Books About Outdoor Adventures

The Best Outdoor Adventures Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Adventure, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

View the guide

Looking for excellent children's books about outdoor adventures? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Outdoor Adventures

Bear Out There
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2019

Bear Out There

A bear braves the wild to help his friend retrieve a lost kite.

40 pages· 365 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 345 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Bear loves his tidy home, but when Spider's kite is lost in the wild forest, he must face his fears and venture outside. As their journey spirals into chaos, Bear and Spider discover the true meaning of friendship. Will Bear's courage and Spider's adventurous spirit be enough to overcome the challenges of the messy forest? Join this unlikely duo as they navigate the unpredictable outdoors, proving that friendship means standing by each other, no matter the obstacles.
Fish On!
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2014

Fish On!

A boy's fishing trip turns into a thrilling chase for a legendary fish.

60 pages· 7,920 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 122 ratings
$10.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: At his grandparents' secluded lake cabin, young Luke embarks on a fishing adventure that promises more than just a catch. As he navigates the serene waters, he must outsmart a cunning fish that steals his prized lure. Will Luke reclaim his lucky Basserino and conquer the elusive lunker? This tale of determination and discovery will captivate young readers, sparking their imaginations and inspiring their own outdoor adventures.
Just Keep Walking
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Just Keep Walking

A girl and her mom face nature's challenges on a 100-mile hike, seeking strength and survival.

256 pages· 53,547 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 1,075 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old Jo embarks on a 100-mile hike with her mom after her parents' split. As they navigate the Superior Hiking Trail, they face wildlife, self-doubt, and physical trials. Jo must confront her fears and learn resilience, turning a journey meant to prove independence into one of self-discovery and strength. Can they survive the wilderness and find healing together?
Mouselets in Danger
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2011

Mouselets in Danger

Can survival skills save them from a dangerous night in the woods?

128 pages· 8,052 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 702 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters embark on a thrilling adventure at Mouseford Academy. As they master survival techniques, an unexpected challenge arises—a perilous night in the woods. Will their newfound skills be enough to navigate the dangers lurking in the shadows? With the clock ticking and the forest full of surprises, the sisters must rely on their wits and teamwork to make it through. What secrets will the night reveal, and can they emerge unscathed? Dive into this gripping tale of courage and friendship.
The Bear Scouts
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1967

The Bear Scouts

Papa Bear teaches cubs the secrets of camping.

72 pages· 751 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 723 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Join Papa Bear as he guides the cubs through the wild world of camping. With rollicking rhymes and colorful adventures, discover the joys and challenges of outdoor life. Will the cubs master the art of camping, or will nature have a few surprises in store? Dive into this delightful tale and find out!
Liz at Marigold Lake
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2014

Liz at Marigold Lake

By Callie Barkley, Marsha Riti (Illustrator) · Book #7 in the The Critter Club series

A camping trip turns chaotic as mishaps threaten to ruin the fun. Can the Critter Club save their weekend adventure?

128 pages· 4,681 words· Est. 37 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 398 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Liz invites her friends to Marigold Lake for a camping adventure, but things quickly go awry. Amy tips the canoe, Ellie panics over a snake, and Marion dreads sleeping in a tent. As mishaps pile up, Liz worries her plans are falling apart. Can the Critter Club turn their chaotic weekend into a memorable adventure, or will it end in disaster? Join the girls as they navigate unexpected challenges and discover the true spirit of friendship in the wilderness. Perfect for young readers, this tale is filled with fun and surprises.
Biscuit Goes Camping
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Biscuit Goes Camping

A puppy named Biscuit goes on a camping trip with its owner.

