how to start a children's nature club

Are you looking for a fun and easy way to get your kids outside, learning, and loving nature? 

Whether you're a homeschooling parent, a teacher, or just a nature-loving family, starting your own nature club is a fantastic way to build curiosity, connection, and confidence in the outdoors.

In this post we will explore how to start a children's nature club right now - and the best part? You don’t need a science degree, a curriculum, or even a big garden. Just a bit of curiosity, a few simple tools.

What is a nature club?

A nature club is simply a group—big or small—that meets regularly to learn about nature and explore the outdoors. It could be just your child, your whole family, a homeschool co-op, or a classroom of students. Nature clubs give children the chance to:

  • Observe the natural world
  • Ask questions, explore and discover
  • Build confidence navigating the outdoors
  • Learn through hands-on experience

You don’t need to plan big lessons, curricula or experience. Just a willingness to show up with your eyes open and to be inspired.

Why start a nature club?

Starting a nature club can help you and your children to:

  • Build your nature connection - Children who spend time outside on a regular basis, grow up calmer, more aware of the world round them, and more resilient.
  • Support learning naturally - Nature clubs provide the opportunity to integrate science, geography, literature, writing, art and even maths all into one experience.
  • Be more active and get moving - The outdoor elements of a nature club help both children (and grown-ups!) to unplug, move your bodies and feel more grounded. 
  • Meet and learn whenever and wherever you want - Be it once a week or once a month, at a pond, a park, a garden, or even at the seaside. You can invite friends, your class, your homeschool community, or just do it on your own.

What do you need to get started?

In all honestly, not much!

As mentioned above, just a willingness to keep your eyes and ears open and allow nature to inspire you. However, to make things easy, I have created a free starter kit that gives you everything you need to begin. Including:

  • A step-by-step Nature Club start-up guide
  • Two printable nature walk scavenger hunts
  • A fun badge tracker sheet
  • A beautiful Nature Explorer certificate

All ready for you to print out at home and start your nature club today! (Click here to get your free Nature Club Starter Kit)

Ideas for your first club meet-up

Have I inspired you to go ahead and start your own club yet? Here are a few activity ideas for your very first meet-up:

  • Go on a nature walk scavenger hunt
  • Look for animals tracks or signs
  • Take out or start your nature journal
  • Sit quietly for three minutes and notice what you can see, hear or smell
  • Challenge yourselves to try and find five different trees or wild flowers

Are you ready to begin?

Starting your own nature club does not have to be serious or overwhelming. With the right mindset and a sense of curiosity, it can become one of the most joyful parts of your week.

Download your free starter kit here and let's make your nature study fun!

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