Inspiring examples of nature walk observation journals for kids

Real examples of nature walk observation journals for kids

Let’s start with what you actually came here for: real, specific examples of nature walk observation journals for kids that you can copy, tweak, or mash up tomorrow.

Think of each example as a layout or template you can print, sketch, or recreate in a blank notebook. You don’t need them all. Pick one that fits your child, try it for a week, then adjust.

1. The “Five Senses” nature walk journal page

This is one of the best examples of nature walk observation journals for kids in the early elementary years because it’s simple, sensory, and very concrete.

On a single page, draw five boxes labeled:

• I see…
• I hear…
• I smell…
• I feel (touch)…
• I feel (emotion)…

As you walk, kids jot or sketch one thing in each box. For example:

• I see: a red ladybug on a green leaf
• I hear: a crow cawing three times
• I smell: wet dirt after last night’s rain
• I feel (touch): rough bark on an oak tree
• I feel (emotion): calm when I listen to the wind

This example of a nature walk observation journal page is especially helpful for kids who struggle with open-ended tasks. The structure keeps them focused, but there’s still room for creativity.

To deepen the learning, you can connect this kind of journal to early science standards about observations using senses, which many U.S. school districts base on the Next Generation Science Standards. Teachers can easily align this format with K–2 performance expectations.

2. The “I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of” inquiry journal

If you want kids to think like little scientists, this is one of the best examples of nature walk observation journals for kids. It’s adapted from a popular thinking routine used in schools.

Each page has three sections:

• I notice… (pure observations)
• I wonder… (questions)
• It reminds me of… (connections)

Example from a child observing a puddle:

• I notice: tiny bugs skating on top of the water; rainbow colors in an oily patch; my reflection looks wiggly.
• I wonder: how do the bugs not sink? where does the oil come from? does the puddle disappear faster on hot days?
• It reminds me of: the time we talked about surface tension in class; the rainbow I saw in soap bubbles.

This structure turns a simple walk into a mini research project. It encourages questions that you can later explore using kid-friendly science resources like NASA Climate Kids or the U.S. National Park Service education pages.

3. The “Weather & Mood” daily nature walk log

For families and teachers trying to build a daily outdoor habit, this is a powerful example of a nature walk observation journal that blends science and emotional check-ins.

Each entry includes:

• Date and time
• Location ("schoolyard,” “backyard,” “city block")
• Weather (kids can circle icons or write: sunny, cloudy, rainy, windy)
• Temperature (estimate in °F, or use a simple thermometer)
• My mood before the walk
• My mood after the walk
• One thing I noticed today that I didn’t see yesterday

Over time, kids can look back and notice patterns: “I feel calmer after walks,” or “We see more birds when it’s between 60–70°F.” This connects beautifully with research on how time in nature supports children’s mental health and focus. For background, educators sometimes reference summaries from sites like Harvard School of Public Health when explaining this to parents.

This is one of the best examples of nature walk observation journals for kids who thrive on routine and love tracking data.

4. The “Field Guide in Progress” sketch-and-facts journal

Older elementary kids often want a challenge. This example of a nature walk observation journal turns them into junior field guide authors.

Each page focuses on one organism or one natural feature:

• A large space for a sketch
• Lines for name (common name and, if they like, scientific name)
• Where I found it (under a log, on a fence, in the school garden)
• Size (estimated in inches or feet)
• Color and texture
• Behavior or changes (moving, blooming, decaying, etc.)
• Questions I still have

For example, a child might sketch a dandelion and write:

Name: dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Where I found it: crack in the sidewalk
Size: flower about 1 inch across
Color and texture: bright yellow, petals like tiny strips, stem smooth and hollow
Behavior: bees visited it, then later it turned into a white puffball
Questions: how do the seeds travel? how long does it take to change from flower to puff?

Kids can later use resources like local extension services or university sites (for example, USDA’s Plants Database) to identify species and add more facts.

