Minneapolis Parks Neighborhood Naturalist Program

The Neighborhood Naturalist program offers nature-based experiences, outdoor activities and environmental education experiences in parks all over Minneapolis. MPRB’s trained naturalists connect residents of all ages with nearby nature to spark curiosity and joy and empower learning.

Nature Play Groups-ages 1.5 to 4
Get those inquisitive minds and bodies exploring nature and socializing with peers! Learn and grow together with your little one while exploring and having fun outside with other children and their grownups. Each day offers opportunities for observing, following curiosity, and sensory investigation during this outdoor exploration time! This is an Adult/Child interactive program.

Drop-in Discoveries-all ages and free!
Each week drop-in and discover nature right in your neighborhood park! Come outside to explore the park, investigate the curiosities we find, engage in art or experimentation, and enjoy time spent outdoors. Each visit offers a different option for nature exploring — such as building structures, paths, or other creations in the snow, trying out animal adaptations for yourself, examining snow up close, and much more! No need to register, just stop on by for free naturalist-guided exploration.

Nature Summer Day Camps- ages 6-14
Explore forest, water, and gardens at one of our weekly day camps throughout the summer. Various themes, locations, and age ranges are offered.

Seasonal Drop-in Canoeing and Snowshoeing- all ages and free!
Get out on one of our many Minneapolis lakes and learn canoe skills with an instructor. Offered at Loring, Powderhorn, and Wirth Lakes throughout the summer.
During the winter months, if there is snow, drop-in snowshoeing will be offered at parks all across the city.

Visit our website to learn more and register for programs!