We did it! More nature play for young kids.
We’re excited to celebrate the completion of seven new early childhood outdoor play spaces! Now, more than 200 children have daily access to gardens, sand and gravel pits, logs and stumps, and other natural features—spaces designed to spark curiosity, movement, and imaginative play. These outdoor classrooms are more than play areas—they’re places where children discover their own strength, creativity, and connection to the natural world.
Today’s forecast: 100% chance of adventure.
We’ve gathered the best nature-packed, family-friendly fun events from our amazing partners across the city.
Round up your crew… and we’ll see you out there!
Nature for Every Child, Every Day.
San Francisco Children & Nature
A CITY-WIDE COLLABORATIVE
SF Children & Nature is a cross-sector collaborative that works to ensure all children & youth growing up in the city have the same opportunities to PLAY, LEARN and GROW in NATURE.
Founded in 2017, SF Children & Nature now includes active participation from over 40 government agencies, non-profit institutions, and community-based organizations.
Highlights
Through collective action, we’ve been making strides towards our vision of equitable nature connection for youth in San Francisco by expanding opportunities for nature experiences in the key realms of childhood — early education, schools, and neighborhoods. Together we have:
Developed and promoted Nature Exploration Areas across the City
Renovated 30 early childhood outdoor learning spaces with logs, boulders and plants
Collaborated to increase opportunities for children and families to connect with nature
News
We Did It! Celebrating 7 New Nature-Rich Play Spaces for Early Childhood
More than 200 young children at seven San Francisco childcare centers and family childcare homes are enjoying newly renovated green outdoor play spaces that inspire learning, movement, and imaginative play.
Nailed It! High Schoolers Build for Nature Play
Construction students at John O’Connell Technical High School used a full range of tools and techniques to bring mud kitchens for preschoolers to life.
Nature Play Champions Conference: How San Francisco’s Early Educators Can Bring Nature Play to Urban Classrooms
Members of SF’s early education community came together for the city’s first Nature Play Champions Conference.
Urban Ag Day: Farm Fresh Fun in the City!
180 third graders take over Alemany Farm, to learn about the importance of agriculture and farming.
Nature Exploration Area Construction and Installation Workshop
The Nature Exploration Area at Rolph Nicol Jr. Playground was transformed over one weekend.
Libraries and Parks: A Partnership You’ll Want to Check Out
The San Francisco Public Library is partnering with city, state, and national parks to develop a range of nature-based programs.
Expanding Nature-Inspired Play Spaces in Child Care Sites Across San Francisco
We did it! Ten early childhood play spaces transformed.
Nature Play Day was a TREE-mendous success!
150 preschoolers came out for a day of play and exploration at Heron Head’s Park.
Free and low-cost strategies for “Naturing-Up” your outdoor space
Tips and tricks for “naturing-up” a preschool outdoor play space with low cost materials.
New outdoor playspace Wander Woods opens at the California Academy of Sciences
New garden playspace inspires creativity and imaginative play, offering children the opportunity to foster meaningful connections with nature through hands-on discovery
Media
San Francisco Children & Nature collaborative, we have built a coalition of over 40 organizations and city departments all working together to more equitably connect all children to the many benefits of nature. Here’s our story of collaboration, partnerships and a shared vision of equity.
In 2017 San Francisco became one of 7 pilot cities of CCCN initiative which has now grown to include 18 cities nationwide. Watch this short video to learn more about this work here in San Francisco, Houston, and Rochester.
Learn more https://childrenandnature.org/cities