New Experiences Posted Every Week! Say YES to NEW Adventures!
JOIN US IN BEING SPONTANEOUS ON MOST SATURDAYS!
So many people asked us, “if we don’t have a group in mind, can we still ride The Nature Bus and go on one of your nature experiences?” Our model is primarily for GROUPS up to 16 people. But we heard you! So we put together “Saturday Escapes!”
When we don’t have a private group tour scheduled, then it is your lucky opportunity to hop-on-board! So grab your seat before they are all taken.
Our public tours depart from REI in Town Center, Virginia Beach.
Our Upcoming Tours are listed below:
Upcoming Events
TOUR NAME: SPRING TINKERGARTEN with The Nature Bus!
Monday mornings, 11 am, at First Landing State Park for explorers 1 year old to 6 years old. Siblings under 1 year old may attend for free.
Spring Session (6 days) = 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 6/5, 6/12 (rain date: 6/19)
11:00 – 12:00 ONE HOUR TINKERGARTEN NATURE LESSON (After the one-hour class, perhaps stay and play with your new friends after class if you choose.)
> Summer Session (6 days) = 7/17, 7/31, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/11 (rain date: 9/18)
> Fall Session (6 days) = 10/2, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13 (rain date: 11/20)
> No Winter Session – see you in April 2024 for the next Spring session!
DESCRIPTION:
Join The Nature Bus for wonderful nature adventures to First Landing State Park! This family-friendly 6-week session is perfect for children and families who love the outdoors. COME PLAY OUTSIDE TOGETHER!
Outdoors is the classroom.
We have no walls.
Creatures are our teachers; Mud and sticks are our tools.
EVERY LESSON CONNECTS US TO NATURE!
“Invitations to play” ~ Each lesson is engineered to engage kids in play that they simply can’t refuse!
Kids learn best when they lead the way.
Child led; We help grownups support their child.
For families with young kids, spending purposeful time outside is more important than ever. To thrive in this dynamic world, children need outdoor play experiences that deliver the hands-on lessons, valuable social interactions, and restorative activity that can’t be gained from the tap of a screen. As parents, it’s our job to ensure they engage in these experiences early and often. But how?
While finding ways to create enriching outdoor moments is essential, it isn’t always easy. Getting outside might be a simple first step, but for a lot of us, knowing what to do next—and how to make it count— just doesn’t come naturally.
We’ve been there. That’s why you need Tinkergarten!
Tinkergarten helps families get outside to make the most of their kids’ early learning years. Designed by education experts and loved by all families, our play-based outdoor curriculum guides parents in raising healthy, confident, and capable kids.
Tinkergarten. Your guide to purposeful outdoor play.
$150 per child for the 6-week session
Important Note: you must pay $7 entrance to park, each time, unless you have an annual pass
TOUR NAME: School’s Out Family Adventure: Dino Day and Farm Exploration
DATE: Saturday, June 10, 2023
Rain date: Sunday, June 11, 2023 (save both dates)
DURATION (ROUND TRIP): 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (traffic dependent; flexible return time)
Please arrive 15-30 min before departure to board the bus. (REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach)
PRICE: $35 per person (dinosaur egg for each child included!)
DESCRIPTION: School’s out and we want to celebrate with you and your family! Join us on The Nature Bus for a morning of Jurassic exploration and a farm visit. We will begin our day boarding The Nature Bus at REI, headed to Pungo. Along the way, we will play dinosaur-themed games and talk all things fossil and Jurassic! At The Dinosaur Park, families are free to explore independently or join Tori the Tour Guide for a walk-through where we will learn about each dinosaur (we may even learn how to make dinosaur sounds!). Before leaving The Dinosaur Park, every child will receive a dinosaur egg to take home. At 11:30am, we will leave The Dinosaur Park and head to Cullipher Farm. Located on the fertile Pungo Ridge in southern VA Beach, Cullipher Farm is family owned and operated by generations of Culliphers. Families can explore the farm, meet the farm’s two cows, and play on a playground unlike any other! Ice cream, honey sticks, fresh fruit and more are available at the farm for purchase. At 1:30pm, we will board The Nature Bus and head back to REI talking about our new dinosaur friends and farm adventures. Kick off your family Summer by spending time together on a grand adventure, and leave the planning to us! Bathrooms are available at the Aviation Museum and Cullipher Farm.
