Our Mission

At Little Hikers Long Island, our mission is to help young children develop a lifelong connection to nature through hands-on learning, exploration, and outdoor discovery.

We believe children learn best when they can see, touch, and experience the world around them. By observing insects, plants, animals, and seasonal changes in the forest, children begin to understand how nature works and develop curiosity about the environment where they live.

Our goal is to create meaningful outdoor experiences that support children’s physical health, confidence, creativity, and early science learning while helping families reconnect with nature together.

Our Philosophy

We believe that childhood should include regular time outdoors.

Nature provides children with opportunities that indoor environments cannot. Uneven trails strengthen balance and coordination. Fresh air and movement support physical health. Observing living things encourages curiosity, patience, and attention.

Little Hikers is designed for families who value both education and outdoor experiences for their children. Each class combines structured learning with exploration, allowing children to learn about insects, animals, plants, weather, and seasonal changes in the environment where they actually live.

We believe that when children are given the opportunity to explore nature regularly, they develop a deeper understanding of the world and a stronger sense of confidence in their abilities.

Our Vision for the Future

Our vision is to raise a generation of children on Long Island who feel connected to the natural world around them.

We hope the children who join Little Hikers grow up recognizing the birds in their neighborhoods, understanding the insects in their gardens, and appreciating the forests and parks that make Long Island unique.

By giving children meaningful experiences in nature at an early age, we hope to inspire curiosity, respect for the environment, and a lifelong love of learning.

When children learn to notice and appreciate nature, they begin to care for it — and that care will shape the future of our communities, our environment, and the next generation of Long Island families.