Event Details
Join us to play and learn with TBZ’s very own
Family Nature Club!
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 (FNC) will visit different nature locations within the Essex County South Mountain Reservation each month.
See below for more details about Family Nature Club and what it’s all about. 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.
Upcoming 2021 Dates and Themes!
Register Here: September FNC
Sunday, September 12th 2021, 10am – noon, Camp TBZ
Ever wondered how to navigate in nature? Join us for Camp TBZ as we explore our local habitat and discover how to use the tools of our trade.
Meets at South Mountain Dog Park Bear Ln, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Sunday, September 26th 2021, 10am – noon: Haiku Hike
Outdoor poetry
Imagination and Fun
Creativity
5:7:5! Spend some time outdoors with us as we write poems to commemorate our discoveries together. This trip is happening during the Fall bird migration, let’s see who we can find!
Meets at Meets at Eagle Rock Reservation , more detailed instructions will be sent about the location in email 2-3 days before event.
Dates, times, and locations: If you need further directions, please email tbzkfenyar@gmail.com.
Register Here: September FNC
Family Nature Club (FNC) is all about playing in the best classroom there is: the outdoors! Join us as we discover local aquatic wildlife, from insects to fish. Our hikes start at 1pm and last up to 2 hours.
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, but we’ll expect each family to physically distance themselves from the other families. Per the Essex County Health Department, face coverings must be worn in order to participate in the program.
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.
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 tbzkfenyar@gmail.com before the event. See below for more details about the backpacks.
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 973-731-5800 ext. 230 or tbzkfenyar@gmail.com 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!
*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 phone at 973-731-5800 ext. 230 or email: tbzkfenyar@gmail.com.