If you’ve ever watched your child pause to admire a beetle or a feather, you already know the magic of slowing down outside. Nature journaling for kids turns those small moments into lasting memories and gentle learning by capturing the beauty of the natural world on paper. This article is your ultimate guide to introducing nature journaling for preschoolers, kids, tweens, and teens. We’ll explore the what, why, where, and how of nature journaling, plus share the supplies my kids love and extra resources for digging deeper—so you can start simply, keep it joyful, and build a habit that grows with your child.
A nature journal (also called a nature notebook, field journal, or outdoor journal) is a simple way to notice, sketch, and write about the living world—anywhere, in any season. It’s a place on paper where preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, and adults can record observations, thoughts, questions, and feelings about nature.
Most nature journals mix art (sketching, drawing, painting) and writing. You don’t need to be a master artist or a confident writer—truly, anyone can keep a nature journal.
What usually goes on a page:
Date, place, and weather (quick notes keep memories anchored)
A sketch or two (leaf, feather, insect, cloud, rock—quick is fine)
A few words using prompts like I notice… I wonder… It reminds me of…
Optional: labels, colours, a tiny map, tally marks, or a pressed leaf
Analog or digital: Most childre prefer paper, but snapping a photo and adding notes in a phone app also “counts.” Use whatever helps you (and your child) notice more often.
What it’s not: It isn’t about perfect art or memorizing Latin names or creating perfect art. It’s about slowing down, paying attention, and enjoying time outside together.
Nature journaling helps preschoolers, children, tweens, teens and parents slow down and truly connect with the natural world. As children make notes and drawings about thier observations of the natural wold, they start to notice more, ask better questions, and deepen their sense of place outdoors.
More and more studies show that time in nature supports both body and mind of our children and us parents. It can ease stress and anxiety, spark creativity and problem-solving, and invite curiosity and awe. That awe often grows into a genuine desire to care for and protect the places we love.
Benefits of nature journaling for kids of all ages (and adults):
Mindfulness & calm: a gentle way to decompress and be present outside.
Attention to detail: observing, comparing, measuring, and noticing patterns.
Language growth: descriptive words, sequencing, and simple field-note writing.
Art skills & confidence: sketching, shading, and colour mixing—without pressure.
Curiosity → stewardship: noticing leads to caring for local plants, insects, and habitats.
Family connection: a shared ritual that sparks great conversations.
In a nutshell: nature journaling helps children connect with nature while building skills in writing, drawing, observing, questioning, researching, and identifying—all in a simple, joyful practice.
Age-by-age quick wins:
Preschoolers: shapes, colours, leaf rubbings, nature words.
Kids (6–9): labels, “I notice / I wonder” prompts, simple maps.
Tweens/teens: field notes, species lists, quick studies, photography + sketches.
Ready to put pencils to paper? Let’s set you up with supplies that make journaling easy and fun.
Good tools make the experience joyful. A nicely sharpened pencil, deeply coloured crayons, or vibrant paints can turn a simple page into something a child is proud of. Children—like adults—get frustrated with flimsy tools, so it’s better to have a small set of good-quality supplies than a big box of items that don’t last.
Look for a bound journal with thicker paper that can handle drawing, watercolour, and collage. Bound books also keep pages from flying away and double as a sturdy surface outdoors. Popular choices for nature journaling include:
Drawing pencils (e.g., Faber-Castell Graphite Pencils, Staedtler)
Watercolour pan set (we love the brilliant colors and opacity of the Angora Watercolour Set, my teens and I really love Beam paints)
Watercolour pencils (Bruynzeel, Derwent Inktense, Faber-Castell, Castle Art or Arteza)
Paintbrushes (watercolour brushes)
Black waterproof fine markers (Micron)
Coloured pencils (Prismacolor, LYRA (great for preschoolers), or Faber-Castell)
Eraser & sharpener
Magnifying loupe or magnifying glass
Binoculars
Field guides or nature ID phone apps
Simple camera (a phone works!)
Nature journaling can be intentional or spontaneous, both are wonderful. I recommend beginning intentionally in a simple, fun, and positive way, then making space for spontaneous moments as they pop up.
Keep a lightweight kit by the door or in your daypack so you can journal anywhere: on a boulder, beside a pond, in the forest, or in the garden. When supplies are handy, kids ask to journal—often!
Quick tips: Start with 10–15 minutes, model curiosity (“I wonder why this leaf has spots?”), and end while it’s still fun.
Laws provides clear, practical advice for every step of the process for artists at every level, from the basics of choosing supplies to advanced techniques.
This book, expanding on the philosophy and methods of The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling puts together curriculum plans, advice, and in-the-field experience so that educators of all stripes can leap into journaling with their students. The approaches are designed to work in a range of ecosystems and settings, and are suitable for classroom teachers, outdoor educators, camp counselors, and homeschooling parents.
Experience the splendor of nature with fresh eyes! Featuring an inspiring portfolio from Clare Walker Leslie’s nature journals, this guide offers easy-to-learn techniques for capturing the world around you in pictures and words.
Guiding children through inspiring activities like sketching wildlife, observing constellations, collecting leaves, keeping a weather journal, and watching bird migrations, The Nature Connection encourages kids to engage with the world outside and promotes a lifelong love of nature.
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How often should kids nature journal?
Once a week is lovely, but even once or twice a month builds a meaningful habit.
What if my child “can’t draw”?
Focus on noticing, shapes, and labels. Tracing outlines, using stencils, or adding leaf rubbings keeps confidence high.
Do we need to identify everything?
No. Curiosity first! Add names later with a field guide or app, or simply enjoy the mystery.
Nature journaling is about noticing and enjoying, not producing perfect pages. Keep it light, keep it playful, and let your child’s curiosity lead the way.
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If you try this nature journaling adventure with your child, I’d love to hear what worked—favourite spots, go-to prompts, or the supplies your kids loved. Share your tips in the comments so other families can borrow your ideas.
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Share your journal pages!
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