CAMP NAME: Nature Quest Summer Camp 2023 Week #1
*AGES 8-12; ONLY 16 CAMPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED/SESSION for this extra special opportunity. Register for just one week, or more weeks. Each week is UNIQUE, so go ahead and register for all four (4) sessions!!!
WEEK ONE DATES: June 26-30
Week 1 = June 26-30 Week 2 = July 10-14 Week 3 = July 24-28 Week 4 = August 7-11
TIME: 9 am – 3 pm
PRICE: $350/camper
DESCRIPTION: THIS CAMP IS LED BY TWO CERTIFIED ELEMENTARY TEACHERS! Nature Quest has been designed with your nature-loving child in mind! Hop-on-board The Nature Bus! Each day will be filled with outdoor nature activities and adventures. Activities will include: visits to different outdoor parks an nature preserves; flora an fauna observation + identification; exploring different ecosystems, creating sand sculptures; swimming; nature journaling; watercolor painting; environmental stewardship; nature meditations; eco arts; fun and games; naturalist challenges; and much, much more! When children quiet down in nature, they can tap into their natural curiosity. At camp we will slow down and use all of the senses to experience the energies of the natural world. By practicing mindfulness, campers will learn to cultivate a sense of peace, awe and wonder.
NOTES: We depart each day from REI, Town Center, Virginia Beach. No discounts are available for siblings; each seat is $350 for the week. Once purchased, we do not offer refunds; all sale are final. Last year this camp filled up immediately, so we advise that you purchase your child’s spot now!
TOUR NAME: “Experience Oysters” Aquaculture + VIMS
DATE: Saturday, July 8, 2023
Rain date: Sunday, July 9, 2023 (save both dates)
DURATION (8 hour ROUND TRIP): 10:30 am – 6:30 pm (traffic dependent; flexible return time)
Please arrive at 10:00 am to board the bus. (REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach) to board the bus. The check-in process takes a bit of time.
PRICE: $65 per person (8-hour tour)
DESCRIPTION: This tour has participants “experiencing oysters” in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For a sample description, please read this blog (however we will go to the VIMS at Gloucester Pt and to Big Island Aquaculture this time – same article; different oyster farm: https://thenaturebus.com/experience-oysters/
Itinerary
10:00 arrive/check-in at REI/Town Center
10:30-10:45 departure from REI
Watch welcome to The Nature Bus video (10 min)
On-board MC welcomes everyone; introductions; fun & smilies
11:45 – 12:45 drive to VIMS Gloucester Pt. Laboratory
12:45 – 1:00 restroom/snack
1:00 – 2:30 VIMS Aquaculture/Seawater Laboratory behind-the-scenes tour
2:30 – 3:00 drive to Big Island Aquaculture Farm
3:00 – 5:00 Tasting at Big Island: watch oyster farmer Bruce harvest + shuck oysters out in the water and share a taste with you. Raw or fried. Or try both!
5:00 – 6:15ish Drive back to REI
CAMP NAME: Nature Quest Summer Camp 2023 Week #2
*AGES 8-12; ONLY 16 CAMPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED/SESSION for this extra special opportunity. Register for just one week, or more weeks. Each week is UNIQUE, so go ahead and register for all four (4) sessions!!!
WEEK TWO DATES: July 10-14
Week 1 = June 26-30 Week 2 = July 10-14 Week 3 = July 24-28 Week 4 = August 7-11
TIME: 9 am – 3 pm
PRICE: $350/camper
DESCRIPTION: THIS CAMP IS LED BY TWO CERTIFIED ELEMENTARY TEACHERS! Nature Quest has been designed with your nature-loving child in mind! Hop-on-board The Nature Bus! Each day will be filled with outdoor nature activities and adventures. Activities will include: visits to different outdoor parks an nature preserves; flora an fauna observation + identification; exploring different ecosystems, creating sand sculptures; swimming; nature journaling; watercolor painting; environmental stewardship; nature meditations; eco arts; fun and games; naturalist challenges; and much, much more! When children quiet down in nature, they can tap into their natural curiosity. At camp we will slow down and use all of the senses to experience the energies of the natural world. By practicing mindfulness, campers will learn to cultivate a sense of peace, awe and wonder.
