“I sincerely believe that for the child, and for the parent seeking to guide him, it is not half so important to know as to feel when introducing a young child to the natural world. If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow. The years of early childhood are the time to prepare the soil.”
—Rachel Carson
(American marine biologist, writer, and conservationist)
Nature Babies
About
Designed for babies (ages 6-18 months) and their parent or caregiver, Nature Babies offers a gentle, engaging introduction to nature play. Through sensory-rich outdoor experiences, little ones explore the world around them while developing key early skills like curiosity, communication, and body awareness.
Each session provides simple, developmentally appropriate activities that support bonding, encourage movement, and lay the foundation for a lifelong love of nature. Plus, parent and caregivers get a chance connect with a like-minded community while learning ways to bring nature play into their little explorer’s everyday life!
Stopping to smell the flowers.
Why Do Babies Need Nature Play?
Babies 6-18 months benefit tremendously from nature play. Just being in nature and outdoor spaces because supports their overall development in ways that indoor environments can’t fully replicate. Here’s why it’s essential for our littlest explorers:
Sensory Development
At this stage, babies learn primarily through their senses. Nature provides a rich variety of textures, sounds, smells, and sights that stimulate their brain development in a way artificial environments cannot. Feeling grass, listening to birds, or watching leaves move in the wind helps build neural connections.
Motor Skills and Physical Development
Being outside allows babies to practice movements like reaching, grasping, crawling, and eventually walking on uneven surfaces. These natural movements help develop coordination, balance, and strength.
Cognitive Growth
Experiencing different natural elements (light, shadows, moving objects like leaves or insects) helps babies develop problem-solving skills and curiosity. Even simple activities like grasping a rock or watching rain droplets can be early science exploration.
Emotional Well-Being
Exposure to nature has a calming effect, reducing stress and supporting emotional regulation. The fresh air and natural sounds can soothe fussy babies and improve sleep patterns.
Immune System Boost
Early exposure to natural elements like dirt, grass, and fresh air helps build a stronger immune system, reducing the risk of allergies and illnesses later in life.
Social Bonding and Attachment
Nature play fosters deep connections with caregivers. When parents or caregivers engage with babies outdoors—holding them while walking, talking about what they see, or simply sitting on the grass together—it strengthens emotional bonds and builds a foundation for secure attachment.
Encourages a Lifelong Connection to Nature
Experiencing nature from an early age lays the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation of the natural world, which can promote environmental stewardship and overall well-being as they grow.
How Can I Support My Baby with Nature Play and Outdoor Learning?
Nature play isn’t about structured activities—it’s about letting babies experience the world in a natural, unhurried way. Even short daily outdoor moments can have lasting benefits! Here are some simple ideas to try on your own:
Tummy time outdoors on a blanket in the grass.
Let them explore different textures—soft moss, smooth stones, crunchy leaves.
Watch the sky together—clouds moving, birds flying.
Barefoot play in safe areas to stimulate nerve endings.
Gentle water play with rain, puddles, or a small bowl of water outside.
Playing In the mud
As with all of Rooted In Play’s programs, Nature Babies classes are intended to be child-led. Together, parents, caregiver and I provide the framework for play by presenting a series of materials and provocations over the course of a class, and gently invite little ones to engage with those materials at their own pace and in their own way. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to model, observe and co-play alongside children, but ultimately there is no wrong way to play.
Nature Babies is for the parents and caregivers, too! Raising babies in those first 2 years can feel overwhelming and lonely for so many of us. Finding simple ways to connect with other adults, especially those navigating the same phases of early childhood, can feel so relieving and comforting. When parents and caregivers feel seen and supported by others in their community, it benefits the child, too. Plus, parents and caregivers get the chance to connect with a like-minded community while learning ways to bring nature play into everyday life.
This Spring
Throughout the spring season, we’ll tap into our “discovery tools”—our senses—to help little ones experience and learn more about the natural world they live in. Our lessons will follow the following outline:
Sound Off—introduction to play and playing with sounds.
Joy All A-Round—exploring round objects.
Sheet Sensation—experimenting with natural pigments and colors.
Discovery Day—hiding and finding a variety of objects.
Water Wonders—water play.
Mud Magic—mud play.
What Can I Expect In Class & This Spring?
Exploring Water
Class Info & Schedule
Who: The curriculum is designed for children 6 to 18 months, with caring adult. This class series will meet once per week for 45-60 minutes, in all-weather (as per national temperature and AQI safety guidelines).
Location & Offerings: All classes will meet at beautiful Crestwood Park in Cottonwood Heights. Spring classes will kick-off the first week of May, and meet for 6 consecutive weeks. Classes will be offered on the following days and times*:
Thu at 10:30AM (Apr 24 1-May 29)
Sat at 9AM (Apr 26-May 31)
*Class dates and times are subject to change, due to uncontrollable circumstances (ie unsafe weather, illness, etc). A makeup/bonus class will be held Sat, June 7th.
Flex Packs: Need more flexibility? Flex packs will offered this spring, and will consist of 3 classes. Flex packs are intended to be used as a “drop-in” style option, and you can attend any scheduled Nature Babies class during the current season that works for you. Flex Packs will become available once classes have met minimum enrollment requirements.
Trial Classes: Trial classes will be offered throughout the season (lessons 1-5), to give interested families a chance to try out the program and have an in-class experience. Trial classes are exclusively offered to new families, who have never attended a class prior. Registration will open two weeks before the first class or once the class meets minimum enrollment requirements .
What’s Included:
6 In-Person Lessons (+1 bonus or make-up class)
Gently Guided Sensory Exploration & Open-Ended Play Provocations
Music & Movement
Storytime
*Enrollment also includes a emailed weekly book list, music playlist suggestions, parent/caregiver resources, and a hands-on activity ideas to try at home. Enrollees receive a discount code for friends to use on a trial class and early access to any upcoming classes, pop-up activities, events and more!
Cost:
Full Series: $140 (+tax) for at total of 6 sessions.
Flex Pack: $80 (+tax) for a total of three sessions.
*The make-up/bonus class for the full series is an additional and free class, not included in the total cost. If you are enrolling more than one child, sibling discounts are automatic and no code is needed.
