We're so excited for another summer of adventure with Nature Niños—where youth ages 7–12 will spend their days hiking, fishing, creating art, exploring the outdoors, and building real friendships along the way. Our two-week sessions run Monday through Thursday (no Fridays!) for $300, and we can't wait to help your child make unforgettable summer memories filled with fresh air, confidence, and connection—check out our Outdoor Adventure Camp page and sign up here!
When a child catches their first trout, watches an eagle take flight, or steps onto a trail they've never explored before—something shifts. They light up. They build confidence. They begin to see themselves as someone who belongs in the outdoors.
We also know it's not always easy to get there. The outdoors can feel far, unfamiliar, or simply out of reach in the middle of busy family life. That's where Nature Niños comes in. We serve as your outdoor learning team—removing barriers, creating access points, and guiding youth and families into meaningful outdoor experiences together. Across generations, we build comfort, skills, and connection in a way that feels welcoming, supported, and real.
Founded in 2019 and now a growing 501(c)(3) organization, Nature Niños creates consistent, relationship-based opportunities for youth and families to spend time outside—not just once, but again and again. Through hiking, fishing, archery, creative expression, and place-based learning, we help young people develop a sense of belonging in the natural world and within themselves.
Our work is rooted in connection—connection to land, to community, and to self. Whether it's through storytelling, art, reflection, or shared outdoor experiences, we support youth in discovering their ecological identity while building confidence, resilience, and joy. We're not just introducing kids to the outdoors—we're walking alongside them as they grow into the next generation of land stewards, leaders, and lifelong outdoor participants.
Please visits our Programs Page to see all the amazing opportunities that Nature Niños is offering for our New Mexico youth from PreK thru High School.
As we close out another incredible year, I'm filled with gratitude for how our Nature Niños community continues to grow—both in reach and in impact. This year, we expanded our programs into the East Mountains, welcoming new families, schools, and outdoor spaces into our circle. With the addition of a dedicated East Mountain Coordinator, we're...
Nature Niños Featured on New Mexico Living! AGAIN!
Fall Registration Opens August 4th at 9:00 AM!
We're getting ready to hit the trails again—and we want your family with us! Registration for our Fall 2025 semester opens on Monday, August 4th at 9:00 AM, and our programs tend to fill fast.
Tree Care, Community, and Conservation: June 14th at Mark Armijo Academy 🌱
Nature Niños Featured on KRQE for Youth-Led Urban Forestry Kickoff in the South Valley! 🌳
Youth-Led Urban Forestry in the South Valley: Nature Niños Makes Headlines in the Albuquerque Journal! 🌳
I enrolled my 5-year-old son into Nature Ninos Tiny Trees program during the Fall semester and right away he loved it. He is a social bird, and Nature Ninos was exactly what I was looking for in a homeschool program. For one of the scheduled fishing trips I asked if I could bring my older two kids, ages 12 and 14 to come along. All of the teachers welcomed them with open arms. This was the first time myself and my kids have tried fishing. Sarah Candelaria, the program founder and director, was there to help the kids and share her fishing expertise. She was so patient and nice with my older kids. She taught them everything about how to set up a line, put a hook on, bait it, everything. She even allowed them to use different tools and baits to try out. After this one fishing trip my kids were all so excited about fishing that they begged me to go again. I told my older kids that they needed to research fishing poles, how to do everything, and locate fishing areas around the city. They got to work and came back to me with a full report. For Christmas, Santa surprised them each with a fishing pole and supplies! This semester my 5-year-old is continuing in Tiny Trees and my two older kids have enrolled in ITO (Investigating the Outdoors) program. They all love it! Now that the weather is warming up a bit we have decided to go try out a new fishing spot each week. I am so grateful for Sarah and her team of amazing teachers for this amazing program and all of the opportunities!
-Lisa D. ☆☆☆☆☆
My children had such an amazing time at camp. We were grateful for the opportunity to provide them with a true summer camp experience outside in nature. They had a chance to get dirty, be creative, troubleshoot through weather and obstacles. They came home with a sense of confidence being outside.
-Anonymous Summer Camp Parent ☆☆☆☆☆
