Pre-K
Growing Reader
Tween
Explore Nature With These Awesome Outdoor Activity Books for Kids
by Devon A. Corneal
It’s summer and time to have some fun! On perfect sunny days, our go-to is the pool. Maybe you prefer the slip ‘n slide or a lake to cool off. It’s all good. But what do you do on grey cloudy days or hectic afternoons when you can’t quite get everyone packed in the car with pool toys and towels? Here at Brightly, we have a solution. We’ve collected some of our favorite outdoor activity books for kids — from preschoolers to preteens. Curious about bugs? Hiking? Astronomy? Birds? Plants? Arts & Crafts? We have you covered. Just make sure to get outside!
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Bugs, Bees, and Other Buzzy Creatures
Also available from:Let your littlest kiddos search for ladybugs and butterflies and bumblebees, then come inside to create crafts that are perfect for tiny hands. Filled with entertaining facts and engaging activities, this book will keep curious preschoolers engaged all summer long.
(Ages 3 - 5)Also available from: -
Great Things to Do Outside
Available from:Your kids will never be able to say they’re bored once they’ve picked up this book. Easy to follow instructions let kids tackle a slew of fascinating projects, from building a bug hotel to designing a garden. Even parents will want to join in!
(Ages 5 - 9)Available from: -
The Nature Adventure Book
Also available from:Have a child whose hands are always in the dirt? Does your son or daughter love to collect leaves and rocks? Then grab The Nature Adventure Book and head outside. Simple activities and crafts will turn afternoon walks into nature-filled adventures and will guarantee a summer of fun.
(Ages 5 - 9)Also available from: -
Up in the Air
Also available from:Kids spend a lot of time playing on the ground, but this book encourages them to appreciate things in the sky. With beautiful illustrations and a unique perspective on the natural world, Up In The Air introduces young children to meteorology, climatology, ornithology, and more in age-appropriate and entertaining ways.
(Ages 7 - 9)Also available from: -
The Young Adventurer's Guide to (Almost) Everything
Also available from:Do you have a child who loves to camp or hike? If so, they need this book. Packed with step-by-step illustrations and useful information, including how to survive in the woods, navigate without modern technology, and build a shelter with only natural materials, this is a must-have roadmap for a summer of outdoor exploration.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Eyewitness Workbooks: Insect
Also available from:Readers will find puzzles, quizzes, and cool insect facts on every page of this middle grade workbook. Forget boring science. This is the kind of hands-on learning that kids love. Want even more insect info? Check out Bugs, a gorgeous pop-up book that will thrill future entomologists.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
A Girl's Guide to the Wild
Also available from:It’s easy sometimes to stereotype our children and encourage boys to play in the dirt and girls to play with dolls, but girls are just as interested in and capable of being outdoor adventurers. Designed to empower girls to investigate the natural sciences and to encourage a love of the outdoors, this collection of activities, puzzles, projects, and journaling opportunities shows girls that the world is right there waiting for them. And don't miss the companion title,My Nature Journal and Activity Book!
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
The Outdoor Scientist
Also available from:Temple Grandin is known for her compassion, intellect, and deep curiosity. In The Outdoor Scientist she encourages children to use their questioning minds to become careful observers of the world around them and join the ranks of citizen scientists around the globe who collaborate to collect data on everything from weather patterns to animal migration. Filled with fascinating projects, this is a book the whole family will love.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Star Finder!
Also available from:I spent countless hours as a kid looking at the stars, memorizing constellations so I could draw them from memory the following day. If your child is also an avid stargazer, consider giving them this excellent introduction to astronomy and encourage them to spend a few summer evenings exploring the night sky.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Maker Lab: Outdoors
Also available from:Think you need fancy equipment to conduct scientific experiments? Think again! Using nothing but what you have around the house, you and your kids can dive into 25 experiments that will teach you about everything from water power to magnetism, and you’ll definitely have fun doing it!
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from:
