Nature Play
Upcoming Programs
Nature Play is fun for the whole family! Little Critters: Nature Play is a drop-in program where young children can explore rotating themes of nature based activities. Wild Nature Play Club is our monthly family program at the Anacostia Community Museum. See the whole calendar here!
Bird House Classroom
Tu/Th/Sa; 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
May 20-22: Animal Diets
May 24-29: Birders
May 31-June 5: Animal Teeth
June 7-12: Animal Poop
Ages: Young children (ages 0-8) and caregivers
Location: Bird House Exhibit
Features: Outdoor water play
Think Tank Classroom
Select Saturdays, 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m.
May 31: Save the Pollinators
June 14: Save the Pollinators
June 21: Farm Animals
June 28: Farm Animals
Ages: Young children (ages 0-8) and caregivers
Location: Think Tank Exhibit
Features: Sensory and imaginative play
Wild Nature Play Club
Saturday, June 7, 11:00a.m.-12:30p.m.
Dig in the dirt! Stomp in puddles! Join us for a nature adventure for the whole family.
Ages: Multi-age families with caregiver
Location: Anacostia Community Museum
Features: Outdoor hike
Nature Play in Your School
Nature Play in Your School Application
This summer, National Zoo educators will be hosting a week-long professional development workshop for early elementary teachers designed to show you how to integrate nature play into your school and classroom. Find more information and application instructions here.
Build Your Nature Play Area
Bring the outside indoors with this "shopping list" of items you can use to build a nature play area in your classroom. (Most of these you can find right outside your door!)
Nature Play Activities to Try
Zoo Commissary Dramatic Play
Gather your stuffed animals and make them a meal, just like the Zoo keepers in the commissary. Use the downloadable template to create a Zoo Commissary Cookbook, with simple actions to engage even our youngest friends.
Hue Hike
Take a Hue Hike with Pinky at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and Smithsonian Gardens. Discover the colorful nature that surrounds you, whether in a forest or even in a city!
Get Outside!
National Zoo educator Kaden shows you how to Explore Beyond Your Door to discover the wonders of nature! These 5-minute videos are for explorers of all ages but optimized for students in grades K-3.