The Children's Nature Institute is proud to offer fun and educational guided Family Walks through some of Los Angeles' most beautiful natural parks. Our well-trained Walk Leaders generously donate their time and talent in order to provide walkers with a safe, educational and memorable experience. All Family Walks are scheduled by our Walk Leaders so times and locations may vary, but most walks take place during weekend mornings. Walk leaders try to schedule walks during optimal times for families with young children. Be sure to check our Walks Calendar often as trips are added on a rolling basis.
Reservations are required for all attendees. Please make sure to sign up so that your group leader can contact you to confirm your reservation and answer any questions you may have. You may reserve your walk by clicking on the calendar date which you would like to join us.
Age:Our walks are designed for the learning and developmental levels of children ages 0 to 8 years old but older siblings are always welcome to join in the exploration and lessons. The walks are a great opportunity for older children to develop leadership skills as role models for our younger walkers.
Day of the Walk: For promotional and safety purposes, each parent or guardian is required to sign a release form before each walk and sign out at the close of each walk. Our Walk Leaders greatly appreciate your help in following all trail and park rules. In order to provide a safe, enjoyable environment for all our participants, no pets or smoking will be allowed. We thank you in advance for your reservation and look forward to seeing you on the trails!
Parents' Role
Helping your child with activities and explorations will give you the most rewarding experience on the walk. Walks proceed at the pace of the children and safety is always a priority. We ask that there be at least one adult for every two children.
Price
There is a suggested donation of $10 per family. Donations provide funding for CNI's Outreach Discovery Program which can be offered, at no cost to qualifying inner-city and special needs groups. Donations from family walkers are very important for the longevity of this program and your help is greatly appreciated!
About the Volunteer Walk Leaders
All CNI Walk Leaders have graduated from the CNI Volunteer Training Program which provides volunteers with an array of information covering native flora and fauna of the Santa Monica Mountains, basic life science topics and safety procedures. All of our Walk Leaders excite children about the wonders of nature and help parents bond with their children in peaceful, outdoors settings while providing basic information about our natural world. Every leader brings different teaching styles, interests and talents to the walk to provide your family with the best experience possible. Find out how you can volunteer.
Don't See the Walk You Want?
Our Walk Leaders schedule walks in their free time anywhere from two weeks to two months in advance. To increase the number of walks, as well as the number of locations at which we walk, let us know when and where you'd like to see us! We appreciate any suggestions you may have. CNI is also looking for new volunteers to lead walks. If you are interested in training to become a walk leader please click
here.
