Indiana Children and Nature Network
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Resources

 
Many resources are available showing research related to children and nature, activities to do outside, places to explore, educational activities, educational standards related to nature, and much more. Explore this page to connect with these resources and learn more!

The Children and Nature Network is the leading source of information on connecting children with nature.  . Research, a directory of movement participants, news links, and a broad variety of initiatives for parents, teachers, and leaders is available.


Nature Works Everywhere by The Nature Conservancy

Provides teachers, students and families everything they need to start exploring and understanding nature around the globe alongside Nature Conservancy scientists.

The National Wildlife Federation encourages you to "Be Out There" In addition to great info on wildlife, NWF has animal games, tips for gardening for wildlife, an activity finder, and so much more!  NWF has a three year goal of getting 10 Million Kids Outdoors. Don't miss Ranger Rick and the annual Great American Backyard Campout!

Family Nature Play & You- eGuide for families from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  This great guide gives you great ideas for where and how to play outside as a family!

Things to do outdoors
There are many ways to explore, learn, and embrace the outdoors as a family and solo.  In addition to the resources on this page, follow our "Things to Do Outside" and other boards on Pinterest to get fresh ideas!

Every Kid in a Park **NEW PROGRAM
Every 4th grader in the US and their family is entitled to a free park pass giving you access to all Federal public lands!  Get yours today!

DNR Go FishIN Program

Backyard Nature Fun Ideas:
Go Explore Nature
ICAN's Backyard Scavenger Hunt
Learn about nature play areas on our Natural Playspaces page

Destination Indiana
Published by the Indiana Historical Society, this resource can help you identify historically significant locations to visit across Indiana.

30 Ways to Enjoy 30 Minutes in Nature


​Spring Break Amid COVID: How to Celebrate Safely

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Outdoor Fun For Everyone!
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Educators-- interested in lesson plans, environmental education lessons correlated to Indiana standards, outdoor activities, classrooms, and playgrounds?  Check out these resources!

Project WET
Project WILD

Growing Up Wild
Project Learning Tree

National Wildlife Federations School Programs 
NWF Wildlife & Nature Lesson Plans



Training is available for Project Wild, Project Wild, Go FishIN, Project Learning Tree, and Growing up Wild through Indiana DNR. Learn more here.  See other upcoming trainings on our events page.

Not finding what your looking for?  Contact us-- we'll help you find what you need!

Nature Play and Health/Development

The Importance of Outdoor Play and Its Impact on Brain Development in Children

Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela Hanscom

Natural Learning.Org - Connection Children with Nature

Follow us on Pinterest for great ideas on outdoor play activities, teacher and parent resources, and more!
Follow us on Pinterest!

Did you know? 
Indiana has a Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights!  Visit the DNR page to learn more!

Information on Bald Eagles! All About Bald Eagles (from Ms. Garcia's class!)    Bald Eagles in Indiana    Bald Eagle Nest Cam
Follow us on Instagram: inkidsandnature

Contact us: [email protected]
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Indiana Children and Nature Network (ICAN) is a project of the
Environmental Education Association of Indiana (EEAI)