I’ll admit it. Writing this article is extremely self-gratifying. I’m so proud that RI Families in Nature, the family hiking club I started over five and a half years ago, is partnering with the Roger Williams Park Zoo this October through July to offer new opportunities for families to experience nature and have fun – for free!
The Zoo was one of 30 recipients of a Nature Play grant, which was developed by the Children & Nature Network (C&NN) and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) through a special gift from the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. This grant will allow us to offer free nature based play experiences in various parks, playgrounds, preserves, and other properties that are off zoo grounds – but easy to get to!
We’re calling them “Family Nature Play Dates” and they will include a series of structured and unstructured activities focused on a particular wildlife theme such as butterflies or nocturnal animals. Best part is that you’ll have tons of family fun – outside – for an hour or so. If you’re not already aware of the many, many benefits of spending time in nature, they will truly amaze you (click here to learn more).
And as a bonus, you will earn large amounts of points that you can use to through the Zoo’s Nature Swap. Participants in the program bring in natural “found” items to collect points for swapping with items in their collection. To learn more, go to their website.
Our first Family Nature Play Dates are October 16 and 26 (these will be the same program). For details, check the Kidoinfo calendar or join RI Families in Nature or the Zoo’s Nature Swap.
See you outside!
