Back to School with Mass Audubon: Activities, Resources, & More

As summer winds down, Mass Audubon has a backpack-load of resources and activities to help you, and your family, make the most of the remaining days while preparing for a successful school year.  

Whether you're a parent shopping for back-to-school supplies, a teacher planning lessons, or just someone who wants to savor the last days of summer, there’s something for everyone. 

Soak Up Time Outdoors 

With the clock ticking down to fluorescent-lit classrooms and noisy cafeterias, make time to slow down, feel the warmth of the sun, listen to babbling brooks, and appreciate your surroundings. Create unforgettable summer memories with your family by exploring new trails and watching for curious critters. You never know what you may find! 

Make new end-of-summer traditions with some of our favorite activities and hikes to enjoy before the bell rings. 

Back-to-School Shopping  

Show off your love for nature with unique wildlife-themed supplies from the Mass Audubon Shop. What better accessories to complement your first day outfit than an owl-themed journal, butterfly colored pencils, and stacking stones eraser set? Whether you're looking for nature-themed desk trinkets or educational toys and books, we’ve got you covered. Plus, Mass Audubon members enjoy a 10% discount on all purchases! Shop online or in-person. 

Activity Sheets & Scavenger Hunts 

Fan the flames of your child’s interest in nature with these downloadable resources. Seasonal scavenger hunts inspire a sense of exploration and sharpens your child’s attention to detail. Themed activity sheets go beyond coloring inside the lines with projects that connect creative lessons to the world outdoors. Download or print your favorites to have on hand for after-school time or rainy days. 

Nature Smarts Workbooks 

Mass Audubon’s Nature Smarts Workbooks are packed with interactive learning activities that expand STEM knowledge to include nature literacy. Developed by our environmental educators, these workbooks feature colorfully illustrated games, puzzles, mazes, and activities. They are perfect for homeschooling families and budding naturalists, ages 4-12. 

Resources for Teachers 

Teachers, you don’t need to tackle lesson planning alone! Our trips, workshops, and lessons integrate environmental education into your curriculum seamlessly. Explore our collection of teaching units and curriculum for grades pre-K-12, covering topics that include wildlife, climate change, and Massachusetts-specific phenomena. Schedule field trips or classroom visits for hands-on learning experiences and take advantage of our professional development workshops to effectively communicate complex topics like climate science. 

More to Explore 

Sure, there’s plenty to learn inside the classroom, but there’s still more to explore outside! Complement biology lessons with a closer look into the lives of local wildlife; draw inspiration for music class from the melodies of birdsong; and break free from the gymnasium by getting your steps in on a scenic trail. There’s more than one way to learn, discover more options available by joining a Mass Audubon program near you.