If you are considering joining Little Hikers, you may be wondering what a typical class is like and what your child will actually learn.

Little Hikers is not simply nature walks in the woods or free play. It is a structured educational nature program designed for parents who want their children to learn about the natural world while experiencing the many health benefits of being outdoors.

Each class combines movement, observation, exploration, and hands-on learning so children can understand the plants, animals, insects, and seasonal changes happening around them.

For many families, Little Hikers becomes a weekly routine where children build curiosity, confidence, and a real connection to nature.

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A Program Designed for Curious Young Children

Young children are naturally curious. They notice the worm in the soil, the mushroom on a log, the bird flying overhead, and the tiny insect crawling across the trail.

At Little Hikers, we take that curiosity and turn it into learning.

Instead of simply walking past these discoveries, children stop, observe, ask questions, and explore using tools like magnifying glasses and binoculars. This helps children begin to understand how the natural world works.

Over time, children begin recognizing things they see outside, like birds in the park, insects in their backyard, leaves on different trees, and seasonal changes in the forest.

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A Typical Little Hikers Class

Each class follows a structured format designed for young children ages 2–6.

Movement and Outdoor Games

We begin class with movement games that help children warm up their bodies and feel comfortable in the outdoor space.

Activities may include:

• stepping stones
• balancing games
• mini agility courses with cones
• pop-and-catch ball games
• bean bag toss
• other simple movement stations

These activities help children develop coordination, balance, and confidence on uneven ground.

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Short Educational Circle Time

Next, we gather for a short circle time where I introduce the day’s nature topic.

Children may learn about insects, birds, plants, soil, weather, or seasonal changes. Circle time is interactive and designed for young attention spans.

The goal is to give children a simple idea to look for when we go on our walk.

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Guided Nature Walk

After circle time, we head onto the trail.

This is where children begin observing the things we talked about during the lesson.

We move slowly and stop often so children have time to explore, ask questions, and examine things closely.

Children may:

• look at insects with magnifying glasses
• observe birds with binoculars
• compare leaves and bark
• dig gently in the soil
• search for signs of animals
• notice seasonal changes on the trail

This is where learning really happens, because children are seeing and experiencing nature directly.

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Hands-On Nature Craft or Activity

After the walk, we come back together for a craft or hands-on activity connected to the day’s topic.

For example, if we learn about birds, children may create a bird craft. If we learn about insects, they may create an insect-themed activity.

These crafts help reinforce what children learned and allow them to take the experience home.

They also support important skills like cutting, gluing, creativity, and fine motor development.

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Ending the Class

We finish class with one of the children’s favorite activities... giant bubbles in the field.

It’s a fun and relaxing way to end the class while still enjoying the outdoors.

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What Children Learn Over Time

Children who attend regularly begin to recognize the natural world around them.

Parents often tell me their children start pointing things out everywhere they go!

These moments show that children are not just playing outside... they are learning how to observe and understand nature.

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Who This Program Is For

Little Hikers is designed for parents who value learning about nature and the many benefits that outdoor experiences provide for children’s health and development.

This program is especially great for families who want their children to:

• learn about insects, plants, animals, and weather
• develop curiosity and early science skills
• spend meaningful time outdoors
• build confidence and independence
• explore nature in a safe and supportive environment

Because this is a parent-and-child program, caregivers stay with their child and experience the learning together.

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Why Outdoor Learning Matters

Children learn differently when they are outdoors.

Instead of only hearing about nature, they can see it, touch it, hear it, and explore it.

Research shows that regular outdoor time supports:

• physical development
• attention and focus
• emotional regulation
• curiosity and creativity
• overall health and well-being

At Little Hikers, children experience nature through all five senses, which makes learning deeper and more memorable.

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A Weekly Experience Children Look Forward To

For many families, Little Hikers becomes a weekly experience where children look forward to exploring the forest, discovering new things, and spending time outdoors.

Children build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong connection to the natural world.

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Join Us on the Trail

If you are looking for a program where your child can learn about nature, move their body, and explore the outdoors in a meaningful way, Little Hikers may be a wonderful fit for your family.

Spots are limited, sign up today!