Eco-Explorer Backpack Kits
What are the Eco-Explorer backpack kits?
The collection of family-fun, Eco-Explorer backpack kits are designed to inspire eco-friendly living inside and out! These kits are a fun and educational option for families and relatives with visiting children. Developed by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County in partnership with Sarasota County Libraries, the Eco-Explorer backpack kits are available for free check-out with your library card at all Sarasota County Libraries locations.
Each Eco-Explorer backpack kit contains all you'll need to get started, including books, gear, and activities designed to inspire exploration for all ages. Click on a backpack kit name below to see (or hide) more content (or, show all content).
Explore Your World
The Explore Your World kit is designed to help explorers of all ages get outside and explore their world. Each kit includes books, gear, and activities designed to inspire exploration for all ages... from your neighborhood to nature! 
Just follow these simple steps:Insect Investigator
Investigate the incredible (and tiny) world of insects. Learn about the different kinds of insects, how and what they eat, how they see, how they’ve adapted to survive, and more.Family Green Living
Explore sustainability with the interactive Family Green Living Kit—a gateway to eco-friendly fun and learning for all ages. Foster an understanding of conservation, sustainability concepts, and encourage environmental stewardship as a family!Explore Your World Informational Videos
NOTE: When you're done exploring, make sure to pack all the kit items (clean and in good condition) in your backpack and return it to a Sarasota County library. Your fellow Explorers are counting on you!
Places to Explore Outdoors
The Eco-Explorer backpack kits are designed so that you can use them just about anywhere. So, explore your yard, your neighborhood, a local park, or other natural area. Take it to any of our wonderful Sarasota County parks. Journey to Oscar Scherer State Park, Myakka River State Park, or The Bay. Or, find a park in the City of Sarasota, North Port, or Venice.
More resources
Please complete our short survey and share your experience with the Eco-Explorer backpack kits. Sharing your story and/or a photo will enter you into a drawing to receive one of the items from the backpacks.Learn More
Please complete our short survey and share your experience with the Explore Your World backpack. Sharing your story and/or a photo will enter you into a drawing to receive one of the items from the backpack.
Explore Your World: Sensory Scavenger Hunt, just one of numerous activities you can tackle with the Explore Your World backpack kit!