Basic Bushcraft Skills to Teach Your Kids for Outdoor Fun
There’s something special about passing down bushcraft skills to the next generation, especially when it involves a fun family day out in the wild. Teaching kids the basics of survival not only gives them confidence in the outdoors but also creates memories they'll carry for a lifetime. Whether you're in your backyard, a local park, or out in the wilderness, these bushcraft skills are perfect for kids to learn. Let’s dive into some essential bushcraft skills you can practice together!
1. Tying Basic Knots
Learning to tie a good knot is the cornerstone of many bushcraft activities, and it’s something kids can pick up easily. Start with a couple of basic knots like the square knot, bowline, and the ever-handy clove hitch. Kids will love practicing these by tying their shoelaces or securing tarps to trees for an outdoor shelter.
Pro tip: Make it a game! Time each other to see who can tie the knot the fastest or who can tie the best knot while blindfolded (for the brave). Knot-tying strengthens their fine motor skills and teaches patience too. Plus, it’s super rewarding when they realize their knots hold up even in windy conditions.
2. Building a Simple Shelter
Building a shelter is one of those "wow factor" skills that kids love. Show them how to gather branches, leaves, and other natural materials to make a lean-to or A-frame shelter. If you’ve got a tarp handy, that’s even better—it’s easier for young kids to manipulate and gives them a great introduction to shelter-building.
Start with finding two trees that are spaced close enough to tie a ridgeline between. From there, let your kids drape a tarp over the line and secure it with some of those knots they just learned. Once the shelter is up, they’ll have a cozy little space to hang out and call their own—perfect for hiding from the sun or rain (or just pretending it’s a secret fort).
3. Fire Safety and Starting
Kids are naturally drawn to fire, but before you hand them a lighter, make sure they understand the importance of fire safety. Teach them how to clear a fire pit, gather the right materials (tinder, kindling, and fuel wood), and explain the dangers of uncontrolled fires. Once they’ve grasped the basics, show them how to use a firestarter like a ferro rod or matches to light their first flame.
You can also challenge them by starting a fire using just natural materials like dry leaves and twigs. When that spark finally catches, there’s nothing quite like the joy and pride on their faces! Don’t forget to explain the process of safely putting out a fire as well—it's just as important as starting one.
4. Finding and Purifying Water
One of the most vital survival skills to teach your kids is how to find and purify water. If you're out in the wilderness, show them how to look for water sources like streams, rivers, or even morning dew on plants. Once you’ve found water, explain that it’s rarely safe to drink without some form of purification.
You can teach them how to purify water using simple methods like boiling or using a filter. If you’ve got a water purification straw or tablets handy, they can try those out too. It’s a fantastic way to spark a conversation about what happens if you drink contaminated water—and how to avoid that by practicing good bushcraft skills.
5. Basic Navigation
Even in our modern GPS-filled world, there’s something magical about teaching kids how to navigate using only the land and sky. Start with the basics—introduce them to compass use and reading a map. If you're in an area with clear landmarks, show them how to orient themselves by identifying mountains, rivers, or even the position of the sun.
For older kids, you can up the challenge by teaching them to find their way without a compass. Use the sun, stars, and natural features to point out the cardinal directions. Set up a simple scavenger hunt to let them practice, leading them to a cool spot in the woods or a hidden surprise.
Wrapping Up
Passing on bushcraft skills to your kids is about more than just preparing them for survival situations—it’s about building confidence, problem-solving, and fostering a deep connection with the natural world. The skills they learn today could one day help them out of a tough spot, or at the very least, make them feel more at home in the outdoors.
So grab some rope, head into the woods, and get started! Whether it's tying knots, building shelters, or mastering fire safety, these moments will stick with your kids long after the campfire burns out.
Who We Are
At Texas Bushcraft, we are a small family-owned business founded in 2018 in Austin, Texas. We were motivated to share our love for the outdoors and inspire others to enjoy nature without the need for big, fancy gadgetry. Our mission is to preserve traditional bushcraft skills and support our customers on their path to self-reliance. We offer simple, elegant outdoor gear and educational resources to help you prepare to thrive in the great outdoors. Thank you for choosing Texas Bushcraft as your guide.
