How to Make a Nature Journal with Your Kids

Create a simple nature journal to help your family observe, record, and connect with the outdoors together.

1. Choose Your Journal. Pick a notebook that feels right for your family's needs. A simple composition book works perfectly, or you can choose a sketchbook with blank pages if your kids love to draw. For younger children, look for books with larger pages and thicker paper that can handle crayons and markers. Some families prefer spiral-bound journals that lay flat, while others like bound books that feel more special. The key is choosing something your kids will be excited to use.
2. Gather Your Supplies. Keep your nature journal kit simple and portable. Pack colored pencils or crayons, a regular pencil, and an eraser in a small bag or pencil case. Add a small ruler for measuring interesting finds, and consider bringing a magnifying glass for closer looks at tiny details. Glue sticks work well for adding pressed flowers or leaves. For very young children, washable markers are easier to grip, while older kids might enjoy fine-tip pens for detailed drawings.
3. Start with Simple Observations. Begin each nature journal session by sitting quietly for a moment and looking around. Ask your kids what they notice first - colors, sounds, smells, or movement. Help them pick one thing that catches their attention, whether it's a bird, a leaf, clouds, or even the bark on a tree. Encourage them to draw what they see, even if it's just simple shapes or lines. There's no right or wrong way to record their observations.
4. Add Words and Details. Depending on your child's age and writing ability, add words to complement the drawings. For non-writers, you can write down what they tell you about their observations. Include the date, weather, and location at the top of each page. Help them describe what they see using their senses - is the bark rough or smooth, are the leaves big or tiny, what sounds do they hear? These details make the journal come alive when you look back at it later.
5. Include Collections and Pressed Items. Help your kids collect small, flat items like leaves, flower petals, or interesting grass to press in their journal. Place these items between the pages with a piece of wax paper on each side, then press them under heavy books for a week. Once dried, they can glue these treasures onto their journal pages. Always follow local rules about what you can collect, and teach kids to take only what they need while leaving plenty for wildlife and other visitors.
6. Make Regular Entries. Try to use your nature journal regularly, even if it's just for a few minutes in your backyard. You might visit the same spot each week to notice how it changes with the seasons, or take your journal on family walks, camping trips, or visits to parks. Let your kids lead the way in what they want to observe and record. Some days they might fill a whole page, other days just make a quick sketch - both are perfect.
7. Review and Celebrate Your Discoveries. Spend time looking back through your nature journals together as a family. Your kids will love seeing how their drawing skills have improved and remembering special outdoor moments you've shared. Use your journal entries to look up more information about plants or animals you've observed, or to plan return visits to favorite spots. Consider sharing interesting pages with grandparents or friends who might enjoy seeing your family's nature discoveries.