Nature Play is designed to engage children in creative and imaginative nature discovery activities.
Learning in and through nature helps set the stage for a new generation of healthy, active children growing up both loving nature and understanding human dependence on healthy ecosystems.
Nature play spaces contain mainly natural materials designed to encourage hands-on manipulation and discovery. Natural elements provide inspiration, allowing children to shape their environment and at the same time, exercise judgment and fine motor skills. These activities motivate cooperation through play and encourage social interaction.
Nature play spaces help children understand, appreciate and value nature’s ecosystems. Frequent visits to a nature play space foster a kinship with nature and promote a greater understanding of our place in the natural world.
Nature Play at Penitentiary Glen Reservation features interactive sites designed to engage children in creative and imaginative play. Kids can traverse through an acre of green landscape with logs to climb on, tunnels to crawl through and hillsides to roll down. Features include a play campsite, a shallow pond and natural objects to discover. There is no start or finish, nor map or suggested route. Kids are encouraged to chart their own course of adventure through this outdoor play maze. There are very few rules or limits and parents, although present, observe from a distance.
The area is entirely fenced so that children and parents are aware of its boundaries. Dogs and other pets are prohibited in the area. Adults are responsible for the supervision of their children.
Nature Play is designed for self-led family adventures. Children are invited to play under the supervision of their parents, grandparents or adult caregivers. Occasionally, staff or volunteers may be available to provide special programs or to encourage families to play in creative new ways.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, please practice good manners and abide by the following rules: