A few tips and strategies for taking nature walks with young children. 
This list is not complete. Add and adapt it for every walk.

Advance “field trip” to scout the area (by adults). Take photos for recall or discussing with children.
Determine goals of walking field trip (observation, drawing from nature, collection, etc.).
Communicate route to center director, if applicable.
Signed blanket or individual field trip permissions by all participating children.
Check the weather report for thunderstorm and tornado reports.
Rain jackets (possibly umbrellas) to use in a gentle rain; boots if muddy (dress for weather).
First aid kit including class list and emergency phone numbers; sanitizing gel; cell phone
Magnifiers, popsicle sticks, small paper plates or containers for close-up observation.
Clips/paper or notebook and crayons or fine markers.
Cardboard tube “binoculars” (or “window” frames); child sized field glasses.
Identification book or laminated picture cards if you are looking for something in particular.

Take your time! Look up, down, look all around. Listen for sounds; sniff for scents; feel the weather on skin! Use all the senses and talk about what you hear, feel, see, smell.

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