What We Do

We provide hands-on nature adventures in which young children (ages 18 mo to 4 years) and their grownups explore basic ecology ideas while connecting with nature. We engage the children through imaginative play, art, song, dance, and of course, up close examination of the natural world. All of these activities work together in an age appropriate way to reinforce the nature theme of the day. 

Where We Go

We have carefully selected accessible nature sites in San Francisco and the Bay Area that not only offer incredible learning opportunities, but also give children a chance to see and connect with natural habitats. Sites and themes change with the season so that we can spend a few visits exploring what one site has to offer, but also get to visit new and exciting nature sites.

How We Do It

In a beautiful natural setting, our hour-long program begins with a group circle time where we introduce the ecology theme. For example, in our Duck Discovery Program, the children will move like a duck, dress up in a duck costume to learn what makes a duck a duck, and experiment with feathers and water droppers to understand how feathers keep ducks dry and warm. 

Next, you and your child will be provided with a bag of tools selected to help you explore your surroundings. For example, during our Creepy Crawly Adventure, you will embark on a nature detective adventure with a kit full of fun educational items such as bug boxes, shovels, a scavenger hunt game with bug pictures, magnifying glasses and more. We come back together to share what we have seen and end with an art project and take home activity for continued learning.

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Duck Discovery at Lake Merced

Come learn from our feathered friends! Join us for a fun-filled hour of duck discovery. You and your little one will share in a multi-sensory learning experience all about ducks including: puppets, songs, stories, and hands-on activities.  Your child will also dress up in a duck costume to learn about important adaptive duck characteristics. After setting the stage, we venture off -- nature detective kits in hand -- in search of the duck pond to observe ducks in their natural habitat. We conclude with an art project, songs, and a closing circle. Parents leave with a take-home duck activity and a resource list for continued learning.  Duck Discovery has two programs, I and II, that both focus on the duck theme with different activities.  Register for either program or both programs.  You do not need to have completed the first program in order to attend the second program.

Caterpillars & Butterflies at Stern Grove

Join us in discovering one of the magical wonders of nature, the life cycle of the butterfly.  Watch your child experience the mystery of metamorphosis through puppets, song, and hands-on nature exploration.  Learn key characteristics of the butterfly life cycle through costumes, art, and creative play. 

Life in a Lake At pine lake park

Discover some of the amazing animals that live in a pond and learn how they interact in the pond habitat.  Dance like a dragonfly over the water catching bugs. Practice being a turtle and hide in our pretend shells. Jump like a frog from lily pad to lily pad. A fun-filled hour of pond and animal exploration awaits you at beautiful Pine Lake Park.

Creepy Crawly Adventure at Stern Grove 

Join us on a bug discovery adventure!   They definitely crawl and some may fly, but they aren't really that creepy!  Discover what makes a bug a bug through observing real insects as well as inspecting grasshopper, bee, and ladybug puppets.  Learn all about your favorite bugs through songs, games, and a bug scavenger hunt.   Practice jumping like a grasshopper, buzzing like a bee, and marching like an ant.  Your child will go “buggy” for our not so creepy adventure!  Creepy Crawly Adventure has two programs that both focus on the bug theme with different activities.  Register for either program or both programs.  You do not need to have completed the first program in order to attend the second program.

Feathered Friends Adventure at Glen Canyon Park

Soar with us through the exploration of fabulous flyers. Get ready to build nests, examine feathers and eggs and learn about what makes a bird a bird. Introduction to bird watching begins as we head out as nature detectives to observe hawks, ravens, crows and backyard birds in their natural habitat. We will celebrate our bird buddies through song, puppets and art activities.

Fall Fun at Stern Grove

Explore all the wonderful things that Fall has to offer.  Discovery why fall is such a busy time to be a squirrel.  Learn about and make an art project with fall leaves.  Pretend to be a squirrel in a fun acorn game.  We can't wait to help your little one in exploring the fall environment!