Tiny Trees: Art & Stories

Join our tiniest of Nature Niños as we explore nature in public, open spaces in Albuquerque or Rio Rancho. 

What is Tiny Trees?

Tiny Trees is a dynamic outdoor program designed for children ages 4-8. This 100% outdoor class provides a unique opportunity for young learners to explore and discover the natural world around them. Each week focuses on a new lesson, encouraging curiosity and fostering a love for nature. Topics include:

• Plant and wildlife identification
• Fishing and archery experiences
• Ecological changes and the natural world
• Animals, flowers, and insects
• Playtime and storytelling

Our programming integrates the social-emotional benefits that nature offers through activities like individual nature journaling and ample free time for children to explore at their own pace. Whether climbing trees, counting leaves, or simply getting their hands dirty, children are encouraged to engage with their environment in a meaningful and joyful way.

Through hands-on experiences led by Nature Niños staff and knowledgeable community partners, children will engage in activities like creating art projects, exploring natural spaces, investigating materials, and building friendships.

About the Class

SPRING 2025 UPDATE: 

We're excited to announce that our spring 2025 classes will kick off the week of January 27th and wrap up by the week of May 16th, with a well-deserved spring break during the week of March 17th. This 16-week semester includes 15 awesome classes (thanks to the break!). Be on the lookout for class schedules and locations, which will be available by January 15th. We can't wait to see you out there!

Important Update on Tuition for the Spring Semester

As we begin a new semester, we want to inform you that tuition for each student will be a flat rate of $275 for the spring semester. We understand that affordability is important, and we are excited to offer an opportunity to reduce this cost through our Winter Raffle fundraiser. By participating in the raffle, families can earn discounts on their tuition, helping to make our programs more accessible for everyone.

We are deeply grateful for the support you've shown us over the years as we continue to grow and refine our approach to keeping Nature Niños sustainable in our community. Your continued involvement helps us provide life-changing outdoor experiences to the youth of New Mexico. Thank you for being an essential part of our mission! 

If you would like to participate in the raffle you can find more information here: Winter Raffle: Spring 2025 Tuition Assistance Opportunity. For any questions about the raffle please email Sarah Candelaria at sarah@natureninos.org. 

A Typical Class Schedule:

• Welcome
• Activity & Story Time
• Nature Exploration Topic
• Art Exploration
• Group Game/Free Exploration
• Depart Location

Notes for Parents:

• The first-class meeting will be a short class introduction. This includes a MANDATORY 30-min introductory session for parents/guardians to meet the instructors and discuss details for the semester.
• Classes will be held in public, open spaces in Albuquerque or Rio Rancho.
• Family Hike Days REQUIRE a parent/guardian to attend the whole class - other siblings may attend as well.
• One volunteer-in-class date is required per registration. A sign-up form will be sent to families two weeks prior to classes starting. 
• Parents/Guardians may stay on-site or drop-off and return for the class duration. If you stay on-site, we provide a designated space where you can encourage your student's autonomous growth while observing the class, meeting other parents, and be present to support your child if needed.

Nature Niños classes are held in various public, open spaces in and around Albuquerque.

Parents are responsible for transportation to and from all events.

Restrooms in Outdoor Spaces

Many outdoor spaces include restroom facilities, but when you get off the beaten path, that situation changes a bit.

Most of our places include access to either a building facility or a port-a-potty with hand sanitizer or handwashing stations. 

In locations that do not have restroom access, Nature Niños provides a sanitary and private portable toilet with a privacy tent, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. 

For all locations, Nature Niños staff are not allowed to assist your child with restroom duties such as wiping bottoms or buttoning pants. Please dress your child in clothing that they can easily navigate. 

If your child does need this assistance, a parent/guardian MUST be on-site.

Cancellation and Inclement Weather Policy:

Nature Niños is a small, dedicated team. As we work to provide and engage youth in the outdoors, unforeseen circumstances such as illness, emergencies, or other circumstances may affect our team. If our team is unable to coverage in these circumstances to meet our standard teacher-student ratio, a class may need to be cancelled.

Because we are a 100% outdoor program, we plan to have class in all kinds of weather. However, when conditions become hazardous like lightning storms, icy roads, and extremely high winds, this can create undo dangers in our outdoor spaces.

Nature Niños does our best within these factors to host every scheduled class. Refunds will not be distributed for these circumstances affecting class. Should a class need to be cancelled, an instructor will post the notification on the Band app, through email, and our social media pages. Thank you for your understanding.