks every year, consider nature-based travel. Your kids might spend more time outside if that’s where you create memories together. Go camping, rent an RV or plan a getaway where everyone kayaks all weekend.

Summer camps are another way for young people to spend more time outside. They encourage kids to embrace nature while learning new skills. Some daily activities help children become curious about scientific research to uncover the world around them. Others lead to lifelong memories, such as ziplining or hiking.

4. Make Environmental Crafts

Kids might not enjoy the outside world if they feel uninspired. Encourage them to make crafts that celebrate the planet. You could turn pinecones into bird feeders with peanut butter and birdseed. Trace leaves on craft paper and string them into a garland. Ask your kids what craft they’d like to do before buying supplies.

5. Learn About the World Together

Learning alongside your child is a great way to encourage their curiosity about the world. Aquariums and zoos are full of self-tour exhibits and live shows that the whole family can enjoy. See if there’s one near your home to show your kids that learning can be a family event.

For easy at home learning, you can watch nature documentaries. Take turns choosing a topic you’re interested in, whether it be sea creatures, gardening or geology, and find a family-friendly movie to explore the subject together.

6. Volunteer at Outdoor Events

Introducing kids to volunteer opportunities is an excellent way to empower them. They can make a difference for the planet and their local community at most ages. See if any nature groups need help cleaning a nearby beach, tending to a community garden or cleaning a local walking trail. Your children might even meet new friends who turn volunteering into routine play dates.

7. Pause for Natural Wonders

Life is busy, so it’s easy to become distracted. Remind yourself to stop and point out how impressive nature is. You might stop in the grocery store parking lot to look at the sunset while walking back to your car. You could point out that the robins in your backyard eat 14 feet of earthworms every day by tilting their heads to look into the soil. There are always ways to admire nature so your kids are more aware of it each day.

8. Design Outdoor Play Challenges

Taking your kids to a public playground is excellent, but they might hang out on the swings and get bored. Turn outdoor playtime into exciting challenges. Engage your child’s curiosity and competitive spirit with their siblings or friends. If they race to see who can build the fastest house out of sticks or draw the biggest driveway chalk picture, you’ll teach them how to have fun outside. Once you help them develop their creative muscles, they could spend years independently exploring and engaging with them.

Help Your Kids Fall in Love With Nature

Kids who grow up with video games and YouTube might need some extra encouragement to play outdoors. Parents can try numerous strategies to help their kids fall in love with nature. See what your kids enjoy by spending time together, challenging their curiosity and inspiring them with learning opportunities that they can’t get online.