Do you need inspiration for things to do out there with your little people? Or maybe just a bit of background information on why it is so important we have more outdoor families? I have used these 7 books as a resource and an inspiration for getting my trio out there, and to remind me why it is so important we encourage them to be outdoors. I have written a lot of tips and ideas throughout the blog, as well as reasons for needing to get them outdoors, but behind all my thinking there are bigger and better people spurring me on in this quest! Here are my favourite 7 books to inspire and get us out there in the great outdoors more, especially with our little people 🙂
1. How to Raise a Wild Child – Scott Sampson
In this book you will find information as to why children need to be encouraged and supported in making a connection with nature. He also provides tips and ideas on how to do this in today’s world that is both busy and high tech.
2. Vitamin N – Richard Louv
This is described as a “practical handbook” which will help families enjoy the natural world and the outdoors. It works through ideas from babies to teens, and provides many ideas to help us get out there with children of all ages.
3. A Natural Sense of Wonder – Rick Van Roy
The author takes us along with him on his adventures with his own children. As we go on the journey with him, he teaches us what nature has to teach us and why this is so important.
4. Unplugged – Jason Runkel Sperling
This book is all about families getting together and building nature clubs. “15 steps to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature, yourself, friends, and family”. There are tips, tools, and tales all in these pages.
5. Last Child in the Woods – Richard Louv
This book describes “saving our children from nature-deficit disorder. It goes through in depth why our children are suffering and missing out on what nature has to offer, and what the implications to both children and nature are because of this.
6. Balanced and Barefoot – Angela Hanscom
The author is a paediatric occupational therapist, and in her book she explains why natural and free play is essential for our children’s bodies and minds, and general development. This is a very thought provoking read. It also provides ideas as to how we can help them thrive.
7. A Little Bit of Dirt – Asia Citro
A fantastic book that has over 55 science and art activities to help children connect with nature. They are simple, fun, and my trio adore doing them. They are perfect for all ages (my three are 9 and 5), and prompt discovery and imagination.
I hope you can see a book that tempts you here. I have another long list one ones I want to read still! However, these books have helped me to see, that Children need and must be outdoors in all weathers and seasons. And as long as they have the right clothing there is no reason for them not to be out there.
Comments 45
This is a brilliant list and really helpful. Thank you for sharing X
Author
Thankyou 🙂
These sound like a great book list. I always something to inspire me to get outdoors in cold weather.
Claire recently posted…Homemade Advent Calendar: Welcome To The Weekend Blog Hop…
Author
They are, dip in and have a good read 🙂
I love the sound of the first two. I’ve made a note of them to look in the library. Great list and a refreshing post.
CASSIE Parish recently posted…The year of the alternative advent calendar.
Author
Thankyou 🙂 I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
I’m so glad you didn’t include Lord of the Flies! Haha. Some good reads here.
Author
Lol!! They are really inspiring
What a great list! I haven’t read any of these books but it sounds like I would love them! I have four wild children!
five little doves recently posted…12 Days of Pedigree
Author
They are great and I hope if you read them you enjoy them as much
I think I need to read these books. I will look them up.
These books sounds fantastic! I love anything related to parenting and a modern take on parenting in particular!
Katy Stevens recently posted…Review: Summer Infant Slumber Buddies Soothing Turtle + Giveaway
Author
I’m a bit of a parenting guide book addict too, but mine generally have an outdoor twist to them 🙂
What a great resource! I totally agree, kids (and adults) need time outdoors. With kids you definitely need something to coerce them into it sometimes!
Author
Thankyou 🙂
Great book list. I am all for the big outdoors with kids. Living by the sea we are drawn to the outside in all weathers.
Author
It is so good for them isn’t it
I must confess I suck when it comes to finding motivational books so this is a really useful list of books for me
Anosa recently posted…Rola Wala ~ Twisted Indian Street Food #foodie
Author
I hope you enjoy them
I am a firm believer in encouraging outdoor children! These books look awesome so I’ll check them out!
Charlotte recently posted…12 Ways To Protect Cats During Firework Season
Author
I hope you enjoy them
These books look like a great resource, I am always after inspiration to get the kids outdoors
Kara recently posted…Staying in Santa’s Saariselkä Inn with Santa’s Lapland
These sound very good, really useful to see what you’ve been reading too!
Stephanie recently posted…Our weekend in pictures – Week 41
Author
My addiction reading these books!
These sound good, will have to check some of them out.
Sarah | Digital Motherhood recently posted…Easy Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas For Teachers
I havent heard of any of the books on your list and we are an outdoor loving family so look forward to checking them out especially number 2.
Author
I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!!
Oooooh I haven’t read any of these books but have a few of my own on the same theme – will have to add these to my reading list!
Author
They are so good. I could buy a whole bookshop on this topic!
Such a great list of books. I have heard of Richard Louv, I think I have read a few articles written by him online.
Author
They are all so inspiring 🙂
I love getting outside with my daughters and to be honest I had no idea there were books all about this topic. I’d be really interested to read ‘how to raise a wild child’ 🙂
Author
They are all fab and I think you’d enjoy the ideas they have 🙂
I agree totally with getting children outdoors. Today’s society has changed so much and is more focused on indoor activities which is a shame. Mine go out as much as I can manage. I haven’t read any of the books myself I prefer reading blogs like yours x
Author
I agree and that is very kind of you to say about the blog
I’ve heard of unplugged but none of the rest. We are a very outdoorsy family. Will have to give some of these others a read too!
Author
I hope you enjoy them as much as I did 🙂
Oh this ebooks look lovely, I think I’ll add a couple to the Christmas lists this year to give us some more ideas x
Author
Enjoy them if you read them x
What a fab selection of books. We don’t need much encouragement to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. 🙂
Author
The best place to be 🙂
These sound like a lovely set of books to have. I like the idea of the first one, it would suit Sofia perfectly!
Author
Enjoy if you do get round to reading it xx
We do love the great outdoors in our home so this post is a resource for us, thank you.
Author
I’m glad it was useful!