Nature Tools

Gear Up for Outdoor Fun!

Nature Learning and Gift Ideas from the Smoky Mountain Nature Lady

Updated 10.02.2024

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Exploring nature is a fantastic way for kids to connect with the world around them, sparking curiosity and fostering a love for the outdoors. Whether they’re searching for bugs under rocks, identifying birds, or collecting leaves, the right tools can make their adventures even more exciting and educational.

On this page, you’ll find a collection of fun and easy-to-use nature exploration tools that will help kids dive into the wonders of the great outdoors, encouraging hands-on learning and discovery every step of the way!

Books for Exploring Nature

• Nature Activity Book – https://amzn.to/3YUjv1W
• Nature Journal – https://amzn.to/4dyY7UH
• Bird Field Guide – https://amzn.to/4cBajmj
• Rocks & Minerals Field Guide – https://amzn.to/3AAKK7K
• Reptiles & Amphibians Field Guide – https://amzn.to/3AJn8xD
• Insect Book – https://amzn.to/3yS5OGm
• Smoky Mountains Activity Book – https://amzn.to/3MjTzFH
• Barry’s Smoky Mountain Adventure Book – https://amzn.to/3XpJVYB
• How to Raise Monarch Butterflies – https://amzn.to/3Xcgh8X
• ABC’s Great Smoky Mountains – https://amzn.to/3Na0ZM3
• The Mystery in the Smoky Mountains – https://amzn.to/4ejgCg9

For Better Nature Viewing

• Youth Binoculars – https://amzn.to/3T1Jvot
• Critter Viewing Jars – https://amzn.to/3Xfzuqc
• Dinosaur Headlamp – https://amzn.to/4dTZMUp
• Magnifying Glass – https://amzn.to/3SXCN2E
• Pocket Microscope for Kids – https://amzn.to/3SZntCX
• Kids Camera – https://amzn.to/46UhgOh

Further Nature Exploration

• Nature Scavenger Hunt Game – https://amzn.to/3XaR5Q5
• Bug Catcher Kit – https://amzn.to/3yPhaea
• Rock Tumbler – https://amzn.to/3AAKK7K
• Colored Pencils – https://amzn.to/3MfGhd5
• Animal Tracks Game – https://amzn.to/3WZqWmd
• Butterfly Habitat – https://amzn.to/3MeSIpN
• Flower Press – https://amzn.to/46W4E9k
• Gardening Set – https://amzn.to/3T15o7g
• Terrarium Kit – https://amzn.to/4fVOJf9
• Tree Frog House – https://amzn.to/3YXyw3m
• Flower Growing Art Kit – https://amzn.to/3WVWBVt
• Life Cycle Kits (Ladybug,  Monarch Butterfly, Frog) – https://amzn.to/4cB9Ctw
• Birdhouse – https://amzn.to/4dvAZX5
• Birdbath – https://amzn.to/3YY5AYO
• Solar Fountain for Birdbath – https://amzn.to/3XfQpJe
• Birdfeeder – https://amzn.to/3AE0HKA
• Make Your Own Birdfeeder – https://amzn.to/3Y66f9S
• Birdseed (I like sunflower seeds the best) – https://amzn.to/3YWEwJn
• Hummingbird feeder – https://amzn.to/4dEkQ1x
• Handy Scoopers Catch Tongs – https://amzn.to/47RySuE

Extra Resources in the Smokies and Beyond

• FREE Merlin Bird ID app – https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/
• FREE Plant & Animal ID app – https://www.inaturalist.org/
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park Junior Ranger Program – https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/kidsyouth/junior-ranger.htm
• American Eagle Foundation – https://eagles.org/
• Seven Islands State Birding Park – https://tnstateparks.com/parks/seven-islands
• Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont – https://gsmit.org/
• Short Nature Videos – Smoky Mountain Nature Lady