As spring approaches, we are all getting ready to reemerge into the great outdoors and hopefully get our children excited to be away from those screens we tend to rely on in colder weather. Below, find some great reads to help you in that endeavor.

First and foremost, for those of us that are hesitant to let our children explore outside, check out Dirt Is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System, by Jack Gilbert and Rob Knight (Library Catalog). These scientists explain in a surprisingly straightforward and accessible way the advantages of exposing children to germs in different situations and stages of life.

Once we have conquered the fear of germs and other things outdoors, what on earth do we do with these kids outdoors? To answer that question, turn to any of the following:

• Sticks and Stones: A Kid’s Guide to Building and Exploring in the Great Outdoors by Melissa Lennig (Library Catalog)
• Urban Forest School: Outdoor Adventures and Skills for City Kids by Naomi Walmsley and Dan Westall (Library Catalog)
• Nature Play Workshop for Families: A Guide to 40+ Outdoor Learning Experiences in All Seasons by Monica Wiedel-Lubinski and Karen Madigan (Library Catalog / Libby)
• Unplugged Play Series (Library Catalog / Libby)

If all else fails, drive to a playground and find some other parents with whom to commiserate while your children run wild.