The Ohio Department of Natural Resources


Explore the Outdoors Ohio is a multi-year plan with the goal of fostering generations of children that care enough for nature to protect it. This initiative reflects a growing interest in reconnecting children with nature. Read More>

Complete 8 of these 10 activities to receive your Explore the Outdoors Certificate! At the park or preserve, find the poster on which the secret code is written. Copy the secret code for each challenge into your activity guide.

1. Camp under the stars - where?
2. Spot a bird - where?
3. Hike or bike a trail - where?
4. Paddle downstream - where?
5. Catch a fish - where?
6. Get caught up in a clean up - where?
7. Learn from a naturalist - where?
8. Explore a wetland - where?
9. Discover a nature center - where?
10. Swim with a buddy - where?

Need a booklet? Download it here and print it out.
Type in your codes
and receive your certificate here.

  • Included in the activity guide are 10 outdoor activities that can be completed at Ohio parks, forests and nature preserves (listed here).
  • You may visit these areas beginning May 10 through September 1 to find an Explore the Outdoors poster at welcome centers and kiosks.
  • For each activity completed you should record the code listed on the poster in your activity guide.
  • Once you have any 8 out of the 10 codes you can go to the codes page, enter the correct codes and print an ‘Outdoor Explorer’ certificate of completion. The web site also includes specific location information, hours of operation, as well as dates and times for the Learn From a Naturalist and Get Caught Up in a Clean Up activities.
  • The first 1,000 children to enter in the correct codes will receive a Mini Companion Lantern from Coleman.
  • Should you have any questions or problems finding a poster, please send an e-mail to explore@dnr.state.oh.us and we’ll send you the code for that activity.