25 Summer Nature Study Ideas
Here are 25 summer nature study ideas to try with your kids this summer!
Charlotte Mason has long been an inspiration for our homeschool.
I have always been particularly fond of her ideas regarding nature study.
There is just something so soul-satisfying in studying and pondering creation and the Creator.
“It is infinitely well worth the mother’s while to take some pains every day to secure, in the first place, that her children spend hours daily amongst rural and natural objects; and in the second place, to infuse into them, or rather, to cherish in them, the love of investigation.” ~Charlotte Mason
Now that we’re into spring, it seems like a good time to start making some plans for summer nature study.
There are so many opportunities for being outside during the warmer summer months!
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Summer Nature Study Ideas
In sketching out a plan for our summer, here are 25 summer nature study ideas I came up with as possibilities:
- ants
- bees
- beach/sand
- birds
- butterflies
- clouds
- creeks
- dragonflies
- fireflies
- frogs and toads
- gardens
- herbs
- lacewings (one of my favorite insects)
- lakes
- marine life
- moths
- nests
- night sky/stars
- pond life
- rivers
- seashore
- spiders
- summer tree study
- turtles
- wildflowers
With as much time as we spend outdoors in the summer, we should have plenty of opportunity to explore several things on the above list.
Free Nature Study Printables
As I’ve been making plans for nature study in the coming summer months, I came across some inspiring free resources. Here are a few of them:
- 40 Journal Entry Ideas for Nature Study Notebooks
- Free Bird Nature Study Printables
- Nature Walk Observation Notebook
- Trees Natural Study Printables
More Charlotte Mason Nature Study Resources
If you’re new to nature study, you might want to check out some of our favorite resources. Here are a few of our favorite basic supplies:
- Artist’s Sketchbook or a binder with drawing paper or cardstock
- Colored Pencils (we love Prismacolor and these for younger children)
- Field Guides
- Handbook of Nature Study
- Small Pocket Microscope
- Bug Cage
“The sense of beauty comes from early contact with nature.” ~Charlotte Mason
Related Posts:
Charlotte Mason Nature Study Guide
My Favorite Charlotte Mason Resources
Great ideas! Thanks so much for sharing! I look forward to utilizing a few of these 🙂
Thank you, Brooke! So glad they were helpful!
I love these ideas. We are going to implement Nature Study this year. I have to be intentional about it or it will never get done. I know the children will love it though and I love them getting out and taking notice of God’s creation. Thanks for sharing with us at #LiveLifeWell
Have fun with nature study!
We enjoy spending plenty of time out of doors in the summer too! These are some great study ideas. Pinned.
Thanks for sharing!
This is an interesting post with some really great ideas! Thanks for sharing, Joy! Blessings! 🙂
So glad it was helpful!
I just love everything about this! Thank you! Sharing across social media.
Thank you, Erin!