Connecting Your Little One to Local Ecology

Parents don't need to be scientists to teach their children to the natural world outside their front doors! Here are some doable ways to integrate learning about local ecology into your everyday activities

Neighborhood Walks: Explore the Outdoors Together

You don’t need to be a nature expert to introduce your child to the local environment, just step outside! Walk through your neighborhood or a nearby park and observe what’s around you.

• Point out what you see - don’t stress about knowing exact species names; just noticing and talking about nature is enough. We know that if you have a toddler, they'll probably have loads of questions for you. This gives you a chance to do some research together when you get back home!
• Collect leaves - compare different shapes, sizes, and textures. Try sorting them by color or pattern. (Stay clear of poison ivy! Memorize this - "leaves of three: let it be!")
• Listen to nature - How many different bird calls, rustling leaves, or insect sounds can you hear?

Visit Science Museums

We love our local science museum! Many science museums have interactive exhibits about local ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation efforts. These hands-on experiences make learning about nature exciting and accessible. Some museums even offer free activities or even admission on certain days of the month.

Explore National Parks

If you’re lucky enough to live within driving distance of a National Park, take advantage of it! Plan a day trip or a weekend adventure to immerse your child in diverse landscapes and wildlife. Many national parks have a "For Kids" section on their website that showcases what they offer for families. Here's a post we love from a National Park ranger with his advice for visiting with babies and toddlers: https://www.nps.gov/articles/visiting-national-parks-with-kids.htm.

Discover Nearby State Parks

National Parks get a lot of the attention, but have you checked out your local state parks?! Many have guided programs, educational trails, kid-friendly activities...and shorter drives!

Your Local Library

Maybe it's cold outside, maybe it's rainy, or maybe you're just not quite up for a full-day outdoor adventure. How about heading to the library? Search through the stacks, or ask your librarian, to pull out books focused on ecosystems, plants, and animals. Reading about nature can be a great complement to outdoor experiences.

No matter where you live, there are plenty of ways to help your child engage with the natural world. Start small, get outside, and let curiosity lead the way!