Over a season, this becomes a personalized field guide—one of the most satisfying examples of nature walk observation journals for kids who love detail and drawing.

5. The “Sound Map” sit-spot journal

Not every nature walk has to be high-energy. This is a quieter example of a nature walk observation journal page that works well for kids who need calming activities.

Here’s how it works:

• Kids draw a small X in the middle of the page and label it “me.”
• They sit in one spot for 3–5 minutes, eyes open or closed.
• Any time they hear a sound, they make a small symbol or word on the page in the direction they think it came from.

A finished sound map might include:

• “bird chirp” with musical notes drawn above the X
• “car” written toward the bottom edge
• “wind in leaves” as wavy lines on the right
• “footsteps” as little shoe prints behind them

This example of a nature walk observation journal helps kids tune in to the soundscape of their environment, whether they’re in a quiet forest or a busy urban park.

6. The “Color Hunt” rainbow nature journal

For younger kids or mixed-age groups, this is one of the most fun and visually satisfying examples of nature walk observation journals for kids.

On a page, draw a simple rainbow or a row of colored boxes: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, plus a box for “other colors.” As you walk, kids try to find something in nature that matches each color and either:

• Draw it,
• Write the name, or
• Tape in a fallen leaf or tiny (ethically collected) item.

A page might include:

• Red: maple leaf
• Yellow: dandelion flower
• Green: moss on a rock
• Blue: piece of sky between branches
• Purple: wildflower near the fence

This example of a nature walk observation journal is perfect for preschool and early elementary, and it supports color recognition, vocabulary, and careful looking.

7. The “Change Over Time” seasonal comparison journal

If you walk the same route regularly, this is one of the best examples of nature walk observation journals for kids who like patterns and “before and after” stories.

Each page is divided into four boxes labeled with seasons or months, all focused on the same spot. You might choose a single tree, a pond, a community garden bed, or even a storm drain.

Kids return to the same spot and record:

• Date
• Sketch or quick photo description
• What’s new or different (buds, flowers, leaves, ice, insects, trash, etc.)

Over time, the page becomes a visual timeline of change. This kind of example of a nature walk observation journal connects directly to science concepts like life cycles and seasonal patterns. Teachers can link it to resources on climate and seasonal change from sites like NOAA Education.

8. The “Neighborhood Nature” urban observation journal

Not every child has access to forests or big parks. This example of a nature walk observation journal is designed for city sidewalks, apartment complexes, and schoolyards.

Prompts on the page might include:

• Plants growing in surprising places (cracks in pavement, walls, fences)
• Signs of animals (tracks, droppings, feathers, nests, spider webs)
• Weather clues (puddles, shadows, wind direction, cloud types)
• Human-nature interactions (gardens, trash, bird feeders, construction)

Kids might record:

I found moss growing on the brick wall in the shade.
A pigeon feather was stuck in a bush by the bus stop.
There’s a small tree growing out of a gutter on the old building.

This is one of the most important examples of nature walk observation journals for kids in urban settings because it teaches them that nature isn’t just “out there” in national parks—it’s everywhere.

How to choose the best examples of nature walk observation journals for your kids

With so many examples of nature walk observation journals for kids, it helps to match the format to your child’s age, personality, and setting.

For preschool and early elementary:

• Simple structures like the Five Senses page or Color Hunt keep things concrete.
• Large drawing spaces and minimal writing reduce frustration.
• Short walks (10–20 minutes) with one or two prompts work best.

For upper elementary and middle school:

• More open-ended formats like I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of or Field Guide in Progress invite deeper thinking.
• Kids can handle longer walks and multi-day projects like Change Over Time pages.
• Some enjoy adding research later, using trusted sources like university extension pages or kids’ sections on government sites for environmental topics.

For neurodivergent kids or kids with anxiety:

• Predictable layouts (Weather & Mood logs, Sound Maps) can feel grounding.
• Giving a choice between drawing, writing, or dictating to an adult reduces pressure.
• Short sit-spots with Sound Maps can be a calming sensory break.

