12 Things I Always Carry on a Nature Walk

It’s that time of year when it feels so good to be outside! Walking outside in nature is a fantastic activity that anyone can do, no matter the skill level. Things are changing from dull to vibrant, and there is always something to learn in the great outdoors! Let me briefly tell you about the twelve things I always carry on a nature walk.

Big Benefits of Nature Walks in Your Homeschool

Before I show you what’s in my little bag, let me encourage you: if you’re not currently getting outside with your kids, start now! Some of my favorite memories from our homeschool years were the walks we took through the woods and along North Carolina’s sandy beaches. Nature walks were something we enjoyed regularly as part of our homeschool, and they’re one of the things I’ve continued even after my kids graduated.

A leisurely walk offers so many physical and mental health benefits. It naturally helps combat stress and anxiety, sparks creativity, provides opportunities for learning, and is simply enjoyable for all ages. Believe me, I’ve needed a little bit of all of that lately!

Another wonderful thing about nature walks is that they’re the perfect activity for kids and teens. You don’t have to be an athlete, form a team, spend hours at practice, or spend a dime. Sitting for hours at a sibling’s practice with an iPad in hand and constantly rearranging family dinner time doesn’t have to be the only way our kids stay active.

If you’re looking for an activity that EVERYONE in the family can enjoy together, nature walks are where it’s at! And, perhaps most importantly, I’d hate for us to raise a generation that knows little about—or fails to appreciate—the beauty of God’s creation. There is so much to discover right outside our doors!

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The Essentials for a Nature Walk

Good shoes and a bottle of water are really the only things you need to enjoy a leisurely walk through the woods. There are a few essentials I like to carry with me on my nature walks, or short hikes. Please note, by short hikes, I mean a couple of hours, up to half a day. Check out the twelve things I bring for a nature walk, then scroll to the end to grab my free printable checklist!

• Hiking Shoes – I love my Keen shoes! I have had them for several years now. They are comfortable, roomy, and run true to size.
• Small Day pack – This bag is perfect! It has several compartments, is a great size, and is water resistant. I love the variety of colors that are available.
• Water Bottle – Trends have changed from Yeti, to Hydro Flask, to Stanley and many more I don’t even know about. Insulated, leak-proof, and not a lot of parts work for me. I’m currently using the Owala Kids FreeSip, but may graduate to a big girl cup as the weather warms and I need more water!
• Water bottle (for my furry sidekick) – this is one of my best purchases ever!
• Hiking Buddy – Totally optional, but so much fun with a buddy of your own!

• Nature Journal – I have used this one. It’s generously sized, and I love the simplicity with areas to fill out date, time, location, and observations. An added bonus – it’s written by a homeschool mom!
• Reusable Snack Bags – these are perfect for “leaving no trace behind”.
• Bug Spray – I use a homemade spray from a local soap-maker. This one looks like a good choice if you do not already have a favorite.
• Sunscreen – I really like the packaging and the short ingredient list.
• Pepper Spray – some protection for peace of mind.
• Geocaching Swag – trinkets or stickers make great items to leave behind for the next cacher!

There you have it – the twelve things I always carry on a nature walk! Be sure to download a copy of this list for your next nature walk on my Freebie Page.

If you’re wanting to get the most out of your nature walks, I highly, highly, highly recommend 100+ Easy & Fun Creative Nature Walks by Cindy West. It’s a 63-page downloadable file packed with ideas, and most activities require little or no advanced prep! You can even save the digital curriculum on your phones to use out in the field! How awesomely easy is that? I plan to try some of the activities on my own nature walks!

Happy Hiking & Happy Homeschooling! – Jenn