Children are naturally curious about the world around them. They notice the worm in the soil, the bird flying overhead, the shape of a leaf, and the tiny insects moving across the trail. When children are given time and space to explore these things, learning happens naturally.

Today, however, many children spend far less time outdoors than previous generations. Much of childhood now happens indoors — in classrooms, homes, or in front of screens. Because of this, many children grow up with fewer opportunities to explore nature, observe living things, and experience the changing seasons around them.

Because of this growing disconnect, it has become more important than ever to give children meaningful opportunities to learn about the natural world.

Little Hikers Long Island was created to help bring those experiences back into childhood.

Little Hikers is a fully outdoor educational nature program for young children and their caregivers. Each class introduces children to insects, birds, plants, weather, and seasonal changes through guided exploration, simple science learning, movement, and hands-on activities on the trail.

Children observe nature up close using tools such as magnifying glasses and binoculars, search for clues in the forest, and participate in activities that help them understand how living things are connected.

We believe that when children experience nature regularly, they begin to develop curiosity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Our hope is that children who join Little Hikers begin noticing nature everywhere — in parks, backyards, gardens, and even along neighborhood walks.

Because when children learn to observe and appreciate nature, they begin to care about it too.

Our Story

Little Hikers Long Island was inspired by childhood memories of growing up outdoors.

As a child, I spent countless hours outside — playing in the snow, dancing in the rain, jumping in puddles, collecting snails, watching insects, and exploring the natural world with curiosity and wonder. Those experiences created a deep appreciation for nature and a belief that childhood should include time outdoors.

As a parent and healthcare professional, I also understand how important outdoor time is for children’s health and development. Fresh air, movement, exploration, and connection to nature support both physical and mental well-being.

But today, many children have fewer opportunities to experience nature in this way.

Little Hikers was created to give families a simple way to bring those experiences back into childhood — through structured, educational outdoor classes where children can explore, learn, and discover the natural world together with their parents.

Watching children notice their first butterfly, find their first roly poly, or recognize a bird they learned about the week before is one of the most rewarding parts of the program.

These small moments often become the beginning of a lifelong curiosity about nature.

At Little Hikers Long Island, the goal is to help children explore the outdoors, understand the natural world around them, and grow up feeling connected to the environment where they live.