Nature journaling is an incredible way to spark curiosity, build observation skills, and connect kids with the world around them—but if you’re new to it, getting started can feel a little overwhelming.
What if my child isn’t into drawing? What if we don’t have time? What do we even write about?
Good news: Nature journaling doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, the simpler the approach, the more enjoyable (and sustainable!) it becomes.
Here’s how to start a low-pressure, engaging nature journaling routine with your kids—along with practical strategies that actually work.
1️⃣ Keep It Simple: Start Small & Make It Routine
One of the best ways to create a nature journaling habit is to choose a consistent day to do it.
✅ Pick a “Nature Journal Day” – Designate a regular time each week for journaling. Maybe it’s Saturdays after a morning walk or right after outdoor playtime.
💡 We like to do Fresh Air Fridays. Of course, if the weather isn’t ideal, we pick a different day, but for the most part, we stick to Fridays. Having a set day makes it easier to remember and turns journaling into a rhythm of our week.
✅ Set a Timer – 5-10 minutes is plenty to start. Keeping sessions short ensures kids stay engaged without getting frustrated or distracted.
💡 You’ll notice over time that your kids will naturally want to journal for longer. As they build confidence in their observations and creativity, they’ll start lingering on their sketches, adding more details, and writing down more thoughts. But don’t rush it—let the habit grow naturally!
2️⃣ Let Kids Choose What to Observe
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is over-directing the journaling process. Kids are far more engaged when they have ownership of what they record.
🔍 Encourage Curiosity – Instead of saying, “Today, we’re drawing a tree,” try asking:
- “What’s something outside that makes you curious today?”
- “Can you find something that’s changing?”
- “What do you notice that wasn’t here last week?”
📝 Use Themed Prompts – If your child isn’t sure what to focus on, try a simple journaling theme for the day:
- Find something tiny and sketch it.
- Describe a sound you hear outside.
- Draw something that moves.
💡 See it in Action: Imagine you’re on a walk when your child spots a bird with bright red feathers near the bushes. Instead of giving instructions, you simply ask, “I wonder what that bird’s feather color means?” As a result, their curiosity is sparked. They might start making guesses, sketching the bird in their journal, or writing down ideas about why it’s so colorful. Later, you research together and discover why some birds have bright feathers. This leads to a fascinating discussion about habitats, behaviors, and even survival strategies. By giving kids space to wonder, nature journaling becomes truly meaningful.
📖 Use LMU’s Nature Journal for Support – Not sure where to start? Little Monsters Universe’s Nature Journal is the perfect resource. It offers guided prompts, engaging activities, and structured sections to help kids observe, sketch, and record like scientists—while keeping the experience fun and open-ended.
3️⃣ Make It a Game or Adventure
Not every child naturally gravitates toward journaling—especially if they’re more active or prefer hands-on exploration. Turning it into a game or challenge can spark excitement!
🌎 Scavenger Hunt Journaling – Give kids a fun mission:
- Find and sketch three different leaf shapes.
- Draw an insect in action.
- Record something in three different colors.
🎲 Roll-a-Nature-Journal Dice – Assign different prompts to a dice roll: 
1️⃣ Sketch something large 🌳
2️⃣ Write about the weather ☀️
3️⃣ Record a sound you hear 🎶
4️⃣ Draw something tiny 🐜
5️⃣ Write about something moving 🦋
6️⃣ Create a “zoomed-in” sketch 🔍
🦶 “Sit Spot” Challenge – Have your child sit quietly in one spot for 3 minutes. Ask: What do you see, hear, smell, or feel? Then, they journal their observations.
💡 See it in Action: A dad creates a “Secret Nature Mission” for his kids: Find something alive, something rough, and something that changes over time. They journal their discoveries afterward!
4️⃣ Keep It Natural & Low-Pressure
Some of the best nature journaling moments happen spontaneously. Keep your child’s journal accessible so they can grab it when inspiration strikes.
📖 Store Journals by the Door – Ready for quick use before heading outside!
📷 Snap a Photo for Later – If kids are too busy playing, take a picture so they can journal about it later.
🎤 Model Curiosity – Say things like, “Wow, look at those clouds! I wonder what kind of storm is coming?” so kids see journaling as a natural way to record observations.
💡 See it in Action: A mom keeps a nature journal in the car. When her kids notice a hawk swooping down, they write about it on the drive home.
5️⃣ Use Books & Stories for Inspiration
Some kids hesitate to journal because they don’t know where to start. Seeing real examples in books can spark ideas and give them a jumping-off point.
📚 The Boy Who Drew Birds – Jacqueline Davies (A beautiful story about young John James Audubon and his passion for observing birds.)
📚 Out of School and Into Nature: The Anna Comstock Story – Suzanne Slade (The inspiring true story of a pioneer in nature education.)
📚 LMU’s Nature Journal & Educator’s Handbook – (A structured yet flexible guide to help families dive into nature journaling with confidence.)
Final Thoughts: Keep It Fun & Flexible! 🎉
Nature journaling isn’t about perfect drawings or long descriptions—it’s about helping kids slow down, observe, and wonder about the world around them.
🌿 Big Takeaways:
- Start small—5-10 minutes is enough in the beginning!
- Let kids choose what they observe.
- Make it a game or adventure.
- Keep journals accessible for spontaneous moments.
- Use LMU’s Nature Journal for simple, structured guidance.
💬 Do your kids nature journal? What’s their favorite way to explore outside?
