Think Outside Boxes: Raising Kids Who Love Adventure, One Season at a Time
Outdoor learning, real adventure skills, and a little more childhood spent outside.
I've always believed that some of the greatest lessons our children learn happen outdoors.
There's something pretty special about watching a child discover how to navigate a trail, recognize wildlife, tie their first knot, or simply become curious about the natural world around them.
As a mom of three boys and founder of Kids Who Explore, I'm always looking for ways to encourage that curiosity. Not every adventure needs to involve a big mountain or an elaborate camping trip. Sometimes it starts in our own backyard, with a little inspiration and the opportunity to try something new.
That's one of the reasons I love the idea behind Think Outside Boxes.
Their outdoor education kits are designed to help children develop practical skills, build confidence, and connect with nature through hands-on learning.
And I think that's something worth bringing into more childhoods.
What Are Think Outside Boxes?
Think Outside creates outdoor adventure and educational kits that encourage kids to get away from screens and discover the world around them.
Rather than simply giving children something to play with, each kit introduces an outdoor theme through activities, educational resources, and gear that helps them put their new knowledge into practice.
The idea is simple: give kids the tools and confidence to explore.
Whether they're learning about animal tracks, discovering how a compass works, or practising outdoor safety skills, these experiences create opportunities for children to become more independent and curious about nature.
Think Outside offers two age-based programs, making it possible for younger children and older adventurers to learn at their own pace.
Think Outside Junior: Ages 4–7
For the littlest explorers with the biggest questions.
The Think Outside Junior program is designed for children ages four to seven, introducing outdoor concepts through play, discovery, and parent-guided activities.
With a four-year-old and a six-year-old at home, this is the program that feels especially relevant to our family's current season.
I love this age because everything feels like a discovery. A worm on the trail, a bird building its nest, or a puddle after a rainstorm can turn into an entire afternoon of questions and exploration.
Each seasonal shipment includes three themed kits featuring:
16-page activity booklets with stories and activities for each theme
Toys and outdoor gear sized for younger children
Educational flashcards and postcards
Seasonal outdoor bingo cards
Additional downloadable activities and resources
The Junior program explores different themes throughout the year.
Fall: Night, Fish, First Aid
Winter: Mammals, Repair, Knots
Spring: Homes, Shadow, Rain
Summer: Navigation, Plants, Worms
I especially love that these themes encourage children to pay attention to the little things happening around them.
Because learning to love nature often begins with learning to notice it.
Think Outside: Ages 7–16+
For growing adventurers ready to learn real outdoor skills.
As our children grow, so does their curiosity and desire for independence.
The Think Outside program for ages 7–16+ introduces more advanced outdoor education, giving kids opportunities to develop skills they can carry into future adventures.
Each seasonal shipment includes three themed kits with:
Educational booklets of more than 28 pages per theme
Three to five pieces of outdoor gear per theme
Water-resistant reference cards
Hands-on activities and family challenges
Educational features about national parks and the wider world
Downloadable learning resources
The program explores topics such as:
Fall: Night, Water, First Aid
Winter: Wildlife, Repair, Knots
Spring: Shelter, Fire, Weather
Summer: Navigation, Nutrition, Nature
I love the idea of children gradually building their own collection of outdoor gear while learning how to use it.
There's a different kind of confidence that comes from knowing how to do something yourself, whether that's finding your direction with a compass or understanding how to prepare for changing weather.
These are skills that can grow alongside our children.
How the Seasonal Boxes Work
One of the changes Think Outside has made is moving away from a traditional subscription model.
Families can now choose the seasons they want to purchase, without committing to recurring payments.
Each seasonal shipment includes three themed outdoor kits.
You can purchase one season, two seasons, or a full year of outdoor learning.
That means families can choose the experience that best fits their children's interests, ages, and outdoor adventures.
Think Outside Junior | Ages 4–7
One Season: $90 USD — 3 themed kits
Two Seasons: $170 USD — 6 themed kits
Full Year: $340 USD — 12 themed kits
Think Outside | Ages 7–16+
One Season: $135 USD — 3 themed kits
Two Seasons: $260 USD — 6 themed kits
Full Year: $520 USD — 12 themed kits
Think Outside currently advertises free shipping within the United States. Canadian families should confirm shipping availability and costs at checkout.
Why I Love the Idea of Outdoor Learning Through Every Season
Living in the Canadian Rockies, our family experiences four very different seasons of adventure.
In summer, we're hiking, camping, and exploring mountain trails. Fall brings changing leaves and opportunities to discover how nature prepares for winter. Winter is filled with snow, wildlife tracks, and learning how to adventure in colder conditions.
And spring always feels like the world is waking up again.
What I appreciate about Think Outside is that its learning themes follow the seasons, encouraging children to keep discovering nature throughout the year.
Because outdoor childhood isn't something that needs to pause when the weather changes.
It simply looks a little different.
And while I love taking my boys on bigger adventures, I also believe there's so much value in the smaller moments. Learning something new in the backyard, practising a skill before a camping trip, or heading out on a family walk with a new question to explore.
Those experiences matter just as much.
More Than Outdoor Gear
When I think about what I want my children to carry into adulthood, it's not just memories of the mountains we've climbed or the places we've travelled.
It's the confidence to try something new. The curiosity to keep learning. The ability to problem-solve, adapt, and feel comfortable in the natural world.
And perhaps most importantly, the understanding that they belong outdoors.
That's a big part of why I started Kids Who Explore.
I wanted to help families find the tools, knowledge, and community to explore together, while raising a generation of children who feel connected to nature.
Think Outside shares that passion for helping kids develop real outdoor skills and an appreciation for the world around them.
Ready to Raise Your Own Little Explorer?
Whether your child is just beginning to discover the outdoors or already dreaming about their next big adventure, Think Outside offers a way to bring more learning, curiosity, and outdoor play into everyday family life.
Explore their seasonal programs and find the right adventure for your child.
And if you're looking for more inspiration to get outside with your kids, come join our community at Kids Who Explore, where we're connecting families through outdoor adventures, education, and local meetups.
Because adventures don't end when motherhood begins.
And some of the greatest adventures begin with a curious little explorer.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Product information and pricing are based on Think Outside's published offerings and may change.
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