List

Get Out of the House

By Skokie Staff Youth Services

This handy guide to imagining and creating activities and adventures in your backyard and beyond includes books for all ages.

The Ultimate Book of Scavenger Hunts: 42 Outdoor Adventures to Conquer with Your Family
2020 by Tornio, Stacy
Almost every location and situation is ripe for a scavenger hunt, and this book will show you how! For adults, this book focuses on fun and educational activities for families with children ages 4-10.

Get this item

Camping Activity Book for Families: The Kid-Tested Guide to Fun in the Outdoors
2016 by Hamilton, Linda Parker
Full of recipes, songs, projects, and games, this book is perfect for families that are looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors together. For adults, this book is organized around time of day, with age-specific recommendations.

Get this item

Backyard Adventure: Get Messy, Get Wet, Build Cool Things, and Have Tons of Wild Fun
2019 by Thomsen, Amanda
Imaginary play in nature is vital for children's growing minds. With whimsical projects, using repurposed materials and existing outdoor spaces, this book is budget-friendly and 100% inspiring. Ages 6-10.

Get this item

Families on Foot: Urban Hikes to Backyard Treks and National Park Adventures
2017 by Davis, Jennifer Pharr
This book abounds with inspirational ideas for people of all ages and all abilities to get excited about and engaged in family hikes. For adults.

Get this item

Kaufman Field Guide to Nature of the Midwest
2015 by Kaufman, Kenn
The ultimate guide to all facets of nature in the Midwest. It's an easy book to pack in your bag or bring into your backyard for quick identification. For all ages.

Get this item

Kids' Guide to Camping: All You Need to Know about Having Fun in the Outdoors
2017 by Winner, Cherie
If you want to know what it takes to have the best camping experience, this book shares it all, from choosing the best campsite to pitching your tent to entertaining yourself after dark, and a whole lot more. You will be ready for your great adventure. Ages 8-11.

Get this item

The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids: How to Plan Memorable Family Adventures and Connect Kids to Nature
2012 by Olsson, Helen
Great for beginners, this book is loaded with helpful tips and information for families interested in foregoing expensive trips and enjoying the outdoors without giving up any fun. Perfect for families looking for small getaways close to home. For adults.

Get this item

Hike
2020 by Oswald, Pete
This beautiful, wordless picture book follows a father and child as they prepare for, journey to, and enjoy a hike not too far from their home in the city. As the reader, you will experience the adventure and witness the true purpose of their hike together. Ages 4-8.

Get this item

The Camping Trip
2020 by Mann, Jennifer K.
Join Ernestine as she goes on her first outdoor camping adventure. This graphic novel-style picture book, which details the wonderment and unexpected moments of Ernestine's adventure, is a great way to introduce camping to young readers. Ages 3-7.

Get this item

Dig In! 12 Easy Gardening Projects Using Kitchen Scraps
2018 by Cornell, Kari A.
You won't believe the delicious fruits and vegetables you can grow right from your own food scraps! With step-by-step instructions, this is easy and delicious fun. Ages 8-11.

Get this item

Cool Maps & Geocaching: Great Things to Do in the Great Outdoors
2016 by Hengel, Katherine
A great introduction to geocaching, this book offers several projects to make and take outside, with easy-to-follow steps and photographs. Plus, hiking bingo! Ages 8-12.

Get this item

Hike It Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers
2018 by Hodges, Shanti
Having a baby or toddler doesn't mean you have to put your dreams of discovering the outdoors aside. Sourced from real families, this book rates the safety and accessibility of 100 great trips perfect for parents with children younger than 5. Hike it Baby is a national nonprofit aimed at giving families the confidence and support to explore the outdoors. For adults.

Get this item

Great Things to Do Outside: 365 Awesome Outdoor Activities
2014 by Ambrose, Jamie
No matter the season, no matter the weather, this book presents an outdoor activity for each day of the year. With great photographs and step-by-step instructions, you'll be sure to create some amazing memories. Ages 5-9.

Get this item

Wild Adventures
2015 by Manning, Mick
This book highlights some great outdoor activities, including animal tracking, stargazing, outdoor cooking, how to light a fire safely (with adult supervision), birdcalls, and so much more. Ages 8-12.

Get this item