Do your children have field bags? I've got some fun ideas for field bag supplies for kids. My oldest son has a deep love for birding, we love nature activities and we've gone out on many long rambles in our urban park. My boys LOVE having a field bag of goodies to tote along with them outdoors. It makes them feel very important and official even though they may not be backpacking or camping in the "real" woods!
My mother delighted the boys by making them each a small canvas field bag. They personalized them with buttons and badges. Then for Christmas one year we purchased simple supplies that any urban park explorer would be proud to tote along on a hike. (This post contains affiliate links.)
They love their field bags so much!
Fun Field Bag Supplies
The following is a list of our favorite nature walk supplies for kids:
1. Headlamp. Truth be told, we don't go on many night walks. Primarily, these are used indoors to great delight, and every kid should have one!
2. Magnifying glass
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3. Pocket field guides. We like these Nature Study Guides; we have the Winter Tree Finder and Berry Finder, but there are many different pocket field guides available.
4. Water bottle. No question, the Klean Kanteen is the best water bottle. Made from stainless steel, with no plastic lining. My kids' field bags are too small for water bottles. I'm considering getting them each a shoulder sling, but so far I've been toting the water bottles along in my own backpack.
5. Binoculars. My son has a pair of Nikon Trailblazers. My advice for buying binoculars if you are inexperienced (like I was) is to go to a specialty store and have your child try them out.
6. Bird Log to record essential important sightings! This has been a fun addition to our birding walks.
7. Butterfly net. Granted, this bug net doesn't exactly fit in the bag, but it sure is fun to bring along.
8. Audubon Bird Call. I've heard some advice that birders should not use bird calls excessively so the boys are careful to use them only sparingly.
9. A combo whistle-compass-thermometer.
Not pictured:
Hand-me-down digital camera.
Pen or pencil.
Every serious birder has his own Sibley Bird Guide!
An assortment of local trail maps. You can usually pick these up at a tourist center or information booth.
I realize some of these field bag supplies for kids may not be precisely essential for a walk in the park with mom. However, having it all sure makes a nature walk more fun. Plus, I've often found when the kids are ready to head home before I am, that a little peek in the bag is often just the right distraction to keep them interested in the great outdoors.
What do your kids take with them on nature walks?
Pragmatic Mom says
We have the same water bottle! And don't forget stuff to store your finds; plastic bags and perhaps a jar or two.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Oh, yes!!! An extra bag comes in very handy!
Lise says
A sketchbook and pencil, and when we're feeling really artsy, some watercolors and a water brush.
Erica MomandKiddo says
I tried to get my kids to do art outside, but I haven't had any luck yet! I wish I could sit and sketch with them!