Free Nature Study Resources for Homeschool (Ages 4-12)
You don't need a paid curriculum to start nature study: a notebook, time outside, and a few free tools go a long way. Everything here is free or has a free tier.
1. Homeschool Nature Study (Outdoor Hour Challenge)
Nature Study Curriculum · Ages 4-12 · Free + paid
Barb McCoy's nature study site, based on the Handbook of Nature Study, with seasonal lessons. Free content plus a paid membership.
2. Raising Little Shoots
Nature Study Curriculum · Ages 4-12 · Free + paid · Christian
Slow, seasonal, Charlotte Mason-inspired nature study, with free nature journal pages.
3. Seek by iNaturalist
App · Ages 4-12 · Free · 4.8 ★ (31k) App Store · Oct 2026
A free, kid-safe ID app for plants, animals and fungi. It needs no registration, per the iNaturalist site.
4. Merlin Bird ID
App · Ages 4-12 · Free · 4.9 ★ (114k) App Store · Oct 2026
A free bird ID app from the Cornell Lab: identify birds by sound, photo or three simple questions.
5. Cornell Lab K-12 Education
Citizen Science · Ages 5-12 · Free
Free bird and nature lessons organized by grade band (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).
6. 1000 Hours Outside
Free Resource · Ages 4-12 · Free + paid · 4.8 ★ (8k) App Store · Oct 2026
A challenge to spend 1000 hours outside in a year, with free trackers.
7. National Wildlife Federation: Kids and Family
Free Resource · Ages 4-12 · Free
NWF programs and resources to help parents get kids outside.
8. NPS Junior Ranger Program
Free Resource · Ages 4-12 · Free
Kids complete activities at national parks, or online, to earn a Junior Ranger badge.
9. KidsGardening
Free Resource · Ages 4-12 · Free
Free resources for gardening with kids.
Once you're ready for structure, browse the Nature Study Curriculum category for paid, open-and-go options.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best free nature study app for kids?
- Two free options in our directory are Seek by iNaturalist, which identifies plants, animals and fungi with the camera and needs no registration, and Merlin Bird ID from the Cornell Lab, which identifies birds by sound, photo or three questions. Their App Store ratings are shown on their listings.
- Is there a free nature study curriculum?
- Homeschool Nature Study (the Outdoor Hour Challenge) has free content plus a paid membership. Raising Little Shoots offers free nature journal pages, and AmblesideOnline, a free Charlotte Mason curriculum, includes nature study.
- How can kids earn a badge for nature activities?
- The National Park Service Junior Ranger program lets kids complete activities at parks or online to earn a Junior Ranger badge. It's free.