30 Ways to Harvest Time Outside

Welcome to Back to Nature School A gentle seasonal rhythm to carry us from summer into fall. This isn’t a full-blown initiative; it’s a soft place to land. Back to Nature School is a light, flexible offering for families and communities easing through the seasonal shift. It’s not about adding more to your plate, it’s about keeping connection and outdoor time doable as routines begin to change. What You’ll Find in This Download: Printable, real-life-friendly activity pages Mixed-age ideas that work in your neighborhood, backyard, or local park Simple ways to keep nature in the mix, without needing a full day or perfect conditions Use one each week, mix and match, or follow your rhythm. This resource is here to support whatever the season looks like for you. ¿Prefieres leer en español? De Regreso a la Escuela en la Naturaleza: Cuaderno de Actividades 🌱 Green Tip: We encourage downloading and viewing this resource digitally when possible to reduce paper waste,  but we also recognize that screens may not always fit into your outdoor routine. If printing helps your family unplug and stay present, that’s part of the balance too. ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building a world where families with babies and young children can grow up connected to nature and to each other. We focus on the earliest years of life, providing families with the support, community, and resources they need to feel welcome, included, and confident outdoors. Through volunteer-led communities, nature-based programs, and family-centered tools, we help remove barriers and expand access to outdoor connection. Since our grassroots start in 2013, OutGrown has reached over 350,000 families nationwide, supported by a vibrant network of more than 300 volunteer leaders. Learn more at WeAreOutGrown.org EDITOR’S NOTE Thanks for taking the time to read this piece. At OutGrown, we create content rooted in real life, built to support families, reflect lived experiences, and celebrate the small, meaningful ways we connect with nature. Every article, guide, and reflection is part of our mission to make the outdoors feel possible, welcoming, and worth showing up for. If this resource helped you feel more confident, seen, or inspired, we invite you to support our work. Donate or learn more at WeAreOutGrown.org.

This simple, nature-based activity encourages little ones to slow down and look closely at the world around them. Designed for fall, “Leaf What You Find” helps children build observation skills, connect with their surroundings, and enjoy the magic of the season, one leaf at a time. About OutGrown OutGrown is a national nonprofit working to ensure that every family, especially those with babies and young children, can experience the benefits of time outside. Since our grassroots beginning in 2013, we have supported more than 300,000 families with the help of thousands of volunteers across the country. We believe nature belongs to all of us from the very beginning. That means creating opportunities, removing barriers, and supporting families in finding their way outdoors, whether that starts with a stroller walk, a community outing, or a quiet moment under the sky. You can learn more and explore our programs at WeAreOutGrown.org. Editor’s Note Thank you for reading. At OutGrown, we believe content should offer more than information. It should create a connection, support real-life caregiving, and reflect how families grow together through nature. Everything we share is made with care by our team and volunteer community. If this piece inspired you or helped you feel more confident in your outdoor journey, we invite you to support our work by donating today. Your contributions help us keep resources free and accessible to all families. Please remember that the experiences and tips shared in this article are for general information only. They are not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or safety advice. Always consult with a qualified provider if you have specific concerns or questions. We are glad you are here. We are growing something meaningful together