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Caregiver & Child

Nature Together Programs

Nature Together

Outdoor nature‑play programs for caregivers & young children, birth to age 5. Winter and Spring details coming soon!

Join the Nature Together Interest List

Nature Together creates opportunities for young children and their caregivers to build community, connect with nature, and nurture well-being through sensory exploration, play, and shared experiences outdoors. Rooted in nature-based learning and play, programs offer gentle rhythms, seasonal activities, and open-ended free play that foster connection to self, to each other, and to the natural world. This program recognizes that both caregivers and children thrive in nature and designs intentional space for joy, curiosity, and meaningful connection.

Nature Together Programs

  • Nestlings in Nature

    8-week outdoor nature‑play series for caregivers and their pre-walking infants

    Learn More

  • Nature Explorers

    8-week outdoor nature‑play series for toddlers through preschoolers and their caregivers

    Learn More

  • Winter Nature Play Drop-In

    Drop-in wintertime nature play for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers

    Details Coming Soon!

Nature Together FAQ

Age / Participation

    • Nestlings in Nature: Ideal for babies in carriers and pre-walkers and their caregivers. If you have an older child, please sign up for Nature Explorers and bring your baby at no extra cost. 

    • Nature Explorers: Designed for toddlers through preschoolers, typically ages 2–5, with flexibility for caregivers to bring babies and siblings. 

      If you're unsure where your child fits best, we’re happy to help you decide based on your child’s stage.  

  • Yes. For families with children of different ages, including babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, please consider signing up for Nature Explorers and bringing babies along at no extra cost. For Nature Explorers, additional siblings within the age range are an additional $50 and older siblings beyond the age range may join as helpers on a case-by-case basis.

  • No, this is a caregiver and child experience. Caregivers actively participate alongside their children to foster shared connection and learning.

  • All caregivers are welcome—parents, grandparents, relatives, family friends, nannies, babysitters or other trusted adults.

Program Format & Activities

  • We use a balance of gentle rhythms, seasonal activities, and open-ended nature play. Each session includes time for group connection, a shared activity or invitation, and plenty of unstructured exploration.

  • Sample Flow: 

    • Arrival: Loose parts play on tarps (infant-safe sensory materials) 

    • Opening Circle: Songs with sign language, theme introduction, caregiver check-in 

    • Sensory Walk: Caregivers explore with babies (focus on textures, sights, sounds) 

    • Quiet Connection Time: Silent pause to connect with self, baby, and nature 

    • Closing Song or Story 

  • Sample Flow of Nature Explorers: 

    • Arrival: Open exploration with loose parts and materials 

    • Opening Circle: Songs, welcome activity, theme introduction 

    • Nature Walk & Discovery: Play-based exploration, guided observations, collection of natural items 

    • Storytime or Snack (optional, depending on group needs) 

    • Free Play and Social Connection Time 

    • Closing Song or Reflection

Logistics & Weather

  • We play in rain or shine or snow! Nature Together is designed to embrace all kinds of weather, helping children and caregivers grow comfortable outdoors year-round. In cases of extreme weather (e.g., lightning, hazardous air quality, severe storms), we will notify families of any schedule changes.

  • We recommend: 
    ✔ Comfortable clothes for you and your child that can get muddy or wet 
    ✔ Appropriate layers for changing weather 
    ✔ Sturdy shoes for uneven ground 
    ✔ Water bottles and snacks 
    ✔ A baby carrier (for Nestlings in Nature) 
    ✔ Sunscreen/hat or rain gear depending on the forecast 

  • For Nestlings in Nature, most families use carriers, slings, or wraps, but using a stroller is an option too.

Payment / Attendance / Accessibility

  • We understand life happens and we scaled the pricing to accommodate some missed classes. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for missed classes.

  • Yes. We are committed to making Nature Together accessible to all families. Please contact us at naturecenterprograms@thornenature.org to inquire about scholarships or sliding-scale options.

  • For Children: 

    • Early sensory development and cognitive stimulation 

    • Confidence and comfort in natural spaces 

    • Social interaction with peers in developmentally appropriate settings 

    For Caregivers: 

    • Increased social connection and peer support 

    • Exposure to strategies for engaging young children in nature 

    • Access to resources supporting postpartum well-being 

    For Community: 

    • Strengthens family bonds to nature and local outdoor spaces 

    • Nurtures a culture of inclusion, belonging, and outdoor engagement 

  • We are currently only offering this series in English. If you are interested in programs in Spanish, please reach out to info@thornenature.org.

Questions? Please reach out to us at naturecenterprograms@thornenature.org or 303.499.3647.