Take the Moon for a Walk

Intro

Taking a nighttime moon walk is a great family activity to engage kids' senses and help toddlers, preschoolers and elementary age kids connect with nature.

Tuning in to the moon can give kids the chance to slow down, look up and really connect with the wonder of the light that shines above us. Summer nights are a perfect time to make tradition out of a family night hike. We call it, “taking the moon for a walk”—and it’s both thrilling and calming under any moon, at any age.   

What To Do

Step 1: Plan your route.

Pick a patch of nature you would like to use for your night hike. Could be the backyard, a local trail or park. 

Step 2: Introduce the idea.

Perhaps our favorite way to kick off a night hike is to read a picture book. Choose from this list of our favorite moon books. After the story, ask kids what they think happens outside at night. Accept any answers, then spring it on them: We are going to stay up late, go outside and find out for ourselves!

Step 3: Prepare together.

Let kids help you gather the gear you need. You may want a flashlight or lantern or two. Get gussied up in pajamas and whatever outerwear your weather requires. While you’re preparing, ask questions like, “What will Grampy think when we tell him about this?!” and play up how exciting and unusual this walk will be. 

Step 4: Experience the walk.

We like to head out with our lanterns lit, enjoying their glow and using the light to help us find our footing. Once into our walk, though, we make a ceremony of blowing them out altogether. Good practice with self control aside, the sudden switch to darkness makes the stars and moon seem extra brilliant, often making that moment breathtaking. While you are walking, stop to look, listen, smell, feel and touch. Notice which other creatures are near you. Go slow. Take it all in. Ooo and ahh plenty. Take a moment to still bodies and voices and take in the sounds of the night. Or, if your crew is feeling more festive than quiet, suggest that you dance in the moonlight or sing a song to the moon. Here is a list of some of our favorite moon songs.

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Step 5: Chat upon return.

Ending a special experience by processing a bit together makes that experience more memorable and meaningful to kids. Talk together about what you saw, how it felt, who was out there with you, and anything else you noticed. Learn about this month’s moon together.

Extend The Play!

Want more play ideas to help kids fall in love with the moon? Try our Thanking the Moon DIY Activity or our Serenade the Moon DIY. 

Why this is Good for Kids

Simply the act of going outside the typical schedule is thrilling to little kids (We are OUT at night?!). Kids will also undoubtedly become more curious for having wondered about the outdoors at night and taken the next step to actually go and explore it. The experience of walking and noticing all that one can notice at night sharpens kids’ senses, awakens their imagination and opens their eyes to a whole side of nature that young children rarely, if ever, experience. And, perhaps, taking night time walks will become a tradition for your family too.