With many of Michigan's school-aged children learning from home this year, we would like to provide some fun and educational activities aimed at history and the outdoors.
We've put together an extensive list of links and materials to provide kids and their caregivers with plenty to do. Resources include videos from our state park interpreters, outdoor scavenger hunts, reading materials, free apps, websites, virtual tours and more.
We would like to give a big THANK YOU to all the individuals and organizations who shared their materials.
DNR educators share their knowledge in 30-minute lessons on birds, habitat, wetlands and Michigan’s natural resources.
Christine Steensma, interpreter at Oden State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, shares nature facts and humor from up north.
Join educators from across the state as they celebrate Earth Week – and the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day!
Ludington State Park interpreter Alan Wernette teaches you about trees, stones, river banks and more.
Join Bay City park interpreter Jonathan Massung as he teaches you about birds, tying knots and other outdoor skills.
Join Hartwick Pines park interpreter Craig Kasmer as he shows you how to find clues to identify Michigan trees.
Nature educators from our visitor centers around the state talk frogs, fish, birds, beavers and more.
Aquatic education coordinator Tracy Page talks about water-dwelling critters, fish skills and activities, and more.
A series of 11 videos testing your knowledge of Michigan mammals as you investigate wildlife crime scenes. Check your answers here!
This video series will help you identify a variety of Michigan snake species you may encounter in your outdoor exploration.
Take a tour of the Wolf Lake Hatchery Visitor Center and learn how we raise millions of fish each year and why we raise them.
Join staff from the Outdoor Adventure Center as they show you how you can enjoy nature in your neighborhood, or your own backyard.
MichiGame virtual trivia game (test your Great Lakes State knowledge)
Engineer a seed getaway (learn about plant life cycles)
Nature American Sign Language (learn signs for nature terms)
Michigan's great outdoors word search (grades K-2)
Detroit Public TV/PBS education resources
Michigan's great outdoors word search (grades 3-5)
Every Tree for Itself (eastern white pine tree activity)
Tree Factory (activity to learn about parts of a tree)
Michigan's great outdoors word search (grades 6-8)
Every Drop Counts (water conservation activity)
Build a fish from Shedd Aquarium
Viewpoints on the Line (activity to learn about discussing controversial issues)
Webinar series about wolves (high school or college age)
Build a nature scavenger hunt app
Foster outdoor observation skills – easy-to-use activities grades K-8
Create a garden that helps wildlife
Identify wildlife using scat:
-Scat dichotomy key (with images)
-Scat dichotomy key (text only)
Sense detectives – use your senses and search the forest for the needs of real animals
Activities and videos about fish and wildlife
Urban ecology lesson plan and field guide
Field investigation guide –asking questions, designing investigations, building science skills step by step.
Find these apps and more in the Apple App Store or Google Play: