Forest Bathing with Baby Four-Week Series - Toddlers

Palos Heights

7402 Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL, 60463, United States

About the Event

Take your toddler on a mini nature retreat with this guided one-hour program at Lake Katherine Nature Center on Wednesdays this June.

Explore the awe and wonder of nature through the eyes of your toddler in this one-hour forest bathing program held over four weeks in June at the Children's Forest at Lake Katherine.

This interactive program inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin- yoku and led by ANFT-Certified Family Forest Bathing Guide (and mom of two), Chelsea Hanson, will help you tune into your senses and connect with your baby through the incredible natural world around you.

This session for Toddlers (Walkers, 1-2 years old) and their parent or caregiver meets every Wednesday in June, 9:30-10:30am: 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, and 6/25. For the best experience, we welcome you to join for all four dates, but we know summer can be tricky so please join for as many dates as you can throughout the session.

What else to know:

- What will we do in this session? There is no bathing or water involved in the practice of shinrin-yoku! Forest bathing is about immersing oneself in the atmosphere of nature with your senses. During this one-hour program, you'll be guided through a series of simple, playful activities to help you connect with nature and your toddler. We'll start by gathering as a group on blankets (please bring one for you and your toddler to sit on) for introductions and an opening mindfulness activity. Our remaining activities will give you and your toddler a chance to meander out and explore together. We will not walk far from our homebase of blankets, and you'll be encouraged to modify your participation to what works best for the two of you. Our focus will be on open, gentle, and safe exploration that lets you tune into the curiosity and wonder of your little one.

- Who is this for and why should I try it? This program is designed to foster connection between one toddler and one adult caregiver. At least one parent or adult caregiver must be an active participant with each child. The many demonstrated health benefits of this practice include strengthened immunity, reduced stress, improved mood, and circadian rhythm regulation (better sleep!) - all things that parents and caregivers of babies can certainly use!

- Will we be outside the whole time? This program will be held entirely outdoors with make-up dates to be provided in the case of inclement weather.

- Will you share more details and can I ask questions before I sign up? More details on what to expect, including recommendations of what to wear and bring will be provided to all ticketed participants in advance of the event. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions: familyforestbathing@gmail.com.