Great Outdoors Month | PreK-12 Books & Hands-on Learning | Free Resources & PDF Tool

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Great Outdoors Month

On June 5, 2019, the US Senate officially designated June as Great Outdoors Month, celebrating the nation’s vast and diverse natural landscapes. This annual observance encourages Americans to step outside and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, whether through outdoor recreation, conservation efforts, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk in a local park.

National Great Outdoors Month serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and appreciating the great outdoors, from national and state parks to forests, lakes, and wildlife refuges. It’s a time to embrace outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching, as well as to reflect on the health benefits of spending time in nature. Research has shown that outdoor activities can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being, making this month an excellent opportunity to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the natural world.

To help inspire your next adventure - whether it’s an epic cross-country journey or a quiet afternoon in a nearby park - consider picking up a great book about the outdoors. From thrilling survival stories to nature writing that captures the essence of the wilderness, there’s no shortage of literature to fuel your appreciation for the natural world. Books have the power to transport readers to the most awe-inspiring outdoor settings, offering a deeper connection to nature and a greater understanding of the world beyond our everyday surroundings.

This June, celebrate Great Outdoors Month by stepping outside, embarking on a new adventure, or simply finding a cozy spot under a tree to dive into an inspiring outdoor book. No matter how you choose to participate, the goal is the same: to appreciate and protect the natural world that surrounds us.

Download Book List

Birds (Nature's Classroom)

By Howell, Izzi
Nonfiction
Lower Elementary

Natural Wonders (Stride: the Science of Nature)

By Perdew, Laura
Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
Resources Available

Eye to Eye : How Animals See the World

By Jenkins, Steve
Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
9 Professional reviews

Cool Green : Amazing, Remarkable Trees

By Delacre, Lulu
Nonfiction
Lower Elementary
3 Professional reviews

101 Things to Do on a Walk (Lonely Planet Kids)

By Eaton, Kait
Nonfiction
Middle School

Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing

By Hest, Amy
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
7 Professional reviews

Hello Trees : a Little Guide to Nature

By Chakrabarti, Nina
Nonfiction
Lower Elementary

Clever Crafts With Cardboard Boxes (Clever Crafts With Everyday Things)

By Luciow, Chelsey
Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
1 Professional review

Exploring the National Parks (21st Century Skills Library: National Park Adventures)

By Bell, Samantha
Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
2 Professional reviews

Amazing Heights (21st Century Skills Library: National Park Adventures)

By Bell, Samantha
Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
1 Professional review

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