This week’s Camp Au Pair theme is Nature Exploration.
For our first Camp Au Pair of 2026, we are doing Nature Exploration. Get the kids out into the fresh air and set the tone for the whole summer! We are so lucky to live in the Twin Cities with so much beautiful nature right around the corner.
Crafts, recipes, activities, and games can all be found here on the Camp Au Pair – Nature Exploration pinboard.
Field Trips can be a great way for kids to learn and have new experiences. You can start observing nature at any local park or in your own backyard. If you want to take it a step further, below is a list of other local places to go explore nature. Get permission from your host parents before any outings and check websites before you go for hours and information.
Information about all of the local field trip suggestions can be found in the Local Field Trip section of the Pinterest board.
Safety note: When coming inside after you have been outside exploring nature, it’s always a good idea to check the children and yourself for ticks. For more information, take a look at this post.
- Aviaries such as the one near the Rose Garden in Minneapolis
- Farms – try Gibbs Farm, Brooklyn Center Historic Farm, or Lyndale Farmstead
- Nature Preserves like the Arboretum in Chaska or Woodlake in Richfield
- Parks – there are so many parks around and they have so many opportunities! Three Rivers Park board, Minneapolis Park and Rec, etc.
Virtual Field Trips:
Webcams – You can do a Google search for websites with webcams that allow you to observe nature.
- Nature.org has lots of webcams from all over the country including Brown Bear Cam, Puffin Boulder Berm, and Bella Diamond Hummingbird Nest
- Wildlife Trusts has a wide variety of webcams including Barn Owls, Bats, and Birdfeeder
Videos – Look for fun videos on YouTube about nature.
Books – Check your bookshelves and/or stop by your local library and look for books on nature. You can also find many read aloud book videos on YouTube. Here are a few to get you started.
Image: toddleratplay.com