The best examples of nature walk observation journals for kids are the ones they want to come back to. If a format feels like a chore, tweak it. Let them decorate covers, use colored pens, add stickers, or tape in found objects (within local rules and Leave No Trace guidelines).

2024–2025 trends to weave into your nature walk journals

Nature journaling isn’t new, but a few recent trends are shaping how families and teachers use it:

Blending analog journals with simple tech

Many educators in 2024–2025 are pairing paper journals with:

• Short audio recordings of bird songs on a phone, labeled in the journal.
• Quick photos used later for identification, while the journal page focuses on observations and questions.
• Free citizen science apps (with adult guidance) so kids can compare their notes with community data.

The key is to keep the journal as the reflection space, not just a list of app screenshots.

Focus on mental health and outdoor time

Schools and families are increasingly aware of how regular nature time supports kids’ mental well-being. Journals like the Weather & Mood log help children notice how they feel before and after a walk. Educators sometimes share health information from sources like CDC’s pages on children’s mental health when advocating for more outdoor learning.

Climate and environmental awareness

Without scaring younger children, many teachers are using nature walk observation journals to build connection first: noticing local birds, trees, insects, and weather patterns. Older students might use Change Over Time journals to notice earlier blooms or shifting migration patterns, then connect those observations to climate science lessons.

Tips for making these examples of nature walk observation journals actually work

A beautifully designed page won’t matter if the experience feels rushed or stressful. Here are a few practical habits that make any example of a nature walk observation journal more successful:

• Keep supplies simple. A sturdy notebook, a pencil, and maybe a clip-on hard surface are enough. Fancy markers are optional.
• Model curiosity. Carry your own journal. Say things like, “I notice the moss only grows on one side of the tree. I wonder why.” Kids copy adults more than they copy worksheets.
• Don’t correct drawings. If a child’s bird has purple wings, let it be. The goal is noticing and expression, not scientific illustration perfection.
• Use journals as conversation starters. Back at home or in class, invite kids to share one page. Ask, “What surprised you?” or “What do you want to find out more about?”
• Revisit favorite formats. If the Five Senses page was a hit, repeat it next week on a totally different trail and compare.

Remember: the best examples of nature walk observation journals for kids are living documents. They grow, shift, and get messier over time—and that’s a good sign.

FAQ about examples of nature walk observation journals for kids

How do I start if my child hates writing?
Begin with drawing-heavy formats like the Color Hunt or Sound Map. Let them label things with single words or even invented spelling. You can also act as their scribe—ask what they noticed and write it down for them.

Can you give a simple example of a nature walk observation journal page I can use today?
Yes. Try this: divide a page into three parts labeled “Something tiny,” “Something changing,” and “Something beautiful.” On your walk, kids draw or describe one thing in each section. That single page is a quick, effective example of a nature walk observation journal entry.

How often should we use our nature walk journals?
There’s no strict rule. Many families aim for once a week; some teachers use them for a short outdoor block two or three times a week. Regular use matters more than long sessions. Even a 10-minute walk with a quick I Notice / I Wonder entry can be powerful.

Do nature walk observation journals have to be scientific?
Not at all. Some of the best examples of nature walk observation journals for kids mix science, poetry, and art. One child might record bird behavior; another might write a short poem about the wind. Both are valid and valuable.

What if we live in a very urban area?
Use the Neighborhood Nature example. Focus on plants in cracks, birds on wires, insects around streetlights, and how weather affects your block. Nature journaling is about paying attention to living things and natural processes, not about having a forest.

When you look at all these examples of nature walk observation journals for kids, the pattern is clear: kids don’t need perfect prompts. They need invitations to slow down, look closely, and wonder out loud—with a notebook as their sidekick.

Start with one simple page idea. Take one short walk. See what happens. Then build from there.