Welcome to Inland Empire Kids Outdoors, a Nature Rocks group! Kids Outdoors provides fun, safe opportunities for families to explore the outdoors. Typical activities include walks around local nature areas, playgroups, campouts, workshops, visits to local museums, and short nature hikes. The Inland Empire offers an abundance of opportunities to explore nature, from waterfalls to wildflowers and botanical gardens to wilderness areas. We believe nature and the outdoors should be a part of every childhood, and welcome outdoor enthusiasts from all backgrounds.

Our outdoor adventures typically last 1-2 hours and are guided by the interests of our children. Our group leaders bring along magnifying lenses and collection jars so kids can explore the world up close, and leaders provide opportunities for even the youngest explorers to utilize their senses to experience the world around them. Field guides and an extensive nature library are also available to our members.

All activities are free, except for parking or admission fees charged by the locations we visit. Most activities are budget-friendly. Families with kids of all ages are encouraged to join us. Families with babies and toddlers are especially welcome to join the group, as most activities accommodate strollers. Difficulty and length of hikes and the content of our outings is determined by the make-up of our group. Walks are usually less than a mile on flat terrain and are usually stroller-friendly. We make every effort to accommodate busy schedules, and our outings take place weekends and throughout the week.

Our group is driven by the interests and enthusiasm of our parents and their children. There are plenty of opportunities for parents to get involved as hike leaders or co-organizers, and our groups is constantly changing to reflect the needs and interests of our members.

For the safety of the whole group, new members will have to introduce themselves and meet a group leader in person before being added to the group.

If you would like to learn more about us, or if you have any questions, you can reach us at wendy@iekidsoutdoors.org.

This group was inspired by the book Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. We are part of the Children and Nature Network and the Leave No Child Inside Coalition. To learn more about the national movement to reconnect children with nature, visit the Children and Nature Network.

Kids Outdoors Featured in Nature Clubs for Families Toolkit


Inland Empire Kids Outdoors has been included in the Nature Clubs for Families Tool Kit. Produced by the Children and Nature Network, the Tool Kit includes a Quick Start Guide with simple instructions on how to start a local Nature Club for Families, and is filled with field-tested ideas, resources, templates and checklists. Included are first-hand stories and suggestions from family nature club leaders who are already enjoying success.

Nature Clubs for Families (NCFF) are local groups with a common interest in connecting children with nature. Each nature club is unique, with activities that vary depending on location and participants. The gatherings may include meeting regularly at a park—playing, building friendships, and singing with preschoolers and their parents—or home-schooling families, who go on lengthy walks for focused nature study. Elsewhere, families might enjoy a trail hike that combines kid-driven play with spontaneous nature observation. All share basic goals: Going outside in nature on a frequent basis; gathering children, friends and community members to share outdoor adventures; and experiencing the benefits of time spent together outside.

For more information, visit the Children and Nature Network.