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Acorn Crew: activities and resource for children and families

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow

Acorn CartoonThis proverb recognizes the enormous potential hidden inside small things. We want to help you tap into that potential in the children in your life through the Acorn Crew. 

INHF's Acorn Crew provides activities and resources to get children and families outdoors and exploring nature, together! Many of our events are also family friendly. Enjoy the free resources shared below and visit some of the linked resources for more ways to explore.

Outdoor and hands-on activities
Coloring pages:

Scavenger hunts and other activities:

  • Learn More from INHF

    Read more from our blog on a variety of topics relating to the benefits of spending time outdoors for children and people of all ages:

  • Contact Us

    If you have questions about the Acorn Crew or ideas for items to include, contact Sydney Algreen-Hunter at shunter@inhf.org.

  • Resources from across the state and beyond

    My County Parks

    • Find affordable or free activities for youth and families as well as camping information from your local county conservation board.

    KinderNature

    • A directory for parents and early childhood educators with resources to explore nature including songs, crafts, activities, snacks and games for children from 0 to 6 years.  
    • The site was developed by the Iowa Conservation Education Coalition and funded by the Iowa Department of Natural Resource’s Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program.

    Iowa Young Birders

    • Founded in 2011 to encourage young Iowans ages 8-18 to study and enjoy birds and birding.

    Take-a-kid-outdoors

    • TAKO, an Iowa based non-profit, offers immersive outdoor experiences to children and and people of all ages.

    Outdoor Journey for Girls

    • Outdoor Journey for Girls (OJ) is designed to expose girls aged 12 - 15yrs to the outdoors through hands-on experiences including canoeing, water safety, camping, survival, hunter education and fishing. Workshops take place annually in June, July and August.

    Hike it Baby

    • Hike it Baby is a national non-profit that offers a wide variety of hikes appealing to families specifically. In Iowa, Hike it Baby currently has active groups in central and eastern Iowa. 

    Forest Holidays

    • A site based out of the UK that offers information on the benefits of youth getting outdoors, ways to explore nature with children and other useful resources. 

    Zooniverse

    • Zooniverse gives people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to participate in real research with over 50 active online citizen science projects.