August is the perfect time to squeeze in one last family getaway before the back-to-school rush takes over. You don't need to travel far, spend a lot, or plan for weeks. Getting outside in nature during these final summer days offers something science backs up: research shows that spending time in nature improves attention, focus, and emotional wellbeing in children. Even more simply, it sparks curiosity. When kids step outside and start noticing things like birds, insects, patterns in rocks, or the way water moves, they become young scientists without even trying.

Find an outdoor space close to home

You likely have great options within 30 minutes of home. Look for trails, parks, forests, streams, ponds, lakes, beaches, or any public green space managed by the county, state, or federal government. No need to hunt for the most famous destination. Local nature reserves, nature centers, and even small municipal parks work just as well. The magic happens when your child notices something they want to explore, not when you're standing in front of a landmark.

1. Recreation.gov
   Search thousands of outdoor destinations by zip code across the country.
2. Find a Forest
   Search US Forest Service sites nationwide.
3. Find a Park
   Search US Park Service sites nationwide.
4. Locate BLM Sites
   Search BLM sites nationwide.
5. America's State Parks
   Search US Park Service sites nationwide.
6. Locate a Nature Center
   Wikipedia list of nature centers in each state.

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Pack for discovery, not just comfort

Bring a few simple tools that turn a walk into an expedition: binoculars for spotting birds and insects; a small notebook for sketching or jotting observations; a magnifying glass; a field guide specific to your region (wildflowers, birds, rocks, insects). These items cost very little and shift a kid's mindset from passively walking to actively looking.

Use technology to go deeper

If you have a smartphone, apps like iNaturalist, Merlin Bird ID, and Seek can turn a casual nature walk into genuine exploration. Kids photograph plants and animals, the apps identify them, and they build a personal species list. We've collected a list of helpful apps that help get kids outside and invested in looking closer.

Try citizen science as a family

Scientist and mom Dr. Chanda Bennett turned citizen science into a family tradition, and she offers this insight: "There's comfort and safety in numbers. When you bring people you know and trust, it changes the whole experience."  Whether you're doing a scavenger hunt, exploring geocaching, trying nature journaling, or photographing wildlife, these outings are more fun and memorable when you share them with family and friends. Kids stay more engaged, you have company during the adventure, and the experience becomes about connection as much as discovery.

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take advantage of free and low-cost programs

August 25 marks the National Park Service's 110th birthday. If you visit any national park, national monument, or national lakeshore on that day, entry is free. No reservations needed, and no cost to experience these spaces. Many state and local parks also offer free or low-cost entry in August. Check if your local library offers free state park passes and "nature backpacks" that you can reserve or check out with a library card.  If you're visiting a national park or national forest, ask at the visitor center about Junior Ranger programs. Kids complete a booklet of activities and earn badges or certificates. It's free and gives children a structured reason to slow down, observe, and document what they see.

plan for august's heat and crowds

Visit early in the day to avoid the hottest hours and the afternoon rush. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats. Check the park's website before you go for hours, trail conditions, parking, and any safety updates. Many parks post information about wildlife activity, water conditions, or recent maintenance work.

Get creative

Transform your August outing into an adventure by adding a creative challenge. Here are five ideas to spark curiosity and keep everyone engaged: 

• Scavenger hunts encourage exploration and discovery through interactive and engaging experiences, promoting physical activity and mental stimulation. You can create your own list or use an alphabet photo scavenger hunt where kids photograph items starting with each letter of the alphabet at a park, on a hike, or in your backyard. You can also ask children to find objects by color, shape, or specific characteristics like textures, then have them draw or photograph what they find. 
• Geocaching is a global treasure hunting game where members of the community hide cleverly concealed containers for others to find, sign, and return for the next hunter. Geocaching teaches geography, logical thinking, and often leads families to discover new parks and nature reserves. 
• Nature journaling invites each family member to document experiences, sketches, and thoughts in a journal during outdoor time. Kids can sketch plants and animals, record observations, or write reflections about what they notice. 
• Rainbow walks are hikes where you hunt for something in each color of the rainbow, building a wildlife rainbow by photographing or noting flowers, bugs, mushrooms, and other natural colors you encounter. 
• Photography contests give families a chance to set themes and let everyone showcase their creativity by capturing nature shots, whether wildlife, landscapes, or close-ups of insects and plants.

activities and resources to get started

NEEF offers a collection of hands-on activity guides you can use right now: 

• What is Biodiversity helps elementary and middle schoolers understand biodiversity and includes a citizen science activity in nearby greenspace. 
• Water Quality Backyard Activity Guide turns any outdoor space into a place to explore aquatic ecosystems. 
• Community Cleanup Activity Guide combines outdoor exploration with service and action.  

Don't wait for the perfect weather or the perfect plan. Pack a notebook, download an app, grab some friends or family, and head to the nearest park or trail this August. 

^{Originally published: July 2021 • Updated}