NOTES: We depart each day from REI, Town Center, Virginia Beach. No discounts are available for siblings; each seat is $350 for the week. Once purchased, we do not offer refunds; all sale are final. Last year this camp filled up immediately, so we advise that you purchase your child’s spot now!
TOUR NAME: SUMMER TINKERGARTEN with The Nature Bus!
Monday mornings, 11 am, at First Landing State Park for explorers 1 year old to 6 years old. Siblings under 1 year old may attend for free.
Summer Session (6 days) = 7/17, 7/31, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/11 (rain date: 9/18)
11:00 – 12:00 ONE HOUR TINKERGARTEN NATURE LESSON (After the one-hour class, perhaps stay and play with your new friends after class if you choose.)
> Fall Session (6 days) = 10/2, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13 (rain date: 11/20)
> No Winter Session – see you in April 2024 for the next Spring session!
DESCRIPTION:
Join The Nature Bus for wonderful nature adventures to First Landing State Park! This family-friendly 6-week session is perfect for children and families who love the outdoors. COME PLAY OUTSIDE TOGETHER!
Outdoors is the classroom.
We have no walls.
Creatures are our teachers; Mud and sticks are our tools.
EVERY LESSON CONNECTS US TO NATURE!
“Invitations to play” ~ Each lesson is engineered to engage kids in play that they simply can’t refuse!
Kids learn best when they lead the way.
Child led; We help grownups support their child.
For families with young kids, spending purposeful time outside is more important than ever. To thrive in this dynamic world, children need outdoor play experiences that deliver the hands-on lessons, valuable social interactions, and restorative activity that can’t be gained from the tap of a screen. As parents, it’s our job to ensure they engage in these experiences early and often. But how?
While finding ways to create enriching outdoor moments is essential, it isn’t always easy. Getting outside might be a simple first step, but for a lot of us, knowing what to do next—and how to make it count— just doesn’t come naturally.
We’ve been there. That’s why you need Tinkergarten!
Tinkergarten helps families get outside to make the most of their kids’ early learning years. Designed by education experts and loved by all families, our play-based outdoor curriculum guides parents in raising healthy, confident, and capable kids.
Tinkergarten. Your guide to purposeful outdoor play.
$150 per child for the 6-week session; siblings under 1 year old may attend for free; 10% discount for registered siblings (text/call owner/Suzanne 757-288-9595 for the promo code)
Important Note: you must pay $7 entrance to park, each time, unless you have an annual pass ($85/yr)
Venue: First Landing State Park
Address:
CAMP NAME: Nature Quest Summer Camp 2023 Week #3
*AGES 8-12; ONLY 16 CAMPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED/SESSION for this extra special opportunity. Register for just one week, or more weeks. Each week is UNIQUE, so go ahead and register for all four (4) sessions!!!
WEEK THREE DATES: July 24-28
Week 1 = June 26-30 Week 2 = July 10-14 Week 3 = July 24-28 Week 4 = August 7-11
TIME: 9 am – 3 pm
PRICE: $350/camper
DESCRIPTION: THIS CAMP IS LED BY TWO CERTIFIED ELEMENTARY TEACHERS! Nature Quest has been designed with your nature-loving child in mind! Hop-on-board The Nature Bus! Each day will be filled with outdoor nature activities and adventures. Activities will include: visits to different outdoor parks an nature preserves; flora an fauna observation + identification; exploring different ecosystems, creating sand sculptures; swimming; nature journaling; watercolor painting; environmental stewardship; nature meditations; eco arts; fun and games; naturalist challenges; and much, much more! When children quiet down in nature, they can tap into their natural curiosity. At camp we will slow down and use all of the senses to experience the energies of the natural world. By practicing mindfulness, campers will learn to cultivate a sense of peace, awe and wonder.
