With summer heatwaves making midday activities a challenge, parents everywhere are looking for creative, screen-free ways to keep their kids engaged. One fun, educational, and environmentally friendly option that I've done many times with my own girls is to explore local trails for a morning or evening mushroom identification walk.
Not only is this activity budget-friendly, but it also introduces children to nature in an interactive way—teaching them observation skills, safety, and sustainability.
Why Mushroom Spotting?
Early mornings and evenings are ideal times to enjoy the outdoors during summer's hottest days. A short walk through your local park or wooded trail can quickly turn into an exciting scavenger hunt once kids start spotting mushrooms of different shapes and colors.
Best of all? You don’t need to be a mushroom expert. Just download the Google Lens app (it's FREE!) or use the camera function in the Google app—snap a photo of any mushroom you find, and it will help you identify it instantly!
Mushroom Safety 101
This is a perfect opportunity to have an age-appropriate conversation about the importance of never eating mushrooms found in the wild unless they’ve been properly identified by an expert. Even then, it's best to leave them untouched and admire them in their natural environment.
Encourage your children to think about how people have historically foraged for food and medicine and how that knowledge supports environmental stewardship. Learning to observe nature closely can inspire a sense of responsibility and respect for our ecosystems.
Make It Even More Fun: Learning Tools and Accessories
Enhance your mushroom walk experience with a few simple tools that can make the day feel like a real adventure! I've included links to some of the simple and mostly inexpensive accessories that I've used with my own girls to enhance our foraging and learning (affiliate links):
-
Magnifying glass – Take a closer look at mushroom gills, textures, mosses, and insects.
-
Test tubes or sample containers – Collect safe, non-toxic nature samples like leaves, acorns, or bark to take back for sketching or further observation under a microscope.
-
Notebook or sketchpad – Have kids sketch mushrooms or other plant life they find or write down observations.
-
Field guide to mushrooms in New England – Great for cross-referencing visual identifications on Google and getting the kids into searching through reference books.
-
All of these items can turn a simple walk into a full-on science expedition—and spark a lifelong interest in the natural world.
Free Printable Mushroom Coloring & Identification SheetWe’ve created a fun and educational printable PDF featuring five common mushrooms found in New England. Each mushroom includes facts, whether it’s edible or poisonous, and space for kids to color or draw their discoveries.Stay protected during your walk!Myco-C Serum for Summer Skin:While you're out exploring, remember that summer sun can take a toll on your skin. Our Myco-C Serum is packed with natural antioxidants to support:-
Protection from sun damage and cellular changes
-
Skin health and oil regulation—whether your skin is dry or feeling overly oily in the heat
This powerful blend makes it a perfect companion for your summer skincare routine.Use promo code: SUMMERSAVINGS at checkout to receive 10% off your next online order through 7/6/2025 -