Explore More. Learn More. Love the Outdoors.

For a day hike, pack the essentials: water (at least 2 liters), snacks or a packed lunch, a trail map or GPS device, sunscreen, a hat, a first-aid kit, an extra layer of clothing, and appropriate footwear. Check the weather forecast before you go, and always tell someone your planned route and expected return time.

Start small! Visit a local park, nature reserve, or garden. You don't need expensive gear — comfortable shoes, water, and curiosity are enough. Try a short walk on a well-marked trail, and gradually increase distance and difficulty. Our 'Start Here' guide walks you through your first outdoor adventure step by step.

Leave No Trace is a set of seven principles designed to minimize human impact on the environment when spending time outdoors. The principles include: plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.

Great family-friendly activities include nature scavenger hunts, birdwatching, easy trail walks, nature journaling, rock skipping at a lake, stargazing, building a nature shelter, and identifying wildflowers. We offer free printable guides for many of these activities in our Resources section.

Absolutely not! You can enjoy nature with minimal equipment. Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water, and sunscreen are all you really need to start. As your interest grows, you can gradually invest in quality items like hiking boots, a backpack, and binoculars — but many of the best outdoor experiences are completely free.

Start with a field guide specific to your region, or use free apps like Merlin (for birds), iNaturalist (for all species), or Seek by iNaturalist (great for beginners and kids). We also offer a free Animal Track Guide PDF and seasonal identification guides in our Resources section.