Event Details
Family Nature Club’s
Butterfly Bonanza
Family Nature Club (FNC) is all about discovering the world, and playing WITH nature, not just IN nature. Experience the sounds, smells, and sights of the outdoors with FNC as we explore our natural heritage within Essex County’s parks. Summer sessions last 2 hours each.
Family Nature Club does not include zoo admission. Family Nature Club does not always meet at TBZ; you will receive detailed instructions if we plan to not meet at the zoo.
To Register for Nature Guardians: Click Here
Type “FNC” in the search bar to see all available programs
Summer 2023 Dates and Themes!
- June 11th @ 10 AM – Salamander Sunday
- June 25th @ 1 PM – Butterfly Bonanza
- July 9th @ 10 AM – Salamander Sunday
- July 23rd @ 10 AM – FNC Nature Adventurer
- August 6th @ 10 AM – Salamander Sunday
- August 20th @ 10 AM – Monarchs Matter
Salamander Sunday, Butterfly Bonanza, and Monarchs Matter programs meet at the Berson Education Center. FNC Nature Adventurer Programs meet at various locations throughout the South Mountain Reservation. Prior to your program, you will receive detailed instructions of where to meet. Program locations are usually within a 5-10 minute drive of the zoo.
To Register for Nature Guardians: Click Here
Type “FNC” in the search bar to see all available programs
Frequently Asked Questions…
What is Nature Play? Nature play is playing WITH nature, not just IN nature, and is a great way to interact with nature no matter your experience level or play style. Run, climb, build, dig, or even just sit and experience the sounds, smells, and sights of the outdoors.
Family Nature Club is a great activity for your family. Please register each person in your family group.
Covid-19 Health and Safety: Everyone will be outside, social distancing and face coverings are optional.
Family Nature Club does not include zoo admission. You can purchase zoo admission separately at turtlebackzoo.com if you’d like to attend the zoo earlier in the day. The zoo will be closed by the time the FNC program has concluded for the day.
Who Should Come
Nature Adventurers is for all ages and all abilities, though best recommended for 6+. There’s something for everybody- teens and adults are invited and encouraged to join in the fun, not just little ones! If you have accessibility concerns, please contact your Nature Play Leader, Katie Fenyar at [email protected] who will work with you to accommodate.
What to Bring
• Close-toed shoes and long pants (recommended for playing in tall grasses and the woods)
• Reusable water bottle*
• Sunscreen, bug spray, raincoat, poncho, or other seasonal or weather gear
• Epi-pens, inhalers, or any other necessary medications for anyone in your family
• A camera to capture the memories
• Your imagination and eagerness to have fun!
What Not to Bring
• Anything you don’t want to get dirty, wet, broken, or lost
• Electronic devices you might get glued to (phones are ok if you’re just taking pictures). We will be ‘unplugging’ and do not want the electronics to become a distraction.
• Grumpy attitude!
Family Nature Club backpacks, filled with nature play goodies, are available for purchase on the day of your event ($10 cash only). Please email your interest in purchasing a backpack to [email protected] before the event. See below for more details about the backpacks.
*NEW! Nature Adventurers Backpacks
We now have drawstring, water-resistant backpacks available with your own starter kit of adventuring supplies to take home! These are not required but recommended if you intend to come often or go on your own adventures outside of our meetups (or both!). Inside you’ll find:
• a reusable water bottle
• a telescoping net
• a blank nature journal
• colored pencils and sharpener
• a laminated copy of the Nature Adventurers Handbook
• a guide for Nature Play Resources that we recommend including books, websites, and apps
• a water-resistant pencil case
• 3 animal print adhesive bandages
• a small bug jar with a magnifying lid
• 2 Nature Adventurers stickers
• paracord
These are while supplies last. We have them in the following color themes: Magenta, Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Lime Green/Black, Forest Green, Teal/Bright Orange, Light Blue, Royal Blue. When purchasing a ticket with a backpack, please indicate what color(s) you would like. If you do not select a color or we run out of that color, we will select one for you.
Cancellations
Cancellation with refund may be made up to 7 days before the originally scheduled date and time; no refunds will be offered less than 7 days prior to the originally scheduled tour date and time. Cancellations may be made by email: [email protected].