Explore Your World

...from your neighborhood to nature

What is the Explore Your World backpack kit?

The Explore Your World backpack kit is one of three designed by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County in partnership with Sarasota County Libraries. The Explore Your World kit is designed to help explorers of all ages get outside and explore their world.

Each Explore Your World kit packs all you'll need to get started, including items, books, and activities designed to inspire exploration for all ages... from your neighborhood to nature! Available for free check-out at all Sarasota County Libraries locations, the kit is a fun and educational option for families with children or relatives with visiting children.

Why Explore Your World?

Recent studies show that time in nature:

• builds confidence,
• promotes creativity and imagination,
• teaches responsibility,
• provides stimulation,
• gets kids moving,
• inspires thinking,
• and reduces stress and fatigue.

These effects benefit both children AND adults. And, the benefits last beyond the time spent in nature. Best of all, it's just plain fun!

How to Explore Your World

Just follow these simple steps:

1. Use your library card to check out an Explore Your World backpack at any Sarasota County library, for free.
2. Look through the Explore Your World kit items and activities.
3. Review the “How to Explore” and “Exploring Safely” sections of the kit's activity book.
4. Grab an adult and head out to your yard, a park, or any other green space.
5. Explore!

Visit this page to find and print activities (or you can do this at your local library), see book suggestions, and get more fun ideas to do with your family… from your neighborhood to nature!

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!

Where to go Explore Your World

The Explore Your World kit is designed so that you can use it 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 or Myakka River State Park. Or find a park in Sarasota City, North Port, or Venice.

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.