NOTES: We depart each day from REI, Town Center, Virginia Beach. No discounts are available for siblings; each seat is $350 for the week. Once purchased, we do not offer refunds; all sale are final. Last year this camp filled up immediately, so we advise that you purchase your child’s spot now!
CAMP NAME: Nature Quest Summer Camp 2023 Week #4
*AGES 8-12; ONLY 16 CAMPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED/SESSION for this extra special opportunity. Register for just one week, or more weeks. Each week is UNIQUE, so go ahead and register for all four (4) sessions!!!
WEEK FOUR DATES: August 7-11
Week 1 = June 26-30 Week 2 = July 10-14 Week 3 = July 24-28 Week 4 = August 7-11
TIME: 9 am – 3 pm
PRICE: $350/camper
DESCRIPTION: THIS CAMP IS LED BY TWO CERTIFIED ELEMENTARY TEACHERS! Nature Quest has been designed with your nature-loving child in mind! Hop-on-board The Nature Bus! Each day will be filled with outdoor nature activities and adventures. Activities will include: visits to different outdoor parks an nature preserves; flora an fauna observation + identification; exploring different ecosystems, creating sand sculptures; swimming; nature journaling; watercolor painting; environmental stewardship; nature meditations; eco arts; fun and games; naturalist challenges; and much, much more! When children quiet down in nature, they can tap into their natural curiosity. At camp we will slow down and use all of the senses to experience the energies of the natural world. By practicing mindfulness, campers will learn to cultivate a sense of peace, awe and wonder.
NOTES: We depart each day from REI, Town Center, Virginia Beach. No discounts are available for siblings; each seat is $350 for the week. Once purchased, we do not offer refunds; all sale are final. Last year this camp filled up immediately, so we advise that you purchase your child’s spot now!
TOUR NAME: Powhatan Creek Cypress Swamp Kayak + Brewery
DATE: Saturday, August 12, 2023
Rain date: Sunday, August 13 (be sure to save both dates)
DURATION (ROUND TRIP): 8:30 am – 3:30 pm (tunnel traffic dependent; plan on a flexible return time)
Please arrive at 8:00-8:15 am to board the bus. (REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach) to board the bus.
PRICE: $65 per person (includes your kayak rental!)
DESCRIPTION: A fantastic opportunity to travel on board The Nature Bus with the one-and-only James Abbott (award winning birding guide). He will entertain and educate you while we ride for an hour to our destination – James River/Powhatan Creek. You have a CHOICE of a kayak, a tandem kayak, or a canoe (be sure to let us know via email info@TheNatureBus.com asap to reserve your selection). Our guide will take us through the tight cypress swamp (absolutely magical), pointing out the plants that are blooming and identifying the birds. We will work our way down into the open waters toward the marina. It is about a 2+ hour “easy” paddle, stopping often for naturalist commentary. We will flow “with the tide” which is super helpful. Billsburg Brewery and The Hungry Pub Food Truck will be our oasis at the end of our paddle! (bring $ for your food and drink, not included).
TOUR NAME: Plein Air Sunflower Painting
DATE: Saturday, August 26, 2023
Rain date: Sunday, August 27, 2023 (save both dates)
DURATION (ROUND TRIP): 10:30 am – 2:30 pm (traffic dependent; flexible return time)
Please arrive at 10-10:15 am to board the bus. (REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach) to board the bus.
PRICE: $45 per person (paint supplies and charcuterie snacks included)
DESCRIPTION: Capture the beautiful transition from summer to fall by painting stunning sunflowers in a plein air watercolor class! We will travel aboard The Nature Bus to a guided watercolor class in the sunflower fields. You will get the chance to wander through the sunflower fields, selecting the perfect sunflower to cut and serve as your reference. Once you have chosen your subject, you will be provided with all the supplies you need to capture the sunflower’s beauty in watercolor. Your guide will lead you through the step-by-step process of painting your sunflower. Afterwards, we will enjoy lunch together amidst the sunflowers (please bring your own lunch). Whether you’re a beginner or experienced watercolorist, you will love painting among the sunflowers!
TOUR NAME: Pajama Llama – Overnight Llama Trekking!
