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!
Bird House Classroom ›
Tu/Th/Sa; 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
February 28- March 5: Rainforest Animals
March 7-12: Animal Diets
March 14-19: Animal Teeth
March 21-26: Animal Poop
Ages: Young children (ages 0-8) and caregivers
Location: Bird House Exhibit
Features: Year-round outdoor water play
Think Tank Classroom ›
Select Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The Think Tank location is closed through the winter, please check back for details about re-opening!
Ages: Young children (ages 0-8) and caregivers
Location: Think Tank Exhibit
Features: Sensory and imaginative play
Nature Play in Your School
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Learn More About Nature Play ›
National Zoo educators share information about the benefits of nature play and provide age and grade-levelled 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.