Sharing Nature With Children

Connecting children with nature provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether it’s a scavenger hunt or a bug safari, these outdoor adventures spark curiosity and foster a deeper appreciation for the environment. Parents and educators alike can leverage the power of nature to encourage physical activity, boost mental well-being, and inspire a lifelong love for the natural world. With the right approach, sharing nature with the next generation can be an enriching experience for all involved.

Good To Know

• Engage children through interactive nature games and activities to spark their curiosity and foster a love for the outdoors.
• Provide personalized guidance from a knowledgeable professional to ensure a meaningful and enriching experience for children.
• Encourage physical activity and mental well-being by exploring the lush forest environment and searching for salamanders.
• Offer snacks and bottled water to keep children energized and hydrated during the outdoor adventure.
• Offer a flexible booking and cancellation policy to provide confidence in planning the nature-based experience.

Experience Overview

Sharing Nature with Children is an engaging outdoor activity that takes place at the Cosby Picnic Area in the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, USA.

The experience aims to encourage enthusiasm and attention in children through nature games and activities. Groups are kept small, with a maximum of 11 participants.

The highlights include exploring the forest, searching for salamanders, and enjoying outdoor fun. The activity is led by a professional guide and includes snacks, fees, transportation, and bottled water, making it a convenient and enriching experience for families.

Activity Highlights

During the experience, participants can expect to explore the lush forest of the Cosby Picnic Area, searching for elusive salamanders that call the area home.

The guide will lead the group on a nature scavenger hunt, encouraging kids to engage with their surroundings. They’ll listen for bird calls, feel the textures of tree bark, and try to spot any creepy crawlies.

After the hike, the group will gather for outdoor games and activities that foster a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.

The experience is designed to ignite a child’s curiosity and love for the great outdoors.

Participant Details

Children of all ages are welcome to join this engaging nature experience. The maximum group size is 11 participants, allowing for personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide.

The experience caters to children, focusing on nature games and activities that encourage enthusiasm and attention. Four key benefits of this activity include:

1. Exploration of the forest, sparking curiosity and wonder.
2. Searching for salamanders, fostering a connection with the natural world.
3. Enjoying outdoor fun, promoting physical activity and mental well-being.
4. Snacks and bottled water provided, ensuring participants stay energized and hydrated.

Included and Excluded

The activity includes a professional guide to lead the nature exploration, as well as all fees and taxes.

Bottled water is provided, and snacks are included to keep participants energized.

Transportation to the trailhead is covered, though guests must provide their own parking tag.

While rain gear isn’t included, emergency ponchos are available if needed.

Drinks beyond the provided water are the responsibility of each participant.

Meeting Information

Participants meet the guide under the flagpole at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, located at 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

From there, they follow the guide to the trailhead in their personal vehicles. The experience returns to the original meeting point.

The meeting instructions are straightforward:

1. Arrive at the designated spot on time.
2. Identify the guide and join the group.
3. Travel to the trailhead together.
4. Return to the visitor center at the conclusion of the activity.

This setup ensures a seamless and organized start and end to the nature exploration.

Booking and Cancellation

The activity is priced at $45.00 per person, down from the original $50.00.

Booking is easy – secure your spot while maintaining flexibility. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This allows participants to plan with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed.

Guests are responsible for their own parking tag and rain gear, though emergency ponchos are on hand.

Customer Reviews

A total of 25 reviews have been left for this nature experience, and travelers unanimously recommend it, awarding it a perfect 5.0-star rating on both Viator and Tripadvisor.

Guests praise the guide, Debbie, as "fabulous," "passionate," "patient," and "knowledgeable." They highlight her ability to engage children and foster enthusiasm for the outdoors.

The experience offers:

1. Hands-on exploration of the forest.
2. The thrill of searching for salamanders.
3. Opportunities for outdoor fun and games.
4. A chance to connect with nature in a supportive, educational environment.

With these glowing reviews, families can feel confident in booking this nature-filled adventure.

Preparing for the Adventure

To make the most of this nature-filled adventure, visitors should prepare accordingly.

Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes and dress in layers, as the weather in the Smokies can be unpredictable. Bring a small backpack or day bag to carry essentials like snacks, water, and any personal medications.

Don’t forget sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. While the guide provides bottled water, it’s a good idea to bring extra hydration.

Visitors should also pack a small towel or blanket for sitting comfortably on the ground during activities.

With a little preparation, everyone can focus on exploring and enjoying the wonders of nature.

The Sum Up

Sharing nature with children fosters their curiosity and appreciation for the environment. Engaging them in outdoor activities promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while helping them develop a deeper connection with the natural world. These experiences can inspire a lifelong love for nature in the younger generation, shaping their values and instilling a sense of responsibility towards the planet.