In Sarasota County, we’re lucky to have year-round access to beautiful outdoor spaces. Nature play offers countless benefits for young children, promoting physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Exploring the outdoors helps kids grow strong, healthy, and curious while providing unique learning opportunities that can’t be found in a classroom.
Here are a few ways to enjoy nature play with your little ones:
- Nature Walks and Hikes
Take a walk through a local park or nature trail. Encourage your child to observe the different plants, animals, and sounds. This helps with language development as they describe what they see and hear, and it fosters a connection with the environment.
Sarasota County is full of amazing places for nature walks and hikes with little ones—here are three to get you started:
- The Bay Park – Located in downtown Sarasota, The Bay offers scenic waterfront walks, gardens, and wildlife spotting. The easy boardwalk paths are perfect for little feet and strollers.
- Nathan Benderson Park – This park features paved trails around a beautiful lake, ideal for a relaxing walk with kids. You can enjoy watching boats, birds, and other wildlife while staying close to nature.
- Oscar Sherer State Park – Surrounded by urban areas, Oscar Scherer is an unexpected oasis providing visitors with a refreshing escape into natural Florida. Offering solitude, beauty, and a healthy adventure for everyone. Serves as a popular stopover for bicyclists and walkers on the Legacy Trail.
- Building a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Create a simple scavenger hunt by listing things like pinecones, leaves, rocks, or birds. This activity develops problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and understanding of nature’s cycles. - Sandcastles at the Beach or Digging in the Dirt
Sensational sensory fun! Playing in the sand or soil is a fun, hands-on way to teach toddlers about textures, earth science, and creativity. They can practice fine motor skills by digging, scooping, and shaping the earth. - Water Play and Splashing
Take advantage of Sarasota County’s warm weather with water play! Whether it’s at a beach, a park with water fountains, or simply using a water table at home, aqua activities build sensory skills, hand-eye coordination, and social interaction with peers. - Gardening Together
Planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables teaches children about responsibility, patience, and the science of growing. It also provides a hands-on way to learn about life cycles and the environment.
Here are a few options in Sarasota County for gardening together with little ones. These local gardens provide hands-on opportunities for young ones to learn about nature, responsibility, and the science behind gardening.
Sarasota Garden Club
Located in downtown Sarasota, the Sarasota Garden Club offers beautiful gardens to explore and occasionally holds family-friendly gardening workshops. It’s a great place to introduce children to plants, flowers, and gardening techniques.
The Edible Garden at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota features an edible garden where children can learn about growing vegetables, herbs, and fruits. The gardens also offer educational programs designed for young learners.
The Giving Garden at Sarasota’s Fruitville Library
This community garden is an excellent place for families to learn about sustainable gardening. Children can help plant and care for vegetables and herbs, teaching them about the growing process and healthy eating.
Support Your Child’s Outdoor Exploration
The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County offers programs and resources that encourage play-based learning and outdoor exploration. We love connecting families with opportunities to engage with nature, promoting healthy development and fostering lifelong love of the outdoors.
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