Child Led Nature Walks
Child Led Nature Walk
One of our favorite activities as a family is going on nature walks. Whether you have lots to explore in your own backyard or favorite local trails, getting out in nature has endless benefits. Increase excitement by taking it in through the eyes of a child.
We love exploring familiar places as well as discovering the new. Being familiar with the land offers some consistency and we are able to revisit favorite places, but it never fails that we discover something new on each venture. We also enjoy exploring new places and rarely leave disappointed. Every time we set out a new adventure awaits.
My favorite way to explore is to let the kids take the lead. They always rise to the challenge and take pride in leading the way. Sometimes we take turns on leading and other times they work together to navigate. Read below for many benefits of child-led walks as well as tips to make your adventure a successful one.
Planning, Prepping and Setting Boundaries
Even though the plan is to take a child led nature walk, it does not mean you hand over all control. It is important to set parameters ahead of time. This may look different for each adventure depending on who is going, where the walk will take place and any limitations such as time or the number of adults to supervise.
As the adult, you can choose the location and allow the child to choose the pace and direction. You can even choose the path and follow the child as they stop to explore along the way. Make it work for you and the specific child or circumstance. For example, we have woods that are private property, so when exploring at home we do not have to worry about other people or stick only to the trails. This is not the case if we go exploring at a local Metropark. Take the terrain or the unknowns of the terrain into consideration as well. There are a few steep drop offs around our property so we have to be cautious or avoid those areas with our youngest. In a new location we stay within a set distance from each other. We are always sure to set a limit about disrupting nature as well. We love to bring our magnifying glasses, binoculars and camera along. We can be active observers and manipulate fallen nature. We try not to disturb living creatures or harm the environment along the way.
Handing over the Reins
Now that we have completed many child led walks, they know the drill. Many times we set off on a whim and just naturally fall into a child led walk. Sometimes I will let them know the day before that we will go explore a specific place and they can lead the way. This advance notice can provide some plan time. My kids have independently created scavenger hunts and taken tools and props with a specific purpose. Sometimes they have a set plan then their focus takes us in a new direction and other times we follow an agenda of activities.
When they are in charge I can see them taking it all in and really taking a closer look at their surroundings. If a tree, stick, or creature catches their eye then we stop to explore a little further. These stops may be brief or end up turning into something bigger and we spend most of our time there. This really just depends on what the child wants to do.
Things to remember when taking a child led walk:
Set appropriate boundaries ahead of time when possible
Be prepared: snacks, water, first aid kit, nature tools, a bag for collecting treasure
Please note that this does not mean that you have to lug all of this around. Children can carry a backpack with their own snacks and tools. Set this expectation ahead of time as well. It may sound something like, “I will not be able to carry your bag on this trip. If it gets heavy we can take a break. I am going to think about that as I pack my bag so I don’t spend all of our time taking breaks.”
Be flexible- if the goal is to let the child take the lead then do that. Avoid micro-managing or pushing the child along the path.
Enjoy the stress-free outing. On a child led walk you do not have to plan or rush to a specific destination. You don’t have to entertain the child. The child has ownership and you don’t have to set parameters for this to happen.
Be present and an active adventurer. Chances are the child is relishing in having control and wants to be sure you enjoy it as much as they do. Be a good sport and play along.
Benefits of a Child Led Nature Walk:
Allows the child to take charge of their adventure
Fosters independence and leadership
Allows the child to gain confidence
Instills pride in their accomplishments
Develop a closer relationship with the natural world
The child feels like a valued and contributing member of a group or family
Returning Home
Take time to extend the adventure and decompress. We typically have treasures in our pockets or bag to add to our nature boxes. We often revisit our photos taken and talk about what we saw to recap the day. There are always highlights about the adventure that stick with us. Take turns by sharing the favorite and the not so favorite parts. This may help when planning the next adventure. You can take this a step further and journal about your experience or create drawings or painting from your adventure. Be sure to take some time to compliment the child on the experience or their leadership on the adventure. Their pride and the acknowledgement will go a long way.
Be sure to save this post to refer back to easily. Share the tips with others who will find it helpful. Let’s work together to connect our young generation with nature.
Are you a pro at getting children in nature? Please share any tips and insight with the community. Ask questions or share in the comments below.