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.
Little Critters: Nature Play will be closed on Thursday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 5th.
June 21-28: Animal Patterns
July 2-12: Pond Animals
July 15-17: Animal Babies
July 19-24: Farm Animals
Ages: Young children (ages 0-8) and caregivers
Location: Bird House Exhibit
Features: Outdoor water play*
*Water tables will be closed if the heat index is above 100.
Think Tank Classroom
Select Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
June 28: Farm Animals
July 5: Closed
July 12: Animal Diets
July 19: Animal Diets
Ages: Young children (ages 0-8) and caregivers
Location: Think Tank Exhibit
Features: Sensory and imaginative play
Wild Nature Play Club
Saturday, August 2, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.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.