Sweet Re-leaf: Fall & Winter Kids Crafts and Activities in Austin, TX

AustinParksFoundationChildren's Programming, Blog Page, Little Hummingbird Society Page, Nature Play, Education

As the weather starts to get cooler and leaves start to fall each year, there are so many things to do in and around Austin! We gathered these activities to help you and your little ones have some nature-themed fun this Fall and Winter! To quash any weekend boredom, check out our list of crafts and events we compiled just …

volunteers build outdoor classroom

Outdoor Learning: APF Awards Grants to Several Austin ISD Elementary Schools

AustinParksFoundationParks, Special Projects
, ACL Music Festival Grants, Children's Programming, Park Development, Blog Page, COVID-19, Nature Play

In December 2020, Austin Parks Foundation (APF) awarded grants to six Austin ISD schools to create new outdoor classroom areas. The following elementary schools received a grant for $2,000 each: Oak Springs, Pecan Springs, Andrews, Cook and Pickle. Gullett Elementary School received a matching “Challenge Grant” of $1,000 to help build an outdoor stage for the school and community.  “We are …

Nature Play Activity: Create Your Very Own Fairy Park!

AustinParksFoundation
Education
, Nature Play, COVID-19, Little Hummingbird Society Page, Blog Page, Children's Programming, APF News

Presented by Little Hummingbird Society Written by Ladye Anne Wofford, Chief Mission Officer at Austin Parks Foundation Fairy Gardens are miniature gardens complete with structures and living plants that have been gaining huge popularity as home and garden decorations. In fact, the Zilker Botanical Garden even hosts a Woodland Faerie Trail Exhibit every year! Tiny houses, chairs, lawns and ponds …

Nature Play as Development with the Rivera Family

AustinParksFoundationUncategorized, Nature Play, COVID-19, Little Hummingbird Society Page, Blog Page, Children's Programming, Education, 
Education


Presented by Little Hummingbird SocietyWritten by Barry Rivera, Volunteer Manager at Austin Parks Foundation In addition to just getting kids outdoors, nature play offers some cognitive and behavioral benefits to kids of all ages. The good news is – nature play is the perfect way to combine sensory, imaginary and motor skill development all in one! Sensory Experiences For smaller …

6 Fun Nature Play Activities with the Rivera Family

AustinParksFoundation
Education
, Children's Programming, Blog Page, Little Hummingbird Society Page, Nature Play

×Hey there! COVID-19 has changed how we do things, and your safety is our priority. Please keep social distancing best practices in mind if you choose to visit parks, trails and green spaces. Thanks, y’all!Presented by Little Hummingbird SocietyWritten by Barry Rivera, Volunteer Manager at Austin Parks Foundation It’s a common misconception that in order to entertain kids you need …

Nature Play 101: The Basics and Benefits of Nature Play

AustinParksFoundation
Education
, Blog Page, Little Hummingbird Society Page, COVID-19, Nature Play

Nature Play is any open-ended, unstructured play opportunity using objects from – you guessed it – nature! Children are naturally drawn toward natural phenomena, and exploring objects in their natural environment, where they can independently observe, make connections, problem-solve and interpret these items. Numerous studies have found cognitive benefits to Nature Play. These include increased attention, memory, creativity, and problem-solving …