Explorers Backpacks

Explorer Backpacks are kits designed to help you get outside!

Each kit comes with 2 or more books on the topic, and equipment that enables you to delve into the wonders of nature. We’ve also put together a Resource Guide for each one so you can find apps, online resources, as well as more books to help with your learning journey.
There are currently 6 kits for children and 2 for adults.

Explore Birding Kit : Backpack for kids kit. Includes 2 books (Birdwatching for Kids by George H. Harrison ; Bird Watch by Christie Matheson), 1 binoculars, 1 "Nature Thoughts" journal, 1 nature journal (to keep), 1 backpack.

Explore Birds

Learn all about birds and use the binoculars to spot some in the wild!
For kids ages 8+, or younger with the help of an adult.  

Explore Water Kit : Backpack for kids kit. Includes 3 books (Do Fish Fart? by Mr. Farting ; Be a Pond Detective by Peggy Kochanoff ; Water by Melissa Stewart), 1 underwater viewer, 1 catch & release container, 1 collapsible bucket & shovel, 1 "Nature Thoughts" journal, 1 nature journal (to keep), 1 backpack.

Explore Water

Discover what goes on underwater! Use the aquascope to explore.
For kids ages 8+, or younger with the help of an adult.  

Explore Bugs Kit : Backpack for kids kit.
Includes 2 books (The Weird and Wonderful World of Bugs by Rea Mandarino ; The Backyard Bug Book for Kids by Lauren Davidson), 1 bug house, 1 butterfly net, 1 magnifying glass, 1 "Nature Thoughts" journal, 1 nature journal (to keep), 1 backpack.

Explore Bugs

Tiny critters like ants and grasshoppers live amazing lives, all around us! Learn about what they do, and use the kit to catch a few to observe.  
For kids ages 8+, or younger with the help of an adult.

Explore Plants & Trees Kit : Backpack for kids kit. Includes 3 books (Exploring Nature by Kim Andrews ; The Secret World of Lichens by Troy McMullin ; A Year of Forest School by Water by Jane Worroll & Peter Houghton), 1 handheld microscope, 1 magnifying glass, 1 large crayon and wood circle in case, 1 nature journal (to keep), 1 backpack.

Explore Plants & Trees

Find out how plants work, and use the microscope to get up close.  
Outdoor play and skill-building too.
For kids ages 8+, or younger with the help of an adult.  

Explore Snow & Ice Kit : Backpack for kids kits. Includes 3 books (The Story of Snow by Mark Cassino ; The Secret Life of a Snowflake by Kenneth Libbrecht ; The Big Book of Nature Activities by Drew Monkman & Jacob Rodenburg), 2 snow brick molds, 1 ice sphere mold, 1 ice cube mold, 1 "Nature Thoughts" journal, 1 nature journal (to keep), 1 backpack.

Explore Snow & Ice

Use the molds to make different ice shapes or look at a snowflake through the microscope!
For kids ages 8+, or younger with the help of an adult.  

Explore Trails & Forests

Hiking poles and binoculars will help you get out into nature and discover the fascinating creatures that live there.
For kids ages 6+, or younger with the help of an adult.  

Explore Birding Kit : Backpack for adults kit. Includes 2 books (Best Places to Bird in Ontario by Kenneth Burrell ; Ontario Birds by Jeffrey Domm), 1 binoculars, 1 journal, 1 backpack.

Explore Birding

Binoculars and birding guidebooks will help you get started on your new hobby.

Explore Hiking & Nature Kit : Backpack for adults kit. Includes 3 books (Southern Ontario Nature Guide by Jeffrey Domm ; Plants of Southern Ontario by Richard Dickinson ; Lichens by Troy McMullin), 1 binoculars, 1 hiking poles, 1 journal, 1 crayon, 1 backpack.

Explore Hiking & Nature

Hiking poles, binoculars, and guidebooks will help you explore local trails and enjoy nature.