Nature Explorium
at Middle Country Public Library

The Nature Explorium continues to be a highly used and well-loved space at the Middle Country Public Library. We are excited to begin our 15th year as a certified Nature Explore classroom. The Nature Explorium provides a free play-based learning environment for children. Our space is open to visitors during our operating hours for unstructured outdoor play. This past year our space has served over 13,000 visitors. Our goal is to connect children with nature and encourage a lifetime appreciation of nature. Children can build with wooden blocks, splash in our water feature, build their gross motor skills climbing through tunnels, hop along our ABC trail, and dig and move dirt with our kid-sized wheelbarrows. Children are also encouraged to make some noise by playing instruments on our Play It stage and laugh and play with other children in the community. Families are encouraged to drop-in and explore the many hands-on natural learning experiences in our fully fenced safe space.

In addition to our open play, we host many special events for our library community. Spring Jubilee is a kickoff to the Spring Season. This year we celebrated with a bug theme and partnered with a local nature center and animal rescue. In the Fall we celebrate with an Apple Festival. Throughout the year many programs are offered to children from preschoolers through teenage years. These include hands-on messy play, nature-themed crafts and gardening.

The Nature Explorium is a loved community space that inspires children’s imagination and interest in the natural world around them.