If you are looking for any reason to get outside and enjoy the weather, looking at outdoor time through an educational lens can lead to new discoveries for you and your family. The Davenport Public Library can help. Here are a few books from our Literacy & Learning collection that share some ideas on getting the most out of time spent outdoors.
Digging into nature: Outdoor adventures for happier and healthier kids by Pooja S. Tandon (2025). Pediatricians and nature experts Pooja Sarin Tandon and Danette Swanson Glassy make the convincing case that children and families will be happier, healthier, and more resilient when they spend time in nature. They offer a wealth of suggestions for nature-based activities and suggestions for overcoming common challenges busy families face when trying to increase their outdoor time. The authors address the importance of nature for children’ s health at every age from infancy through adolescence and link their suggested activities to key developmental milestones. Digging Into Nature takes an inclusive approach, providing practical tips for parents of children with special health care needs, chronic health conditions, and cultural considerations to help all children reap the gifts that the great outdoors offer.
A Pocketful of Wonder: 50 hands-on adventures for kids to discover God’s creation by Amanda Dykes (2025). In this interactive guidebook, homeschool mom and speaker Amanda Dykes provides caregivers and families with young kids 50 inspirational pauses and low-prep, nature-focused activities to spark greater joy, wonder, and awe over creation and our Creator.
Wild Learning: Practical ideas to bring teaching outdoors by Rachel Tidd (2023). Outdoor learning has been rising in popularity in the U.S. during the last decade, particularly at the early childhood level. This growing interest has spread to the elementary level, with families demanding more time learning and playing outdoors for children during the school day. Being outside is healthier, helps children form a strong connection with the natural world, supports a variety of learning styles, increases engagement and student motivation to learn all by simply moving instruction outdoors! In addition, the mental health benefits of outdoor learning have been well documented. Schools continue to struggle to meet learning and mental health needs of their students. Incorporating more outdoor learning in schools is a simple and cost-effective way to provide support to students.
Nature School for Kids: A Montessori nature study & hands on guide by Chrissy Harada (2026). In a world of screens, overstimulation, and rushed learning, Nature School for Kids helps children slow down, step outside, and rediscover the joy of curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning in nature. This Montessori-inspired nature study workbook for ages 5-10 introduces children to plants, trees, seasons, soil, pollinators, and environmental stewardship through outdoor activities, observation prompts, drawing exercises, and gentle guided discovery. Designed for homeschool families, Montessori and Waldorf (Steiner)-inspired learning, forest school programs, outdoor education, and screen-free enrichment, this 60+ page workbook encourages children to learn through real-world experiences rather than memorization or pressure. Through nature walks, observation, storytelling, drawing, and simple science concepts, children build curiosity, focus, environmental awareness, and a deeper connection to the living world around them.
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