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.](https://www.innisfilidealab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Birds-scaled-2-1024x1024.jpg)
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.](https://www.innisfilidealab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Water-scaled-1-1024x1024.jpg)
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.](https://www.innisfilidealab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Bugs-scaled-1-1024x1024.jpg)
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.](https://www.innisfilidealab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Plants-scaled-1-1024x1024.jpg)
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.](https://www.innisfilidealab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Ice-scaled-1-1024x1024.jpg)
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.
![](https://www.innisfilidealab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Trails-scaled-1-1024x1024.jpg)
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 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.](https://www.innisfilidealab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Adult-hiking-scaled-1-1024x1024.jpg)
Explore Hiking & Nature
Hiking poles, binoculars, and guidebooks will help you explore local trails and enjoy nature.