Is there anything better than the smell of a campfire, a hike in the woods, creek stomping or star gazing? My answer- Nothing better! I love the smell of burning wood, the crunch of acorns under our shoes, the hundreds of times my children have yelled out, “Mom, you have to see this!”

Much of what and where our family learns revolves around the outdoors. Binoculars and field guides at the ready, we’re big believers in observation, asking questions, seeking answers, and always have time to stop to identify a cool insect.

It’s why I love finding creative, outside the box ways to explore nature with my kids.

Exploring Nature Outside the Box

Truth be told, some of our favorite ways to explore nature do initially come in a box. Once freed from their container, the magic of learning begins.

We love-

• Butterfly Growing Kit– includes a reusable mesh habitat and a voucher to redeem free caterpillars. We had great success (all 10 caterpillars turned to butterflies) and a year later used the habitat with a homegrown caterpillar.

• Creating one of a kind art with the things found in our yard.

• Tent camping– so many adventures and things can be learned when you sleep outside.

• Help from the Junior Ranger Programs– they are filled with fun hands-on activities and lessons.

• Think Outside Boxes! New to us, they are pretty awesome. Keep reading to find out why.

*Disclosure- Think Outside Boxes sent me two boxes at no cost to write a review. I was not required to write a positive review. As always, I only choose to review products and resources my family would use and I think we’d love.

Think Outside Boxes

Think Outside Boxes are not your average subscription box. Filled with quality tools (not toys), hands-on activities, tons of lessons, and a lot of really great facts Think Outside Boxes are an awesome resource for any nature-loving family.

Did you know frogs can’t swallow with their eyes open or that grasshoppers had white blood?

Think Outside Boxes nature box included a bite and sting kit, tweezers, a collapsable frisbee, magnifying glass, and packed full activity book. I’m pretty sure my daughter wished for a bee stinger to extract from her arm!

In the activity book, we learned about different types of ecosystems, trees, wildlife, and endangered animals. We also learned about helping pollinators and insect bites. We learned how to weave natural materials.

What I really loved was the quality of the materials and how they are perfect for our hiking packs. We will use these tools again and again.

Think Outside Boxes Fire box was also a huge hit in our home. My daughter was eager to give this one a go without help.

She read about different ways to make a fire and choose to build a log cabin. She collected the logs, tinder, and kindling, and read about how to use the materials safely in her kit.

Safety is a big part of these kits. Kids learn about keeping themselves and their environment safe.

Needless to say, it was a highlight of our day!

Clear instructions, high-quality materials, and a cool kit- I’m guessing our new fire builder will help us get cozy all winter long!

Think Outside Boxes is offering all sorts of wonderful specials during the next two months! They are perfect for gifts, to use as homeschooling curriculum, sanity savers when schools on break, or just because!

Your turn, what are your favorite ways to explore nature?