The sense of wonder that nature provides is exactly the curiosity you want your child to bring to a book.

Even if you are limited to exploring your backyard or the local park, there are many simple ways to spend enjoyable times reading and learning together in the great outdoors.

Go on a booknic

Make room in the picnic basket for books! Choose a theme around family food and reading preferences and pack accordingly. Try:

Flashlight reading

For younger kids with earlier bedtimes, the excitement of getting to go outside at night will make a bedtime story mighty memorable. Get your flashlight, blankets or a sleeping bag and enjoy a story about stars under the stars. Try:

Outdoor cooking

You can also pair your booknic and flashing reading with another element: outdoor cooking! With a fire pit or grill, treat your child to a little campfire cooking. Try:

What are you waiting for? It’s a beautiful day! Head outside with books and activate all your kids’ senses.

About the Author

Join children’s literacy consultant Rachael Walker and many of the authors, parents, and educators she’s met and worked with to talk about how books have changed their lives, how to bring books to life for young readers, and how to enrich kids’ lives with good books. 

Publication Date
July 5, 2017

Related Topics

Activities, Children’s Books, Motivation, Parent Engagement, Reading Aloud, Summer Reading
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