Where Black families
connect, explore,
and belong outdoors.
Free, joyful, culturally affirming outdoor gatherings for Black children, families, and caregivers across San Francisco — guided hikes, nature learning, and community, no experience required.
A family, side by side, headed into discovery.
Every flyer, sign-in sheet, and trail marker carries this badge — a reminder of what we're building: families exploring San Francisco's parks, trails, and open spaces together, wherever the path leads.
Sky blue · forest green · trail rust · sun gold — the palette that carries through every gathering.
Badge artwork by Amede' Thierry, high school student.
Nature builds families. That's the heart of everything we do.
Access to parks and open space isn't evenly distributed, and Black families face real barriers to it — from a lack of culturally welcoming programming to gaps in transportation and information. Black Families in Nature treats time outdoors as a vehicle for four things at the center of every gathering: wellness, learning, confidence, and connection.
Five ways families grow together outdoors.
Every gathering is built around accessibility, comfort, and connection — no special equipment or hiking experience needed. Expect guided walks, wildlife exploration, arts, wellness activities, and always, time to meet other families.
Family Nature Outings
Parks, trails, beaches, and gardens explored together in welcoming groups.
Children's Nature Learning
Hands-on discovery of plants, wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation.
Family Wellness
Outdoor movement, reflection, and play that reduce stress and build memories.
Culture & Belonging
Celebrating Black history, leadership, and relationship with the land.
Environmental Stewardship
Kids and caregivers learn to care for local parks and natural spaces.
This season's trail — one gathering at a time.
Free, family-friendly gatherings from spring through fall, 10am–1pm unless noted. Every stop includes games, activities, refreshments, and a guided leisure hike. Space may be limited — early registration is encouraged.
EcoCenter at Herons Head Park
Celebrating the EcoCenter's 16th anniversary with a community hike and gathering.
Anniversary eventMcLaren Park
Meet at the corner of Olmstead and University St for games and a leisure hike.
Randall Museum
199 Museum Way — wildlife exploration paired with hands-on museum learning.
Blue Heron Lake, Golden Gate Park
A lakeside gathering with water-adjacent exploration and family activities.
Bison Paddock, Golden Gate Park
See the park's bison herd and explore the surrounding trails together.
Haight Street Fair
Community resource fair — meet other families and local partners.
Resource fairMcLaren Redwood Playground
Nature play among the redwoods, built for younger explorers too.
Bay Area Science Festival
Closing out the season with hands-on science and environmental education.
Season closerEvery kind of family, at every stage.
Black Families in Nature is designed to center Black children, families, and caregivers — however your family is built.
- Families with children of all ages
- Parents, grandparents, foster parents, and guardians
- Multigenerational families
- Families new to outdoor activities
- Children with different learning, mobility, and support needs
What to bring.
No outdoor equipment? No problem — let us know what your family needs and we'll explain what support is available.
- Comfortable clothing for the weather
- Closed-toe walking shoes
- A refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen and sun protection
- Curiosity and a willingness to explore
Black children deserve nature as a place of freedom.
Time outdoors together helps children build confidence, deepen their understanding of the natural world, and form lasting relationships with parks and open spaces. This is more than an outdoor activity program — it's a growing community.
We measure more than attendance.
Early wins from Spring–Summer 2026, with the season still underway.
- Children & families per gathering 15–25 AVG
- Parks and outdoor spaces visited 8 THIS SEASON
- Registration & RSVPs ONE UNIFIED FORM
- Partner organizations engaged GROWING
- Families reporting a welcoming atmosphere TOP-CITED HIGHLIGHT
Notes from the trail.
Stories from our families will live here as the season unfolds.
This space is reserved for a parent or caregiver's story about how it felt to join a gathering.
→ add a family quote hereThis space is reserved for something a child discovered, learned, or loved during an event.
→ add a family quote hereWorking alongside organizations who share this commitment.
Black Families in Nature is convened by the Black Children & Families Committee of SF's Child Care Planning & Advisory Council (CPAC), and grows through an expanding circle of partners — including AAECE (African American Early Childhood Educators), AAPAC (African American Parent Advisory Council), Our Kids First, San Francisco Children & Nature, SF Recreation & Parks, and local food donors and environmental educators.
We welcome new partnerships from:
Help keep the trail free and open.
Every contribution — of time, funds, or supplies — helps a family show up without cost or logistics standing in the way. Whether you'd like to volunteer, partner with us, sponsor an experience, or make a donation, reach out directly to Delia Fitzpatrick — email info@ourkidsfirstsf.org or text 415-298-8367.
Get updates on outings, activities, and ways to get involved.
Sign up in one minute — first and last name, email, and your family's ZIP code and children's ages if you'd like to share them.
Sign Up for UpdatesFrequently asked questions.
Black Families in Nature activities are offered at no cost to families. If any event ever has a fee, the amount and available assistance will be explained clearly before registration.
No. Beginners are welcome. Every gathering includes instructions, preparation information, and support from program staff and partners.
Transportation may be available for selected events. Each event announcement explains the meeting location and any transportation options.
Many activities are designed for the whole family. Recommended ages and activity requirements are listed for each event.
Yes. Parents, grandparents, guardians, foster parents, and other family caregivers are all welcome.
Accessibility varies by location. Available information about paths, restrooms, seating, terrain, and transportation is shared before each activity — contact us to discuss your family's needs.
Families receive an update if an activity must be relocated, postponed, or canceled for weather, air quality, or another safety concern.
Photography and media-consent procedures are explained during registration and check-in. Families may decline photography without losing access to the program.
From a Committee goal to a citywide community.
Black Families in Nature (formerly Black Outside) began as a goal of the Black Children & Families Committee of the San Francisco Child Care Planning & Advisory Council (CPAC), which identified a clear gap: Black children and families in San Francisco had limited access to safe, welcoming, culturally affirming outdoor experiences. The name changed to better reflect what the program has become — a family-centered, sustained network of Black families exploring the outdoors together across the city, built with AAECE (African American Early Childhood Educators), Our Kids First, San Francisco Children & Nature, and a growing circle of city and community partners.