Organization · Wildlife & Conservation
National Audubon Society
The National Audubon Society has been connecting Americans with birds and the wild places they need for well over a century. For families, Audubon means local bird walks, hands-on nature centers, citizen science events like the Great Backyard Bird Count, and a network of chapters spread across nearly every state.
This page from Outside, the family adventure app, profiles the National Audubon Society for families with children roughly ages 4 to 14. It covers what Audubon does, how families can get involved through local chapters, bird walks, nature centers, memberships, and citizen science programs like the Great Backyard Bird Count, and which family types are the best fit for Audubon's offerings. Key facts include Audubon's chapter network spanning across the United States, its free and low-cost entry points, and its range of activities suited to beginners through experienced young naturalists.
| Cost | Free to low; national membership around $20/year |
|---|---|
| Region | Nationwide; chapters in most states |
| Season | Year-round; Great Backyard Bird Count each February |
| Best ages | 4 to 14, with most hands-on programs suited to 6 and up |
| Time commitment | Drop-in events to ongoing chapter involvement |
What Audubon actually is
Founded in 1905, the National Audubon Society is one of the oldest and largest conservation organizations in the United States. Its mission centers on birds and the habitats they depend on, from coastal wetlands to backyard feeders to high-altitude forests. Audubon operates through a combination of a national headquarters, a network of regional offices, and more than 400 independent local chapters. Those chapters are where most families first make contact with the organization. Audubon also runs its own nature centers and sanctuaries in several states, offering trails, educational programs, and guided experiences that go well beyond birdwatching. The organization funds scientific research, advocates for conservation policy, and produces field resources used by both beginners and serious birders.
Finding your local chapter
Audubon's chapter network is the easiest on-ramp for most families. Local chapters organize bird walks, habitat restoration workdays, school programs, and seasonal events throughout the year. Many chapters are entirely volunteer-run and warmly welcoming to newcomers, including families with young children who have never held a pair of binoculars. To find a chapter near you, use the chapter finder on Audubon's national website. Chapters vary significantly in size and activity level depending on where you live. Urban chapters in cities often run frequent walks in parks and green spaces. Rural and regional chapters may focus more on restoration projects or annual counts. Most chapter events are free or ask only for a small suggested donation.
The Great Backyard Bird Count
Held each February, the Great Backyard Bird Count is one of the best entry points for families new to citizen science. The event runs for four days and asks participants to count every bird they see for at least fifteen minutes from any location, then submit their observations online. There is no cost to participate. The data collected goes directly to researchers tracking bird populations across North America. For kids, the count works especially well because it transforms a backyard, a park, or a schoolyard into a real scientific field site. Families do not need to identify dozens of species to contribute. Even a careful count of pigeons, sparrows, and crows adds value. The eBird platform, which Audubon supports alongside the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is the submission tool most families will use.
Nature centers and sanctuaries
Audubon operates nature centers and wildlife sanctuaries in multiple states, including well-known sites in Connecticut, Louisiana, California, and New York. These centers typically offer self-guided trails, interpretive exhibits, and seasonal programming for school groups and families. Some run dedicated children's nature programs and summer camps. Admission fees vary by location, with many centers offering free days or reduced rates for members. If you have an Audubon center within driving distance, it is worth checking their program calendar before your visit. Guided walks led by naturalist staff are often available on weekends and tend to be genuinely educational without feeling like a lecture. Younger children especially benefit from the structured but relaxed pace these walks offer.
Membership and volunteering
A national Audubon membership costs around $20 per year for basic enrollment and includes a subscription to Audubon magazine, which covers birds, conservation, and natural history in a format accessible to older kids and parents alike. Membership also supports the national advocacy and science work. Many families find that joining both a national membership and a local chapter gives them the best combination of resources and community. Volunteering through a local chapter is straightforward. Common volunteer roles include trail maintenance, habitat planting days, and helping staff tables at community events. These are excellent activities for families with children in the 8-to-14 range who are looking for hands-on outdoor service work that does not require specialized training.
Who fits best with Audubon
Audubon is a particularly good fit for families who already spend time outdoors and want to add more structure and purpose to that time. It rewards patience and observation rather than speed or physical challenge, making it accessible to a wide range of ages and abilities. Children who are drawn to animals, nature journaling, or collecting facts will find a lot to engage with. That said, Audubon chapter events are also genuinely welcoming to families who are complete beginners. You do not need to know your warblers from your sparrows to show up to a bird walk. The community around local chapters tends to be generous with knowledge and patient with curious kids who ask a lot of questions.
Spend fifteen minutes watching one spot outside your home or a nearby park and write down every bird you see or hear. Describe what each one is doing, not just what it looks like.
Frequently asked questions
Is Audubon good for kids who are just starting to notice birds?
Yes. Local chapter bird walks and events like the Great Backyard Bird Count are designed to be accessible to beginners of all ages. Experienced volunteers and naturalist staff are accustomed to working with children who are just starting out and tend to be patient and encouraging.
How do I find Audubon events near me?
The National Audubon Society website has a chapter finder that lets you search by zip code. Once you locate your nearest chapter, check their own website or social media pages for current event calendars. Many chapters also maintain email lists you can join to get notices about upcoming walks and workdays.
Does my family need binoculars to participate in Audubon events?
Binoculars help but are not required to get started. Many local chapters bring loaner pairs to their walks for newcomers. If your family gets hooked and wants to invest in a pair, mid-range birding binoculars in the $50 to $150 range are sufficient for most family birdwatching.
What is the Great Backyard Bird Count and how do we participate?
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a free, four-day citizen science event held each February. Families count birds they observe for at least fifteen minutes at any location and submit their tallies through the eBird app or website. No prior experience is needed, and any location from a city balcony to a rural field counts. The data supports ongoing bird population research across North America.