Nature Journaling for Kids: A Fun Way to Learn, Explore, and Connect
Teaching our kids to connect with nature has been one of the most rewarding parts of our homeschool journey. Watching my kiddos sit quietly with their journals, sketching their findings and describing the environment around them makes my soul feel so happy.
Nature journaling has us taking more outdoor adventures and incorporating more science, art, and mindfulness in one magical activity. It's much more than just “journaling.” We bond and connect while exploring local parks, trails, or even our backyard.
If you homeschool or are looking for new ways to enjoy the outdoors, nature journaling with kids is a fantastic idea.
When we started our homeschooling journey, our activities felt all over the place. To make things more organized (and more fun!) I put together a printable nature journal for the kids. It's been so much fun filling the pages over and over again. We typically print a new one for every location we visit. We have printed this journal multiple times, putting our finished ones away as keepsakes.
This printable journal for kids is perfect for ages 6–12. They'll love flipping through the pages to sketch bugs, write about the weather, and collect their findings from the outing. Journaling helps develop observation skills, express creativity, and most importantly, bring fun to the outdoors.
Whether the idea of nature journaling is new to you or already have a nature-loving explorer at home, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started.
What Is Nature Journaling?
Nature journaling, at its core, is simply observing the world around you, recording your thoughts, sketches, and discoveries into a notebook.
For my family, we mix in art, science, and storytelling. Our journals are filled with sketches of flowers, samples of leaves and notes about cool bugs we've spotted. One day, my youngest spent 10 minutes drawing a caterpillar while my oldest made a diagram of how it transforms from a caterpillar into a butterfly.
What I love most about this activity is that is a simple, no screen excuse to get outside.
Journaling isn’t just for kids. Everyone can benefit from being a bit more connected to nature. Nature journaling helps you slow down, take in your surroundings, and notice the small things you're usually too busy to notice.
Why not give it a try? Find a peaceful spot, grab a notebook and pen, and just start writing. Don’t worry about making it perfect — just let your thoughts flow and enjoy the process.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Here’s what we use to bring our nature journals to life:
A notebook or printable Nature Journal
Pencils and colored pencils (or crayons)
Tape or glue (for leaves, petals, or small findings)
A container for observing nature treasures (like insects or rocks)
Optional extras like binoculars, a magnifying glass, or a field guide.
That’s it — simple!
Benefits of a Nature Journal for Kids
Keeping a nature journal is such a great activity for kids that is fun, educational, and helps them grow in so many ways!
1. Educational Benefits
Encourages observation and critical thinking.
Introduces science concepts, like weather or habitats.
Strengthens writing skills through engaging descriptions.
2. Creative Benefits
Fosters artistic expression through drawing and sketching.
Helps kids visualize their thoughts and interpretations.
Boosts creativity by allowing unstructured, imaginative entries.
3. Mental Health Benefits
Spending time in nature provides natural stress relief.
Encourages mindfulness and living in the moment.
Offers a calming solo or family activity.
4. A Fun Way to Learn
Combines fresh air and physical activity with learning.
Makes science, art, and writing feel like play.
Instills a deep appreciation for the natural world.
How to Use A Nature Journal
This Nature Journal for Kids is all about making exploration fun and easy! It’s packed with pages that inspire little explorers to look around and get creative with the natural world.
What’s Inside
Interactive Prompts: Fun activities like scavenger hunts, leaf rubbings, and sensory observations to get kids excited about nature.
Coloring Pages: Beautifully illustrated nature-themed pages for downtime.
Observation Sections: Dedicated spots for drawing what they’ve found and noting weather or temperature.
Fun Activities: Space for petal collections, tree leaves, or even creative nature-inspired drawings.
Making the Most of Nature Journaling
I found that the key to starting with nature journaling is to keep it simple and fun. Every time we headed out for an adventure, I had them bring their journals and supplies along. At first, they weren’t sure what to do with a blank page, so I gave them little prompts like, “Why don’t you draw a bird you saw today?” or “What does the sky look like right now?” It was amazing to see how quickly they got into it.
Soon, they started adding their own ideas — pressing leaves, taping tiny flowers, or tucking small treasures into the pages. Watching them fill their journals turned it into something more than just an activity; the journal became a keepsake of all the little moments and memories of our time outdoors.
Tips for a Fun Nature Journaling Experience
Looking to get your kids excited about nature journaling? Here’s how to win them over!
1. Make It a Weekly Habit
Set aside a specific time each week for journaling. Whether it’s after a walk or during a picnic, keeping it regular will make it something to look forward to.
2. Explore New Places
Bring the journal to different spots — your backyard, a nearby park, the forest, or even a trip to the beach. The change of scenery will keep things exciting!
3. Encourage Creativity
Allow for individuality — let your kids write poems, draw comics, or simply doodle. Remind them there’s no right or wrong way to journal.
4. Lead by Example
Parents can journal alongside their kids! Sharing sketches and observations can turn this into a great bonding activity.
5. Stay Positive
Praise their journals and encourage exploration. Celebrate their findings, whether it’s a cool rock or a bird they spotted.
Why You’ll Love Having A Printable Nature Journal
This journal was specifically designed to make your life easier and your child’s learning experience joyful.
Convenience and Ease
Skip the hassle of hunting for a fancy notebook. Our journal is ready to print and simple to use anywhere!
Unique Features
It’s packed with prompts, coloring pages, and creative sections that make it more than just a notebook—it’s an interactive learning companion.
Saves Time and Effort
Instead of coming up with journaling ideas yourself, this tool provides everything children need to get started immediately.
Perfect for Any Age or Season
With year-round prompts, the journal stays relevant during spring blooms, summer adventures, autumn leaves, or winter wonders.
Fun Facts from the Nature Journal for Kids
These facts are included in the printable Nature Journal for Kids:
A group of butterflies is called a “kaleidoscope”!
Ladybugs can have anywhere from 2 to 13 spots.
Some frogs freeze solid in the winter and come back to life when it warms up.
Mushrooms are more related to animals than plants.
Certain trees live for thousands of years, with the oldest tree living over 4,800 years.
Worms sense light and vibrations, but can't see since they don't have eyes.
Dandelions are much more than weeds can can be eaten in salads or made into tea.
Ants can carry objects 50 times their body weight., making them tiny but mighty.
Facts like these help kids explore, whether it’s looking for butterflies, counting ladybug spots, or finding dandelions.
Start Nature Journaling Today!
Nature journaling is a great way to spark curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to the natural world around us. Whether you’re homeschooling or just want to inspire your kids to love nature, this journal is a great tool to have.
Grab your copy of this printable Nature Journal for Kids today and empower your little explorers to capture the beauty of the world around them.
Create memories, empower mindfulness, and turn everyday outings into unforgettable adventures!