6 Ways to Easily Do Desert Nature Study with Kids in Summer

With temperatures in the triple digits, desert nature study in the summer can be difficult. A quick nature walk during the day is not always possible and can even be dangerous. Even stepping out in your own backyard for more than a few minutes may prove a difficult task. Desert nature study in the summer months takes some creativity and ingenuity, but it is possible.

With its stark beauty, the desert is a place brimming with unique flora and fauna. From plants to wildlife, there are always ample subjects to include in a nature study on the desert. And the summer months bring their own special flair. There’s no need to miss out because of the scorching heat.

Here are six easy ways to beat the heat and continue your desert nature study during those sweltering summer months.

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Plan Your Nature Walks for the Cooler Part of the Day

Our family loves going on nature walks. During the summer months, we move these walks to very early in the morning or in the evening. We avoid the hottest parts of the day and skip any days with an excessive heat warning.

We love picking a short hike in the evening and planning to reach the crest just as the sun is setting. Desert sunsets are a beautiful array of bold, vivid colors. I take my camera while the kids bring along their sketchbooks to capture the sunset.

Night hikes are also a great way to learn about the desert’s nocturnal animals. Libraries and other youth programs sometimes put on guided family night hikes during the summer months. Look to see if any in your area participate. In any case, be sure to bring a flashlight and plenty of water. Even though it’s cooler out, the heat can still be dehydrating.

Be Early to Rise–Start Your Day with Nature Study

Aside from cooler night temperatures, the best time to do your desert nature study is early in the morning. In fact, the earlier the better. Different animals will be out during the early mornings and flowers that closed up for the night will be open again.

Comparing and contrasting the difference between desert flora and fauna in the early morning and evening can also be a fun activity.

Participate in Evening Desert Nature Programs

Check with nearby State Parks, Reserves, and local libraries for special summer programs. Often they will host one or two nights during the summer where they will bring docents to share with the public about desert nightlife. These free events are typically geared toward the whole family and can be a unique learning experience.

Install Bird Baths and Feeders in Your Yard

While it may be too hot to play outdoors, you can still observe nature from inside your air-conditioned house. Putting a bird bath or bird feeder in front of a window will allow you to watch for birds throughout the day. Pick up a guide for birds in your area to help you identify them. We like the National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Southwestern States: Arizona, New Mexica, Nevada, Utah. Keep track of how many birds and of what type show up during the day and look for patterns.

If you haven’t already, begin your own birder’s life list and journal. This is a list of every species of bird you come across. You can sketch the bird, and keep notes about the species or where and when you saw them. If you just want this to be part of your regular nature sketchbook, that’s okay too.

Learn the Summer Constellations

Summer is a great time to take your nature study “after hours.” During the day you can study the shapes and learn the approximate location of the summer constellations. Then stay up a little later and find a spot away from city lights where you can look for them in the night sky. Check if there are any observatories near you and when they are open to the public for a better view and awesome experience.

We like to go camping (where it’s a little cooler) in the summer months, so we get a better view of the constellations outside of the city lights.

Look for Indoor Opportunites to Study Desert Nature

Not all nature study needs to take place outdoors. Museums, like the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, are a great place to study the desert wildlife during the summer months when you’re naturally looking for cooler places to pass the time. Check around your local or nearby areas to see what indoor opportunities are available to you.

If your zoo has a local animals section, take advantage of their early summer hours to look at native animals.

Be Intentional in Your Desert Nature Study

Don’t let high temperatures put a furlough on your desert nature study. More intentional planning, precautions, and some out-of-the-box thinking are needed in the summer, but nothing too difficult. Depending on the age of your kids, early morning or evening may work better. Whether you decide on morning or night, make sure you have dressed appropriately and have plenty of water.

Most importantly, have fun, be safe, and don’t forget the sketchbook!