DATE: Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10, 2023
DURATION (ROUND TRIP): overnight trip departing at 8:30 am on Saturday, Sept. 9th; returning Sunday, Sept. 10 7:00 ish (tunnel traffic dependent)
Please arrive at REI to board the bus at 8 am with your ticket and signed waiver form. REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA
PRICE: $150/person (includes camping fees and llama trekking)
DESCRIPTION: Let’s go CAMPING overnight outside of Charlottesville, VA. The Nature Bus will be “your wheels” for the whole weekend! We will set up the tents and bring all the rest of the camping gear. Bring your own sleeping mat, sleeping bag (or blankets) and a pillow. Enjoy serenity, rolling pastures and a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. View the stars while sitting around a camp fire (weather permitting). Visit/pet the llamas in the show barn. Flush toilet and cold/hot running water available in the barn. We will venture out to discover the surrounding area. The Charlottesville/Crozet/Afton area is beautiful. Let’s go explore it. As a group, we can decide to take a ride to the Skyline Drive, or visit a winery, or take in another activity. It is always an option to stay back and relax in a hammock at camp. This is a family-friendly event; children welcome. You are welcome to bring your dog (IF your pet is friendly with all people and animals; must show up-to-date vet/shot records). Pups cannot attend the llama walk (below).
Do you want to go Llama Trekking? Walk with the llamas! This optional activity is a 2-mile nature walk along the pastures and into the woods with your own llama. You get to pick out “your llama” from the many they have in the pasture. The farmer said there will probably be baby llamas at that time!
TOUR NAME: Autumn Glory ~ Because YOU Deserve This Getaway!
DATE: Tuesday, October 24 at 6:30 pm – Thursday, October 26 (7-8 pm-ish; traffic dependent)
DURATION (ROUND TRIP): Oct. 24 6:30 pm – Oct. 26 7-8ish pm Please arrive 15 min. before departure at REI to board the bus. Return time is traffic dependent. Due to the tunnel traffic, we are often delayed. Please plan on a flexible return time.
PRICE: $390/person INCLUDES: Two night overnight trip – camping under wide open sky or in the turn-of-the-century barn, OR for an additional cost, limited space is also available in a newly renovated farm house and guest cottage (please see below for more information), 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, wine tasting & cocktail, snacks and drinks, private sunrise and leaf peeping tour, private tour of a local vineyard & winery with another wine tasting, cooking class, and 3 workshops. Read description and itinerary below to realize how much value you will get for this ticket price. You will truly be surprised! (Excluded; bring $ for: dinner on Tuesday eve;
(purchase your ticket at TheNatureBus.com > Calendar)
DESCRIPTION/ITINERARY:
Tuesday October 24, 2023
Wednesday October 25, 2023
Thursday October 26, 2023
Give the gift of experience!
This is the perfect gift for nature enthusiasts. Select from a gift certificate value of $25, $50 or $100. These can be applied to any one of our Saturday Escape tours; we offer these year round (starting at $25 per person). We have something of interest for everyone! Upon the purchase of one of our gift certificates, we will immediately mail it to you, or to an address you specify. So get yours today!
Some tour examples include: guided nature hikes, bird watching, stargazing, nature painting and journaling, kayaking, white water rafting, visits to the Great Dismal Swamp, Back Bay, the Eastern Shore and so much more!
*December date listed below are only a place-holder for purchasing gift certificates -> does not dictate when certificates can be used.
TOUR NAME: First Day Hike with The Nature Bus!
DATE: Monday, January 1st 2024
DURATION (ROUND TRIP): 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (traffic dependent; flexible return time)
Please arrive 15-30 min before departure to board the bus. (REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach)
PRICE: $25 per person (admission to the museum included!)
DESCRIPTION: Begin the New Year by setting the intention to go outside! The Nature Bus will bring you on a guided First Day Walk inspired by the principles of forest bathing. Forest bathing (the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku) combines the restorative properties of meditation and nature for a refreshing start to the New Year. As you walk along the trails, your guide will encourage you to look deeply and connect with the natural world around you. The hike will help you to set positive intentions for the year to come. Whether you’re setting a resolution for health or you just enjoy the fresh winter air, we hope you’ll join us for this refreshing, peaceful First Day Hike!
