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September 2, 2025Land Snorkeling for Kids: A Family Guide to Noticing Nature
Land Snorkeling for Kids: A Slow, Joyful Way to Explore Nature (a Parent’s Guide)
Snorkelling is magical, isn’t it? Seeing what’s happening just beneath the water’s surface—delicate corals, swaying seaweed, and colorful fish darting about—has captivated humans for ages. I still remember the first time my children and I went snorkelling together in Oaxaca, Mexico. We floated through the salty water, pointing out curious critters and tiny underwater treasures, delighting in the wonder before us.
What I love most about snorkelling is how it naturally slows us down and invites noticing. There’s no point speed swimming through the water trying to get from point A to point B! No, the whole point of snorkeling is to swim slowly and look closely. We can bring that same approach onto dry land! When we move slowly and pay attention to the small things all around us—the lace of lichen on a rock, an ant highway, the hush of wind in trees along our street—we tap inot that the same sense of awe that snorkeling brings without getting wet.
So, what is land snorkelling and how can we do this activity with kids?
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What is land snorkeling?
This idea of land snorkeling was coined by Montana-based artists—and longtime American Prairie volunteers—Clyde Aspevig and Carol Guzman.
According to the Landsnorkel website:
“Land snorkeling is taking the time to savor aspects of nature we ordinarily don’t see or pay attention to. Land snorkelers wander through nature with no real destination.“
In other words, land snorkeling is about slowing down and noticing nature. It’s about taking time to connect with the living world, instead of rushing through or treating it like a backdrop for our outdoor activities.
Why land snorkeling for kids?
When we invite kids to go land snorkeling , we’re really nurturing their nature-connectedness: that feeling of belonging to the living world. This kind of connection has been linked with improved health and sense of well-being for children (and for us, too). Also, a strong connection to nature helps children care for the natural world more deeply, something that will stay with them as they grow older.
I take a parent-friendly research deep-dive into nature-connection for kids and families in my forthcoming book, Beyond the Front Door: Embracing Nature for a Happier and Healthier Family (coming February 2026!).
Here’s the neat thing about kids and land snorkeling—children are natural land snorkelers! They’re closer to the ground, always ready to crouch, poke, and peer, often noticing the tiny wonders we adults often step right past.
“Kids are really good at land snorkeling. Any kid that sees a dandelion that has the white puff, they go straight to it, pick it up, and blow on it. I think somehow as adults, we really lose touch with looking at where our feet are moving.”
Kids already have the instincts. Our job is simply to go beyond our front door, slow the pace, and follow their lead.
How to try land snorkelling with kids (three simple steps)
Step 1: Dress for the weather and head outside to nearby nature. This could be your back yard, a park or trail. There’s no need to go on a long drive to seek out nature—close to home is best, especially for kids.
Step 2: Choose a small area to land snorkel through—a corner of a yard, around a tree at the park, or along a short section of trail.
Step 3: Move slowly and get close to this small patch of nature. Activate all the senses! Look, smell, listen and touch (as long as it’s safe to do so). What do you notice? Ask questions and be curious. Look for connections within nature. Share stories and use your imaginations, too!
Note: Goggles are optional, but fun to bring along if you have them!
Nature-connected parenting
Related post
Land snorkelling fits into a bigger approach I love—nature-connected parenting—making small, regular moments of noticing nature part of family life. Want to go deeper?
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Make nature a habit with tiny, repeatable moments. -
Choose noticing over miles or minutes. -
Let kids lead; follow their curiosity.
Optional tie-ins
Land snorkelling with kids can be a great segue to other activities that deepen their connection with nature. Try one of these while you’re out:
- Nature journalling — Grab a small notebook and sketch or jot a few words about one thing you discovered. A date + tiny drawing is plenty. Learn more about nature journaling through Wild Wonder.
- Bird watching — Pack binoculars and a simple guidebook (both optional); see how many local species you can spot by colour, size, or song.
- Sit spotting — Sit quietly for 3–5 minutes (or longer!) and notice what changes when you’re still: sounds, breezes, tiny movements.
- Sound map — Draw a dot for where you’re sitting and mark sounds around you with simple icons or words.
- Texture rubbings — Use scrap paper and a crayon to make bark or leaf rubbings (avoid live, fragile plants).
- Mini photo safari — Let kids take close-up photos of patterns and tiny creatures; make a “top 3” gallery at home.
FAQ
Is this just a hike?
Not really. Land snorkelling is intentionally slow and destination-light, think of it as an awe walk for kids. Instead of covering miles, you explore a tiny patch with curiosity and care.
How long does it take?
10–30 minutes is plenty. With land snorkelling for kids, frequency beats duration—short, regular outings help the practice stick and keep it joyful.
What if my kid gets bored?
Boredom often comes right before noticing. Offer one tiny prompt and keep it playful: “Find five green things,” “Go snail pace for 10 seconds,” “Listen for three different sounds,” or “Follow an ant.”
Is it similar to forest bathing or sit spotting?
Yes—cousins for sure. Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) focuses on slow, sensory immersion in nature; sit spotting is resting in one place to notice changes over time. Land snorkelling blends gentle wandering with that same deep noticing, and it’s easy to do with children.
Do I need goggles and a snorkel?
Nope—the “snorkel” is a metaphor. But a playful prop can add fun: a magnifying glass, simple binoculars, or a cardboard “viewer” can nudge everyone to slow down and look closely. If you really want, bring the goggles and snorkle along!
Ready to try land snorkelling?
Pick a tiny patch, slow your pace, and see what shows up. If you’d like a hand making this a weekly habit, my book offers simple, seasonal prompts and kid-friendly ideas.
Also, please share your land snorkeling adventures—tag @thebackwoodsmama on Instagram or TikTok, or add a note in the comments below. I love seeing what you discover!
Preorder my book (coming February 2026!)
Beyond the Front Door: Embracing Nature for Healthier, Happier Families
A gentle call back to nature, this book offers simple, seasonal ideas you can do just beyond your front door—no special gear or epic planning required. Whether you live in a city, suburb, or out in the country, you’ll find micro-adventures and playful prompts to help your family trade screen time for fresh air and deeper connection with nature and one another. Organized by season, it builds a steady rhythm outdoors to support family health and happiness.
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