Inspire Young Explorers: Top Outdoor Adventure Books This Year
Not every outdoor adventure means lacing up your boots and finding a hiking trail. Sometimes, it begins the moment you open a great book. These specially picked chapter books invite curious readers into wild adventures and breathtaking national parks, all from the comfort of their very own favorite reading spot. In these stories, readers will meet unforgettable characters and learn lessons that last long after reading. Let’s dive into why each of these outdoor adventure books are a must read!
Table of Contents
- National Geographic Kids: Adventure Cat! (Ages 8+)
- Campground Kids by C.R. Fulton (Ages 8+)
- The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (Ages 8+)
- Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park by Aaron Johnson (Ages 8+)
- Leila and the Blue Fox by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (Ages 8+)
- The Last Bear by Hannah Gold (Ages 8+)
- Pax by Sara Pennypacker (Ages 8+)
- A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy (Ages 8+)
- Scouts by Shannon Greenland (Ages 8+)
- Camp Average by Craig Battle (Ages 8+)
1. National Geographic Kids: Adventure Cat! (Ages 8+)
This nonfiction tale follows Vladimir, a rescue cat turned traveling companion, as he explores wild trails, scenic campsites, and more. Filled with amazing photos and animal facts, it’s perfect for young readers who love true adventure.
Why we love it:
There’s something instantly charming about a housecat that becomes a fearless traveler. Vladimir, the star of this nonfiction book, proves that even the unlikeliest adventurers can lead extraordinary journeys. With stunning photographs and fun facts, it’s perfect for animal loving kids. We love this story because just like the great outdoors, it’s real, heartwarming, and full of little surprises!
2. Campground Kids by C.R. Fulton (Ages 8+)
Meet these adventurous kids Isaiah, Sadie, and Ethan as they explore National Parks with their family. Each book combines humor and friendship while discovering the outdoors. This book is fantastic for inspiring travel with loved ones and fostering a love for the outdoors!
Why we love it:
This series captures the spirit of family road trips in a way that feels honest, funny, and wildly entertaining. Following Isaiah, Sadie and Ethan across different national parks, this story blends humor, teamwork, and real outdoor experiences. What we love most is how the books spark a sense of wanderlust and curiosity about America’s public lands!
3. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (Ages 8+)
When a shipwrecked robot wakes up alone on a remote island, she must learn to survive but ends up connecting with the wild animals on the island. A touching, imaginative blend of nature, technology, and friendship.
Why we love it:
Roz, the robot at the heart of this story, is one of the most unlikely and lovable adventurers we’ve ever met. Shipwrecked on a remote island, she learns to live with the animals and becomes part of their world. This book blends technology with nature in such a touching way. We love it for its big heart and its beautiful message: connection, kindness, and understanding can be found anywhere, even between metal and fur!
4. Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park by Aaron Johnson (Ages 8+)
Here we have another National Park inspired book, come join the Parkers as they uncover secrets in the stunning Rocky Mountains. This book is packed with mystery, nature facts, and exciting adventures. It’s a part of a fun series that makes kids feel like they truly are explorers along with the Parkers.
Why we love it:
This book brings the wonders of America’s National Parks to life through the eyes of the Parker family. We love how it mixes fun fiction with real park facts, encouraging kids to get curious about the world around them. It’s more than a mystery... it's an invitation to explore, to ask questions and to care about nature! This book transports you right to the Rockies, making you feel like you’re truly there following the clues through the trails and trees.
5. Leila and the Blue Fox by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (Ages 8+)
This is a tender, unforgettable story about a girl and a wild Arctic fox, whose journeys through a changing world intertwine in unexpected ways. It’s a quiet and emotional tale, full of heart, truly one of those books that you carry with you long after reading. The story drew inspiration from a true event where an Arctic fox embarked on an incredible 2,000 mile journey across continents!
Why we love it:
The graceful and honest writing draws you into a world that feels limitless. Each moment feels so meaningful, and the connection between the characters and the natural world is portrayed with such care. The storytelling possesses a strength that brings both rumination and reflection. It leaves you seeing the world differently, more gently and more curiously.
6. The Last Bear by Hannah Gold (Ages 8+)
When April and her scientist father travel to a remote Arctic Island, she’s prepared for a lonely summer surrounded by nothing but ice and silence. But everything changes when she discovers a lone polar bear, stranded and starving. As the days grow longer and the ice keeps melting, April realizes it is up to her to help the bear find his way home. This is a powerful and touching story of courage, climate change, and an unforgettable bond between a girl and a bear.
Why we love it:
April’s story is one that sticks with you. It is tender, brave, and deeply moving. The way she sees the world and how far she is willing to go for someone (or something) in need is so moving. We love this book for the way it brings awareness to real world issues like the climate crisis without ever losing its heart. It reminds us that one person, even a kid, really can make a difference.
7. Pax by Sara Pennypacker (Ages 8+)
This is the story of a boy and his pet fox who have been together since the fox was a baby. They’re completely bonded, but when war comes, Peter has to move in with his grandfather and is forced to set Pax free. Neither of them are okay with being apart, and both set off on difficult journeys to try to find their way back to each other. The story switches between Peter’s and Pax’s perspectives, making it feel even more powerful and personal.
Why we love it:
This book is heartfelt, beautifully written and full of moments that really stick with you. It talks about love, loyalty and finding your place in the world in a way that feels real and relatable. The connection between Peter and Pax is unforgettable. It’s perfect for anyone who loves animals, meaningful adventures, and stories that make you feel something real.
8. A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy (Ages 8+)
In the small town of Green Lawn, three friends Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are always stumbling into a new mystery. Whether it is a missing puppy, a strange letter, or a stolen treasure. These kids are quick to ask questions, follow the clues, and solve the case! Each book brings a new mystery and a new adventure, all while showing the power of curiosity and teamwork.
Why we love it:
This story is perfect for kids who love a good mystery but are not quite ready for anything too spooky. This story is a fast read, full of clever clues, and makes you feel like you are right there solving the case with the characters. It’s just one of those series that pulls kids in and keeps them reading, which is always a win!
9. Scouts by Shannon Greenland (Ages 8+)
Annie and her group of childhood friends have always done everything together. So, when a once in a lifetime eclipse is set to happen, they decide to take one last adventure into the woods before middle school changes everything. What starts off as a fun bike ride turns into something much bigger... it's full of surprises, challenges, and moments that test their friendship in ways they never expected.
Why we love it:
This book feels like being a kid in the best way. It is funny, fast moving and full of heart. The characters and their friendship feel honest and relatable. There are moments that make you laugh and moments that make you pause, all wrapped up in a story about growing up, sticking together, and finding your way through the unexpected. It is the kind of book you want to read on a summer night with a flashlight under the covers.
10. Camp Average by Craig Battle (Ages 8+)
Camp Average is supposed to be a place where kids can just play sports for fun. But when a new director shows up and decides it is time to turn the camp into a winning machine, the campers are not having it. Mack and his friends come up with a plan, not to win, but to lose on purpose. What follows is a hilarious back and forth between the kids and the adults as both sides try to outsmart each other.
Why we love it:
This story is full of clever ideas, fast thinking and laugh out loud moments. It’s set in a classic summer camp way, and the whole thing has the perfect mix of chaos and heart. It is a great read for anyone who likes underdogs, pranks, and a group of friends who stick together no matter what. It will make you want to pack your bags and head to camp with them!
