Tiny Explorers encourages new parents to kickstart a healthy life enjoying the outdoors by getting their little ones outdoors starting at a young age. The program is targeted at new families with infants and toddlers, from birth to 3-years-old.
Each event has a different theme and we’ll explore the outdoors, incorporating activities as we go. Parents will also learn safety tips for bringing little ones outdoors and more ideas for getting your family outside. Families with newborns to 3-year-olds are welcome, and older siblings are invited to attend. Activities will encourage exploration of the natural world, connecting with our senses, and play. The activities can be adapted for your child’s age and development, and we’ll provide a space for families to network with each other.
Families with newborns or infants that aren’t mobile should bring a baby carrier and blanket. Families that qualify for the Oregon Health Plan can access free baby carriers and other outdoor gear, including a sunhat and sunscreen.
The program is offered as an 4 to 8-week series, and families are welcome to attend as many events as they are able.
2018 Program Information
To stay up to date on Tiny Explorers events, opt-in to receive text message updates by texting tinyexplrs to 77948. You will receive no more than six text messages per month, and your information will not be shared with other groups. Or, visit our event calendar to find programs near you.
Bend Program Information:
Thursdays from 10-11am
April 12 – Nature Paint at Shevlin Park
April 19 – Scavenger Hunt at Hollinshead Park
April 26 – Rock Art at Skyliners Lodge
Plus, an 8-week session starting in June!
Prineville Program Information:
Mondays from 10-11am
April 16 at Rimrock Park
April 23 at Ochoco Creek Park
April 30 at Crooked River Wetlands
May 7 at Barnes Butte Trail
Madras Program Information:
Tuedays from 10-11am
May 22 at Juniper Hills Park
May 29 at Sahalee Park
June 5 at Willow Creek Canyon
June 12 at Rimrock Springs
Inclement weather: The program will occur, rain or shine, with indoor adaptations for inclement weather.
Questions? Contact Katie Chipko at katie@childrensforestco.org or (541) 383-5592.
Stay tuned for program information for La Pine in summer 2018.
Access A Baby Carrier
Families that participate in the program are eligible to access a free baby carrier and other outdoor gear to encourage outdoor time with your little one. Baby carriers are a great way to enjoy the fresh air with your baby.
Requirements to receive your free baby carrier:
- Attend at least one Tiny Explorer event. If you are unable to attend the dates or times offered, contact katie@childrensforestco.org to arrange alternatives. Volunteers will have sign-in sheets available at each event to track participation.
- Qualify for the Oregon Health Plan
- Complete an online survey about your outdoor activity with your baby within 3 months of receiving your baby carrier
Questions? Call Katie at 541-383-5592 or email katie@childrensforestco.org.
Donate Your Baby Carrier
The Children’s Forest is accepting donations of your gently-used baby carriers to support families in need. Baby carriers can be dropped off at the following locations:
- Deschutes National Forest Headquarters: 63095 Deschutes Market Road, Bend
- High Desert Education Service District: 2804 SW Sixth Street, Redmond
