Nature journals are a fun way to pass the time. To many Great Parks nature interpreters, they are a tool that fosters meaningful connections with the natural world.

Want to create a nature journal with your child? Grab some paper and a pencil, step out the front door and use the prompt below. We’ll publish a new prompt daily, so be sure to check back here for more!

Today’s Prompt: Senses in Nature | Touch

We’ve already focused on vision, smell and hearing, now we move on to touch.

Explore your neighborhood today using your sense of touch. Find different leaves that have fallen off trees and shrubs and feel the texture. If there are leaves still on trees that you can reach, rub your fingers over them. How do they feel different from the ones on the ground?

Find different types of trees on your walk and explore the bark on them. Can you find trees with smooth bark? Bumpy? Rough? Do any of the trees have deep lines running up and down? How many different kinds of bark did you find?

A Few Tips for Success:

• Work with your child’s attention span. If they aren’t enjoying an activity, allow them to choose a new one. If they are highly focused, give them plenty of time to continue the observations.
• Allow creativity. Children often have interests that go beyond the questions we pose. Create a safe environment so they can create and explore on their terms.
• Journal along with your child. You never know what you may discover and it’s a great way to spend some quality time together.
• Try activities at different times of day. Observations may change with time and temperature.

Want to try your hand at different nature journaling topics? Click here for more prompts.