Take a Hike!

A fun, science-backed guide that shows tweens how spending time outside can boost their mood, reduce stress, and help protect the planet

Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or glued to a screen? Nature has a fix. Take a Hike! is a tween-friendly handbook packed with real science, practical tips, and fun outdoor activities that show kids just how powerful the natural world can be for their mind, body, and mood. From quick ways to de-stress after a tough day to bigger adventures that build confidence and connection, this book meets kids right where they are and gives them a reason to put down the phone, step outside, and discover what nature can do for them.

But this isn't just about feeling better. Take a Hike! also helps kids understand that the relationship between people and the planet goes both ways. When we take care of nature, nature takes care of us. Featuring stunning photography, expert-backed advice from an advisory board of psychologists and nature conservationists, and activities anyone can do no matter where they live, this guide empowers tweens to make time in nature a regular part of their lives for their own well-being and for the health of the planet.

Key features:

• science-backed mental health benefits: explains how time in nature reduces stress, eases anxiety, boosts self-esteem, improves focus, and supports overall emotional well-being
• practical tips and fun activities: filled with easy, doable ideas for getting outside and enjoying nature, whether kids live near mountains, parks, or just a backyard
• tween-friendly tone and stunning photography: written for ages 8 to 12 in a voice that feels relatable, with beautiful nature photography on every page
• encourages environmental stewardship: helps kids see the connection between their own well-being and the health of the planet, inspiring them to protect it
• expert-backed content: developed with an advisory board of psychologists and nature conservationists to ensure the information is accurate, age-appropriate, and actionable
• created by Magination Press®, the children's imprint of APA, in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation®—trusted leaders in children's wellness and nature education

Kate Chynoweth is the author of Lemons: Growing, Cooking, Crafting and A Bouquet of Roses, and her work has appeared in magazines such as Sunset and Real Simple.

The National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest and most trusted conservation organization, works across the country to unite Americans from all walks of life in giving wildlife a voice. NWF has been on the front lines for wildlife since 1936, fighting for the conservation values that are woven into the fabric of our nation’s collective heritage. NWF is also a publisher of magazines for children. For over 55 years, Ranger Rick has aimed to inspire in its readers a greater understanding of the natural world, a deep love of nature and wildlife, and a lasting commitment to conservation and environmental action.

This attractive offering represents a joint effort from the National Wildlife Fund and the American Psychological Association. Aimed at middle-grade students, the book celebrates the awesomeness of the natural world while extolling physical, mental, and emotional benefits gained from spending time outdoors... The creative ideas are adaptable for various locations, seasons, and budgets and consider accessibility and safety concerns. This helpful guide with substantial back matter support should encourage kids to unplug and go outside...
—Booklist

Children today spend less time outside than any previous generation, even though research shows how beneficial spending time in nature is to both mental and physical health. The National Wildlife Federation, along with the American Psychological Association, aims to fix that. In each chapter, readers will learn different ways to grow closer to nature at home, in wild places, near water, and in the woods. Sprinkled throughout are nature-related activity suggestions, asides that focus on explaining natural phenomena or answering questions about nature, and suggestions for small actions to take to make a positive impact on the planet’s health.
—School Library Journal

The Nature Generation's recommended title
—Green Earth Book Awards

Children's Nonfiction
—Green Earth Book Awards

• Take a Hike!
  

  This tween-friendly handbook encourages kids to seek out nature for health benefits and planet protection. Kids who spend more time in nature benefit in mind, body, and spirit! And likewise, benefit the Earth.