A new classic outdoor adventure story your kids will love
There's a good chance you'll remember some of the outdoor books on this list from when you were a kid, while others are sure to become classics over time, such as wild robotwas recently made into a feature film. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, we're sure one (or three!) of the stories below will be something your kids won't be able to put down. Or even better? These books are sure to inspire a lifetime of outdoor adventures.
Adventure stories for young readers
1) Miracle Walker|Misha Archer
exist Miracle WalkerTwo curious children start walking in nature, marveling at the world around them and asking imaginative questions like “Is the sun the light bulb of the world?” and “Are rivers the veins of the earth?” Beautifully illustrated picture books filled with vibrant collages inspire young readers to explore the outdoors and observe nature through a lens of wonder and curiosity. Great for sparking discussions about nature. (Age 3-7)
2) We’re going on a bear hunt | Michael Rosen
Inspired by the classic camp slogan of the same name, We're going bear hunting A quick and entertaining read about a father and his four children who embark on a joyous journey – across rivers, through mud, and into blizzards – all in search of a bear . This is an adventure that's sure to elicit a lot of laughs and a few “uh-oh!” From the smallest outdoor enthusiast. (2 – 5 years old)
3) Camping Bash with Mr. Magee | Chris Van Dusen
Raging waterfalls, marshmallow-eating bears, and retro-style campers all play a role in this hilarious tale of a camping adventure gone wrong. Rhyming text and vivid illustrations make this story fun to read. Moreover, it’s hard to say who will like the exquisite illustrations drawn by the author himself. Camping party with Mr. Magee More, you or the kids. (4 – 7 years old)
4) Wild Robot | Author: Peter Brown
We know humans can survive harsh conditions in the wilderness, but can the robot Rhodes? Published by best-selling author and illustrator Peter Brown and now a feature-length film, wild robotexplores the relationship between technology and nature as readers follow a shipwrecked robot as he struggles to survive on a remote and rugged island. Filled with lessons in outdoor survival and kindness, this unique book quickly became a classic. The movie is great, but the book is even better. (8 – 12 years old)
5) The Camping Trip That Changed America | Barb Rosenstock
Not all history books are boring. The camping trip that changed America A simple and engaging account of one of our country's most important environmental moments. You know, when John Muir took President Theodore Roosevelt camping in the Yosemite wilderness and sparked the creation of our national parks. This book introduces the concept of conservation but also the simple joys of the outdoors. (6-8 years old)
6) Island of the Blue Dolphins | Author: Scott Odell
blue dolphin island Considered by many to be one of the greatest children's books of all time. For older children, this engaging book is the ultimate story of survival and resilience. Set on a small island off the coast of California, a young girl named Karana finds the courage, skills, and resources to endure alone for nearly two decades. If you read aloud to children, you may want some tissues. (7 – 10 years old)
7) Where the Red Fern Grows | Author: Wilson Rawls
A touching and emotional story about the bond between a boy and his dog, Where red ferns grow It has been a beloved childhood book for decades. Set against the backdrop of the Ozark Mountains, a young boy named Billy saves money to buy a pair of coonhounds, which he trains to be the best hunting dogs in the area. Warning: Your kids may get teary-eyed reading this book, but this story of love and adventure is not to be missed. (8 – 12 years old)
8) Operation Redwood | Author: S. Terrell French
It’s never too early to lay the foundation for environmental activism Operation Redwood Showing that even children can help protect the planet. When a young boy discovers a company plans to cut down some of the oldest redwood trees, he takes immediate action. It's an eco-adventure that pits a group of kids who want to “save the trees” against big business. How cool is this news? (8-12 years old)
9) My Side of the Mountain | Author: Gene Craighead George
My mountain side It tells the story of Sam Gribley, a young boy who voluntarily chooses to live outdoors. Sam escapes a cramped New York City apartment and heads to the Catskill Mountains, where he becomes a young outdoorsman. His adventures undoubtedly inspired generations of children. (8 – 12 years old)
10) Little House in the Big Woods | Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder
The first book in the iconic Tiny House series, little house in the woods Definitely not for girls (none of the books in the series are geared towards that). Set in a Wisconsin cabin and author Laura Ingalls Wilder's pioneer childhood, this is a story about homesteading – growing your own food, hunting and… Gathering – but also about the thrill of exploring the wilderness alone as a child. . (8 – 12 years old)
11) Two Little Savages | Author: Ernest Thompson Seton
Written by one of the founders of the Boy Scouts of America, Two little savages It's as much a lesson about all things outdoors as it is about two boys who convinced their parents to let them live in a teepee for a month. What’s the coolest part about this classic children’s outdoor book? As your young readers follow these two friends on their adventures in the woods, they'll unwittingly gain fun information about plants and wildlife, how to make items, and other real-life survival skills like starting a fire without matches. . (8 – 14 years old)
The Best Adventure Books for Older Kids | Ages 10+
12) Ax | Gary Paulson
ax This is one of those stories that will stay with your children into adulthood as they recall some of the best books they have ever read. After a small engine plane crashes, 13-year-old Brian Robertson must survive alone in the Canadian wilderness. His only possession is a small ax given to him by his mother before traveling. During his 54 days in the forest, Brian learned respect for nature, how to overcome obstacles, and an appreciation for life. (10 – 13 years old)
13) Paddling to the Sea|Author: Holling C. Holling
A young boy carved a wooden canoe with a man inside. There is a small inscription at the bottom, which he titled “Paddle out to sea” and left the carving on a snowdrift next to the creek that leads to Lake Superior. When the snow melts, the adventure begins and the little wooden boat is sent downstream to the Great Lakes and eventually all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. For parents and kids alike, It's all been a fascinating journey. (10 years old-12 years old)
14) Downstream | Will Hobbs
Can you imagine a group of teenagers crossing the Grand Canyon alone across the Colorado River? This is what's on downstreamOne of the “100 Best Young Adult Books of the 20th Century” selected by the American Library Association, it tells the story of eight misfit high school students who illegally embark on a rafting trip from Lee's Ferry. This is an exciting read for young adults, filled with conflict, misadventures, the forces of nature, and incredible details about the attractions within the Grand Canyon. (Age 12+)
15) As far as the eye can see: The true story of the youngest person to climb the Seven Summits | Jordan Romero
At the age of 13, Jordan Romero became the youngest person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. By the age of 15, he had climbed the highest peaks on every continent. In this inspiring teen memoir, Jordan shares his story of challenges and triumphs and reveals what it takes to achieve his dreams. No summit is out of sight This is a powerful read about what people are capable of when setting goals. (Age 12+)
This article was originally published in 2016 and has since been updated.
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