The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Get outside with your family! © Nature Rocks

"Working on the Nature Rocks initiative, we’re able to help the next generation of conservationists better their health and reconnect with nature."

—M. Sanjayan, Lead Scientist, The Nature Conservancy

Why does nature rock? An increasing number of studies illustrate that kids who spend time outdoors are happier, healthier and smarter.

Developed by the nation’s leaders in bringing families and nature together, Nature Rocks is a national program to inspire and empower families to play and explore in nature.

This initiative gives busy parents and caregivers the tools, instructions and tips for quick, easy, inexpensive (or free) activities, so they can enjoy quality family time in nature.

Nature Rocks: Find, Connect, Explore!

At Nature Rocks, parents will find more than 100 fun, easy-to-implement, and interesting activities based on their specific needs (time available, ages of children, location)—inspiring and empowering families to enjoy bonding experiences in nature:

• The parent-friendly Web site offers a Find Nature tool for parents to input their zip code and quickly locate a list of nearby parks, forests, Conservancy preserves and more, including places that offer nature tours, classes and even gear. 
• Parents can also take advantage of additional tools to invite family and friends to join in Nature Rocks activities—spreading the fun and turning nature adventures into adventure parties.

 The Nature Conservancy has joined ecoAmerica and the Children & Nature Network, along with REI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, American Heart Association and the American Camp Association, to make nature rock for your family.