32 pages· 149 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 484 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Biscuit, the little yellow puppy, is thrilled for his first camping trip. With tents, flashlights, and the wonders of nature, there's so much to explore. But when dark clouds gather, will rain dampen Biscuit's adventure? Join Biscuit as he discovers the joys and surprises of the great outdoors, even when plans change. Perfect for young readers, this charming tale invites you to see how a little rain can lead to unexpected fun.
Brian's Hunt
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 2003

Brian's Hunt

By Gary Paulsen · Book #5 in the Brian's Saga series

A wounded dog leads Brian on a perilous journey into the unknown wilderness.

103 pages· 21,910 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 14,844 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Brian Robeson, seasoned by the wild, discovers a wounded dog while camping alone. Sensing danger, he fears for his Cree friends to the north. With the dog as his companion, Brian embarks on a tense journey, driven by instinct and a growing unease. What threat lurks in the wilderness, and can Brian uncover the truth before it's too late? This gripping adventure explores the bond between man and nature, and the mysterious ties between humans and animals.
Feathers for Lunch
Sale price
$759
Board Book · Ages 0–5 · 1990

Feathers for Lunch

A cat prowls the garden, seeking lunch among twelve elusive birds.

36 pages· 149 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 1,245 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: A curious cat escapes into the garden, where twelve birds flit about, each a potential meal. As the cat sneaks and prowls, children join in the adventure, learning to identify each bird. Will the cat catch its lunch, or just feathers? This backyard escapade offers a delightful mix of suspense and education, perfect for family exploration.
Grand Teton Stampede
Chapter Book · 2022

Grand Teton Stampede

A mysterious stampede disrupts a camping trip. Accident or something more?

172 pages· 24,320 words
4.0 Goodreads · 902 ratings
Perfect Paperback
Summary: Isaiah's dream camping trip to Grand Teton turns chaotic when a nighttime stampede shakes the ground. With friends Ethan and Sadie, he discovers tracks leading to a broken fence. Was it an accident, or is there a deeper mystery? As they delve into the clues, the trio must unravel the truth behind the unexpected chaos. Join The Campground Kids on their thrilling adventure to solve their first mystery in the wilds of the national park.
Browse by age

Outdoor Adventures Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about outdoor adventures for preschool and elementary-age readers.

The Hike
Sale price
$1999

The Hike

Ages 3–5 · 2019

A group of friends go on a hike together.

Deep Snow

Deep Snow

2006

A snow pile traps a child, leading to a deeper dilemma.

The Lost Lake
Sale price
$799

The Lost Lake

Ages 4–8 · 1989

A father and son seek a hidden lake, escaping the tourist crowds.

Dogteam
Sale price
$1595

Dogteam

Ages 3–7 · 1993

Embark on a thrilling sled ride through moonlit woods.

Fly, Monarch! Fly!
Sale price
$799

Fly, Monarch! Fly!

Ages 4–7 · 2008

Discover the magic of monarchs and their incredible transformation.

Sale price
$3065

Camping for Kids

Ages 8–14 · 2012

Discover the secrets of camping and unlock nature's wonders.

Sale price
$2265

Camping Fun

Ages 5–7 · 2024

A Deaf girl and her family spend a weekend at a lakeside camp, sharing adventures and bonding through nature and sign language.

Sale price
$1599

Beetle Mania

Ages 6–8 · 2023

Two friends face a beetle-sorting challenge. How will they decide?

Sale price
$1599

Bug Catchers

Ages 6–8 · 2023

Two friends race against rain to build a bug barn.

Browse by age

Outdoor Adventures Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about outdoor adventures for developing and independent readers.

Distress Signal
Sale price
$1899

Distress Signal

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Stranded by a flash flood, four classmates must unite to survive the desert's harshness.

Wild River
Sale price
$799

Wild River

Ages 9–12 · 2009

A camping trip turns perilous when a boy must save his injured brother.

Sale price
$3571

Hungry!

Ages 8–11 · 2015

Survive hunger by discovering edible plants and animals around you.

Sale price
$425

Summer with Elisa

Ages 6–9 · 2000

Elisa's summer challenge: outshine her brother and save the family vacation.