Nature play space at heritage park and
Outdoor Family classes

nature play Space

2300 Glade Rd, Blacksburg, VA

Our Nature Play Space is nestled in an enchanting corner of Blacksburg’s Heritage Park. Look for the welcoming arbor entrance leading to an inviting meeting space made of boulders and logs. Interpretive signs at the play space and throughout Heritage Park encourage families to play and explore. A pollinator garden and birdhouses attract many animals and beneficial insects to investigate. We encourage families in the New River Valley to visit and play anytime. 

Nature play includes digging in the dirt, cloud watching, tree climbing, catching bugs, wading—it’s unstructured free time outside. It stimulates all of the senses and promotes every aspect of healthy child development—physical, cognitive, creative, social/emotional and spiritual.   

We host seasonal Outdoor Family Classes and Summer Half-Day Camps in the Nature Play Space.  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn about upcoming events!

Fun Features at the Play Space:

  • Kid-sized birdhouse decorated with art by George Wills  

  • Nature play inspiration binder, filled with ideas for how to play outside

  • Stream exploration binder down the hill by Toms Creek, filled with information on stream wildlife and activities  

  • Sandbox, Little Library, & handmade eastern cedar benches 

  • Pollinator garden, birdhouses, & bug hotel. 

This special space was established in partnership with the Town of Blacksburg in 2017 and created through multiple collaborations with local businesses, independent artists and volunteers from our community. Made possible with support from the Rotary Club of Blacksburg and many other wonderful supporters.

outdoor family classes

NRLT partners with various local businesses and community members to offer seasonal outdoor family classes at the Nature Play Space in Heritage Park. These classes provide an opportunity for families to spend time outside and learn new skills together, at no cost to them. In the past, we’ve offered classes covering topics such as winter survival, wildlife and pollinator habitat protection, nature–based art, yoga and creative movement, and more.  

Outdoor Family Classes are FREE to the public but RSVP is required.   

Sign up for our Outdoor Family Class mailing list to be the first to hear about classes. Please contact us to add your name.