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As a father and lifelong camper, I always imagined my kids growing up wild and free – barefoot in the grass, chasing fireflies, splashing in rivers with muddy knees and tangled hair. I wanted to pass on the love of nature that shaped me. But here’s what I’ve learned about how to get kids to love the outdoors: you can’t make them. You have to invite them gently and let nature do the rest.
Some of my favourite memories now aren’t the “big” trips, but the quiet, spontaneous moments. A short walk that turned into a frog hunt. A night in a glamping tent under the stars, where the only thing louder than the crickets was our laughter. A morning where we followed a butterfly trail and forgot all about breakfast. It’s these little things – unhurried, joyful, pressure free that have opened the door to something deeper.
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How to get kids to love the outdoors by focusing on play, not performance
When my daughter was four, she asked me, ‘What do we do in the forest?’ I smiled. That’s the thing, how to get kids to love the outdoors isn’t about ‘doing,’ it’s about ‘being.’ But I’ve learned to ease into it. Kids, especially the little ones, don’t connect to hiking logs or scenic viewpoints. They connect to play. To wonder. To the story in the rustling leaves.
So instead of structured hikes, we started with nature scavenger hunts. Instead of lectures about flora and fauna, we told made-up stories about moon spirits living in the trees. And when they got tired halfway through a walk, we didn’t push. We found a shady rock, had a snack, and watched ants carry crumbs. It’s not about mileage. It’s about moments.
Make adventures easier with family-friendly glamping
Let’s be honest: traditional camping with kids can be… a lot. That’s why glamping has been a game-changer for us. It keeps the spirit of adventure while easing the logistics. The tent’s already up, the beds are dry, and there’s always a bathroom close by; trust me, that matters. It’s a great answer to the question of how to get kids to love the outdoors without the overwhelm.
On a recent weekend near Lak Lake, we stayed in a well-designed canvas glamping tent with a view of the water. My son spent the evening skipping stones while my daughter collected fallen flowers. After dinner, we laid out on a mat under the stars. I pulled out a flashlight and told them a story about a tiger who followed the moon. They were hooked.
We didn’t need screens, toys, or a packed itinerary. We just needed each other, a bit of sky, and space to explore.
Use helpful tools to reduce planning stress
I’ll admit, even as a seasoned camper, finding the right tools is key to figuring out how to get kids to love the outdoors. The ExoTrails has become our go-to for finding gentle, scenic trails that are short enough for small feet and long enough to feel like an adventure. We’ve discovered quiet loops through pine forests, riverside paths with picnic spots, and a glampsite or two we never would’ve found otherwise.
The app gives us a sense of safety and direction—without us needing to over-schedule or overthink. That means more time for wandering, collecting pinecones, and following whatever curiosity leads us.
How to get kids to love the outdoors: Let curiosity lead
If I’ve learned anything about how to get kids to love the outdoors, it’s this: it’s not about making them into expert hikers or campers. It’s about giving them time, space, and freedom to fall in love with nature on their own terms.
It might start with a frog. A puddle. A funny shaped stick. It might take patience. But the love will come not because we told them to love it, but because we stood beside them while they discovered it for themselves. So don’t worry about the distance or the gear. Pack a snack, bring a map, and step outside together. Nature has a way of doing the rest—one moonlit story at a time.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the answer to how to get kids to love the outdoors isn’t found in a rulebook or a long-distance hike. It’s in the shared laughter over a silly-shaped rock, the quiet wonder of watching a trail of ants, and the freedom to explore without an agenda. By prioritizing connection over accomplishment, we don’t just teach our kids to love nature; we create the space for them to discover that love all on their own.
Ready to start your next family adventure? Join our community of explorers in the ExoTrails Facebook Group and follow the ExoTrails Fanpage for daily inspiration and trail tips!
FAQs
How do I get my child interested in nature?
Focus on play and curiosity by turning walks into scavenger hunts, telling stories about the environment, and letting them lead the exploration.
What do you do if your child hates hiking?
Don’t call it hiking; call it exploring or a “snack walk.” Keep it short, bring lots of their favorite treats, and focus on the fun, not the distance.
How can I make camping less stressful with kids?
Opt for glamping, where the tent and beds are already set up, which removes the logistical stress and lets you focus on the fun parts.
What are good, short nature walks for toddlers?
Look for flat, looped trails under 1-2 kilometers that offer sensory elements like streams, interesting leaves, or rocks to climb on.
Is glamping a good option for families?
Yes, glamping is a fantastic option as it provides the magic of sleeping outdoors with the essential comforts of beds and bathrooms, making it easier for everyone.
