About the event

Welcome to Nature Tots and Kids

Drop in for some nature-themed fun, with lots for little ones to explore and do. There will be natural sensory items to discover, small-world, role-play, sand and water to explore, and so much more! Activities change with the seasons, and every session includes some optional activities led by our Wilder Learning Officer and knowledgeable volunteers.

Nature Tots and Kids and Child Development

Physical development – Children are given the opportunity to refine their fine motor skills through knot tying, supervised tool use, and craft activities.

Emotional Wellbeing & Resilience – Our Wilder Learning team creates calm spaces that nurture child-led play, where a child’s self-confidence can grow through achievable challenges, where they will have the opportunity to develop resilience by pursuing their own ideas and correcting those ideas if needed.

Social & Communication Skills - Children can work together when taking part in activities, where they can share ideas and solve problems together.

Cognitive Development & Problem-Solving - Children put their own thoughts into practice, test their ideas, and change those ideas when necessary.

Creativity & Imagination - Natural resources give children the opportunity for unstructured play and spark flexible creativity.

Connection to Nature & Environmental Awareness - It is understood that spending time in nature is very important when it comes to supporting our own well-being. By spending time in nature from a young age, children are provided with that practice early on, which will hopefully continue to support their own well-being as they grow through all stages of life.

Supported Risk & Self-Confidence - Children are provided with opportunities for risk-taking, which is appropriate and safe. Activities such as tool use, will help children become independent and confident individuals who learn to trust their own judgement.

Holistic Development – The Forest School Principles recognise that each developmental focus is interlinked and the bigger picture in supporting a child’s development.

FAQs

🎫 Who needs a ticket?

This session is suitable for children up to 7 years old. Accompanying adults and Siblings under 18months are free of charge. 

📍Where do we meet?

Find our friendly Wilder Learning team inside the Naze Nature Discovery Centre.

🥾What should we wear?

Year-round, bring a coat that will keep the wind out. warm layers for the winter, and a sun hat and suncream if the sun is shining. Wellington boots or hiking boots or old shoes that you don't mind getting mucky. 

🌍Where are you based?

We are located just north of Walton on the Naze, a coastal town in North Essex 

🚗Is there parking?

The car park is managed by Tendring District Council and parking charges apply. 

🚆Can we get to you on public transport? 

We are a five-minute walk from the end of the line for Route 7 Konectbuses in Essex and Suffolk. The train station is approximately 1.5miles walk along the seafront.

☕ Is there a café?

The visitor centre has a shop and café serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, ice cream, and light lunches. 

🚻Are there toilets?

Yes, there is a toilet located inside the Nature Discovery Centre.

🐕‍🦺Can we bring a dog?

Assistance dogs are welcome at our events.

♿Is it wheelchair accessible? 

The Naze is an area of relatively flat grassland with short mown grass paths and may be suitable for some wheelchairs. The beach is accessed via steep stairs and is not accessible for wheelchairs.   

Please read the event booking terms and conditions here:

Booking terms and conditions