National Park: Kids Forest Explorers Kit

 

Today, to go along with the National Park/Forest theme, I'm going to talk about what I would put in a forest explorers kit for my kids. 

Things might change a bit depending on age, so think about what your kids might need when out exploring. But here's what I would put in our explorers kits.

Core essentials:
1. A good backpack. 
For June I would do a small backpack, for Finn a bigger backpack. 
Think about what your kids can carry, obviously an 11 year old can carry more than a 2 year old can. 
2. A fanny pack or a foraging bag.
I wouldn't want June to go foraging like I would Finn. I trust Finn to know what to pick up and what not to pick up. Plus he's, mostly, past the age of wanting to stick everything in his mouth.
So for June I would have a small little fanny pack that she can reach easily to put some stuff in. For Finn an actual foraging bag would be fun to use when exploring.
3. Reusable water bottle.
Something easy to carry or that fits in the backpack, but we don't want our kids to get dehydrated and it is HOT. So a reusable water bottle is a good way to keep that from happening.
4. Whistle.
I doubt June would know how to use a whistle, but she also won't be alone when exploring so not a problem.
Finn on the other hand can go exploring mostly on his own, so a whistle is a good way to alert us if he's lost, hurt, or in any danger.
5. Snacks
Going back I should've put this next to water, but oh well, we're here now. I will make a whole post on snacks for when you're exploring. But for now.. Just know that snacks are, obviously, required.
6. Sunhat/Sunglasses
Because that Texas sun is BRUTAL. A sunhat or a baseball cap and sunglasses are a good way to protect your kiddos and keep them cool.
7. Blanket or chairs to sit on
Because mama doesn't want to be on the move constantly and you just know the kids are going to get tired and expect you to hold them.
8. Portable fan
Again, it's hot. Let's keep cool. There's neck fans, portable fans you can hold, rechargeable fans (My husband has a tiny but mighty one he got on Amazon for like $25)
9. Leash for the toddler
I don't know if other toddlers are like this, Finn never was, but June is feral and will run off and become one with nature and we'll never see her again. I'd rather NOT risk that.
Learning and exploring:
1. Binoculars
Especially for the toddler, they'll have so much fun trying to see what they can see. But also in case there's cool animals, birds, etc that you want them to see.
2. Magnifying Glass
For the teeny tiny stuff. If you have a portable microscope that would be worth bringing too. So many amazing things you can teach just using those two tools.
3. Nature Journal
Obviously June isn't going to be writing in a journal, but getting them into the habit of bringing a journal everywhere, making notes, drawing the things, is a great practice.
4. Pencil/Crayons
You know, for the nature journal. But also coloring pages for the toddler.
5. Container for things they find
Because no matter where we go it's "Mama, I found this, can you hold it for me?" And Finn collects dead things, so no, I don't want to hold it. But I will. Let's just bypass all of that and have a small container they can take their findings home in. 
*Note* Make sure whatever you take doesn't effect the environment or the biome.
6. Printed scavenger list 
Give them purpose! Something to focus on that will keep them busy for HOURS. Especially the hard to find stuff
7. Nature ID cards
ID cards for bugs, animals, plants, clouds, trees, etc are a great way for them to learn while being out and about and also help them to know if they don't see a card stating it's okay to touch then they absolutely cannot touch.
8. Tools
Shovel, scoop, tweezers, little brush, hammer, chisel, etc. All great things for explorers.
Entertainment:
1. Bubbles
Invest in a bubble machine. You don't want to have to blow bubbles manually and they can play with the bubbles for hours.
2. Stuffed animal or toys for outdoor play
Seriously, bring a couple stuffed animals that would be found out in the woods, that you don't mind getting messy. They can learn and play. 
3. Chalk
Because chalk can wash off of just about anything, it's awesome to take with us anywhere that it can just be washed off. Want to draw on trees? Cool. On rocks? Even better.
4. Nature board books
I love to bring nature themed board books with us and point out things that are in the book that we can see in real life. Bring older kids books too for the older crowd.
5. Mini sketch kit or coloring book
Kind of goes with what I said up there, but oh well. I mentioned it twice.
6. Whittling knife
The older kids will have a lot of fun finding wood and carving things out of them. They have a lot of starter kits on amazon.
7. Paracord
Practice tying knots or making bracelets.
8. Deck of cards
Just something fun to play while sitting in nature.
Mama's pack:
1. Sunscreen
For obvious reasons
2. Bugspray
More obvious reasons, especially if your kids are allergic to mosquitos like mine is.
3. Wipes
Because they will absolutely find a way to make a mess. 
4. First aid kit
For the owies you know will be coming
5. Mini trash bags
So you don't have to stick all your trash in your bag.
6. Basic survival kit of stuff
Multi-tool, whistle, small flashlight, compass, walkie talkie, fire starter, etc.
7. Field guide
Even something for that area to show you dangers, a map, things to look out for. It's educational and a safety net.
8. E-reader
While the kids explore, mama reads. 
9. Notebook
For memories, to write lists, etc while the kids play
10. Water
A big gallon of water so when the kids, inevitably, run out of water you can be their hero. Make sure to bring your own snacks too.
11. Wagon
To carry everything, obviously. Get one of those all terrain ones!