Nature Play
Upcoming Programs
Nature Play is fun for the whole family! Little Critters: Nature Play is a free drop-in program where young children can explore rotating themes of nature-based activities. See the whole calendar here!
Little Critters Nature Play
- When: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Note: Little Critters will be closed on Thursday, October 22.
- Where: Bird House Classroom
- Ages: Young children (ages 0-8) and caregivers
- Features: Year-round outdoor water play
Nature Play in Your School
Learn More About Nature Play
National Zoo educators share information about the benefits of nature play and provide age and grade-leveled ideas for bringing nature play into your school and classroom.
Build Your Nature Play Area
Bring the outside indoors with this "shopping list" of items you can use to build a nature-based sensory 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.