Cities Connecting Children to Nature Initiative in Austin
The Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) initiative is transforming the way children in Austin experience the natural world. In partnership with the National League of Cities and the Children and Nature Network, this initiative seeks to provide equitable access to nature for all children, especially those from underserved communities. With a focus on breaking down economic and racial barriers to outdoor spaces, Austin is leading the charge to make nature an everyday part of every child’s life.
For families in Austin, this means more opportunities to engage with nature, experience outdoor play, and build lasting relationships with the environment. Here’s how you and your children can benefit from this exciting initiative.
1. Explore Green School Parks
Green School Parks are a key component of the CCCN initiative thanks to a partnership between Austin Parks and Recreation and the Austin Independent School District. The idea is simple: transform school grounds into vibrant, nature-filled spaces where kids can play, learn, and connect with the environment. These spaces are designed to provide children with natural areas for exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning.
For families, this means your children can take advantage of nature-based play opportunities right at their school. Look for schools in your area that are participating in the Green School Parks program. Many of these schools open their green spaces to the public after hours and on weekends, giving families the chance to use the spaces for outdoor activities, picnics, or nature walks.
Example: If your child’s school has a Green School Park, you could join them for a nature scavenger hunt or a creative art project using natural materials like leaves and stones.
2. Visit Nature Play Spaces
Nature play spaces are designed to foster unstructured play in natural environments, giving kids the freedom to explore, imagine, and build using rocks, logs, and other natural elements. These spaces offer an alternative to traditional playgrounds and encourage creativity and physical activity.
In Austin, the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has been working to develop these nature-rich play areas, especially in communities with limited access to green spaces. These play spaces are free and open to the public, offering children an opportunity to experience nature up close.
Example: Take a family trip to a local nature play space, where your children can climb on logs, build forts out of sticks, or create a mini-garden. These spaces allow kids to interact with nature in a way that nurtures their curiosity and imaginations.
3. Engage with Youth Leadership Programs
The CCCN-Austin initiative is not about passive outdoor experiences. It works to elevate youth voices and create a pipeline for youth, particularly those from historically underrepresented communities, to nature-based professions through training, networking and mentorship.
For families, this is an excellent way for older children (16-24) to gain leadership skills while deepening their connection to nature. Check out some of the city’s paid jobs and internships targeting green workforce development, such as the Youth Forest Council. Young adults can gain hands-on experience in preserving the environment while building a sense of responsibility and empowerment.
Example: If your teen is interested in environmental activism, they might participate in an urban tree planting event or work with a local conservation group to help restore natural habitats in the city.
4. Check Out Nature Smart Libraries
Libraries aren’t just for books—they’re also great places to learn about nature and the environment. Through the Nature Smart Libraries initiative, the Austin Public Library is offering programs that encourage kids to get outdoors and explore. These programs can include nature-themed story times, educational workshops, or interactive exhibits that teach children about local ecosystems.
Nature-themed story times, dubbed "StoryWalks," combine outdoor literacy with nature-based experiences, offering accessible and engaging ways to connect with the environment. Many libraries also offer activity kits and nature exploration tools that families can check out for free, making it easy to bring nature experiences home.
Example: Visit your local library and ask about any upcoming nature-themed programs or workshops. You might find a family-friendly event like a nature walk with a naturalist or a DIY birdhouse-making workshop.
5. Engage in Early Childhood Nature Experiences
The CCCN initiative emphasizes the importance of connecting children to nature early in life. Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department is working with early childhood education centers to create outdoor learning environments for young children, where they can discover the natural world through play.
Parents of young children can seek out programs or centers that prioritize outdoor learning or organize their own nature walks, gardening projects, or park visits to foster a love for nature from an early age.
Example: If you have a toddler, take them on a guided nature walk in one of Austin’s many parks or nature preserves. Even simple activities like looking for bugs or splashing in a creek can help little ones build an appreciation for nature.
6. Participate in Family-Friendly Nature Events
Austin offers a wide variety of outdoor events for families to enjoy together. From nature festivals like Roots and Wings to community clean-up days, there’s always something happening in the city that brings people closer to nature. Keep an eye on local event calendars for opportunities to get outside, meet other families, and have fun in nature.
Example: Attend one of Austin’s many family-friendly nature events, like the annual “Texas Pollinator Powwow,” where families can learn about local pollinators, or a “Family Nature Day” hosted by the Austin Nature and Science Center.
How Can Families Get Involved?
To take full advantage of Austin's CCCN initiative, families should:
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Explore City Parks: Parks integrate nature access and connection to green spaces within the urban environment
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Get Involved in Local Programs: Look for community programs through PARD, local libraries, or environmental organizations that focus on nature education and outdoor play.
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Create Nature Rituals at Home: Incorporate nature into your daily life – whether it's taking a walk around your neighborhood or starting a small garden in your backyard.
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Sign the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights (COBOR): Demonstrate your commitment to equitable access to nature in Austin and to nature connection within the community. Show your support for by signing the COBOR pledge form.
Join the CCCN Initiative!
The Cities Connecting Children to Nature initiative is making it easier than ever for Austin families to engage with the natural world. By utilizing green school parks, nature play spaces, leadership programs, and local events, families can provide their children with valuable, hands-on experiences in nature. These opportunities not only support physical and emotional health but also nurture a lifelong connection to the environment.
So, whether you’re hiking in a local park, exploring a nature play space, or simply enjoying a nature-based storytime, Austin is full of opportunities for families to connect to the natural world – and it's all part of the city's ongoing effort to create a healthier, greener, and more inclusive future for every child.