It\u2019s summer and time to have some fun! On perfect sunny days, our go-to is the pool. Maybe you prefer the slip \u2018n slide or a lake to cool off. It\u2019s all good. But what do you do on grey cloudy days or hectic afternoons when you can\u2019t quite get everyone packed in the car with pool toys and towels? Here at Brightly, we have a solution. We\u2019ve collected some of our favorite outdoor activity books for kids \u2014 from preschoolers to preteens. Curious about bugs? Hiking? Astronomy? Birds? Plants? Arts & Crafts? We have you covered. Just make sure to get outside!<\/p>\n
no no 9781536215335 My Big Book of Outdoors<\/i> by Tim Hopgood <\/p>\n
This is truly a gorgeous resource book that is sure to get young ones excited about nature and the great outdoors. Beautiful illustrations and bite-sized pieces of information, fun facts, and poems take readers through the four seasons, exploring everything from fall leaves and winter animal tracks to spring bulbs and summer produce. Easy projects like making a leaf mobile and bird feeders encourage further engagement with the great outdoors.
\n(Ages 7 – 9)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780593435441 Nature Activity Book for Little Ones<\/i> by Samantha Lewis <\/p>\n
Introduce your little ones to all the wonders that nature has to offer with these outdoor learning activities! With more than 100 ideas, your little explorer will have plenty to get them excited about the outdoors. Your next trip to the park or a day out at the beach will be a great learning opportunity, plus they will have so much fun along the way!
\n(Ages 2 – 5)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781664340534 All About Trees Activity Book<\/i> by Tiger Tales, illustrated by Claire Le Fevre <\/p>\n
Do your children often ask you about the names of trees? This activity book is designed to provide them with answers to all their tree-related questions in a fun way. It includes guided drawings, word searches, connect the dots, mazes, and other activities that teach children how to identify North American trees like oak and pine, and how they grow.
\n(Ages 3 – 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781465464750 Star Finder!<\/i> by DK <\/p>\n
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.
\n(Ages 8 – 12)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781611809534 The Animal Adventurer’s Guide<\/i> by Susie Spikol, illustrated by Becca Hall <\/p>\n
Calling all animal enthusiasts and adventure-seekers! Look no further! This is the perfect guide for teaching kids how to identify various animals, from the many mammals outside to the birds that fly above us. Including the most fun activities, helpful tips, and useful tools that’ll turn your kids into animal experts in no time. Get ready to hear all about their exciting discoveries!
\n(Ages 5 – 9)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780744098266 The Children’s Book of Wildlife Watching<\/i> by Dan Rouse, illustrated by Abby Cook <\/p>\n
This captivating guide for yonug nature enthusiasts is filled with hands-on activities and craft projects to attract and help protect local wildlife. Featuring contributions from bird expert Dan Rouse, the book includes engaging activities like pond dipping, creating mammal trackers, and designing gardens with wildlife-friendly plants, all accompanied by beautiful photographs and illustrations.
\n(Ages 7 – 9)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780744026665 The Nature Adventure Book<\/i> by DK <\/p>\n
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<\/i> and head outside. Simple activities and crafts will turn afternoon walks into nature-filled adventures and will guarantee a summer of fun.
\n(Ages 5 – 9)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781426315022 National Geographic Kids Get Outside Guide<\/i> by Nancy Honovich <\/p>\n
This comprehensive guide provides children with a variety of ways to have fun outdoors! It includes activities that encourage them to explore nature, accompanied by scientific facts to enhance their learning experience. They can learn how to make backyard bird baths, visit local state parks, take part in outdoor community events, and much more. The guide also offers activities for each season, from spring to winter, so that kids can stay engaged all year round.
\n(Ages 8 – 12)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781580898430 Read, Learn & Create\u2013The Nature Craft Book<\/i> by Clare Beaton, illustrated by Clare Beaton <\/p>\n
With The Nature Craft Book<\/i>, young readers get to take a closer look at the natural beauty around them. Through observation of their surroundings, children can learn to create wonderful craft projects from common materials, allowing them to express their creativity and imagination while deepening their appreciation for the natural environment. With this book as their guide, children can explore the outdoors and discover the joy of creating beautiful and unique crafts.
\n(Ages 6 – 9)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781611805949 The Young Adventurer’s Guide to (Almost) Everything<\/i> by Ben Hewitt, illustrated by Luke Boushee <\/p>\n
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.
\n(Ages 8 – 12)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780593843758 The Fact-Packed Activity Book Insects<\/i> by DK <\/p>\n
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<\/i><\/a>, a gorgeous pop-up book that will thrill future entomologists. 9780744091946 Make Art with Nature<\/i> by Pippa Pixley <\/p>\n Kids will love using this bright and colorful book to learn how to make their own art supplies whilst getting outside and exploring nature. From pressed flower creations to making paint from fruits and vegetables, kids can get creative making amazing art from natural materials. 9781632171719 A Girl’s Guide to the Wild<\/i> by Ruby McConnell, illustrated by Teresa Grasseschi <\/p>\n It\u2019s 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<\/i><\/a>! 9780593115558 The Outdoor Scientist<\/i> by Temple Grandin <\/p>\n Temple Grandin is known for her compassion, intellect, and deep curiosity. In The Outdoor Scientist<\/i> 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. <\/p>\n Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2021 and updated in 2025.<\/small><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Is your child curious about bugs? Hiking? Birds? Crafts? We have you covered. Check out these fun-filled outdoor activity books and get outside to start exploring!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":64,"featured_media":19527,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[95,1135],"coauthors":[26],"class_list":["post-19481","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-nature","tag-activity-books","ages_stages-pre-k","ages_stages-growing-reader","ages_stages-tween"],"yoast_head":"\n
\n(Ages 8 – 12)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 7 – 9)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 8 – 12)<\/i><\/p>\n
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