A new indoor campsite play area is now open at Harriet Alexander Nature Center.
The interactive play area includes a full-size tent, sleeping bags, a play campfire, foam logs, toy lanterns, binoculars, camping gear, and even play s’more fixings. A moon above, green turf underfoot, and large potted trees give the campsite a fun immersive feel!
T
he new play space is an ideal place for imaginative play. It’s also a great way to start talking about nature and the outdoors with kids.
“This is sometimes the first time a child has been in a tent,” said Roseville naturalist Keri Kraus.
A “Camping for All” board also provides tips and resources for families interested in experiencing camping including affordable places to rent equipment and reserve campsites. 
Nature center volunteer John Robertson-Smith donated the funds and helped design the play campsite.
“Kids come in and they make a beeline right to the camping area,” John said.
After playing at the campsite, children often explore the other educational hands-on exhibits and animals on display.
“The ultimate goal is if these kids like the camping thing, they are going to bug their parent to take them out camping and they can experience the real thing,” John said. “That’s the best teacher of all it - to be out and see the wonders of it - having fun and also learning.”
About the Harriet Alexander Nature Center
The Harriet Alexander Nature Center (HANC) is located at 2520 Dale St N, in Roseville’s Central Park.
The Interpretive Center building is free to the public and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Boardwalks and trails surrounding the nature center allow visitors to meander through 52 acres of marsh, prairie, and forest habitats.
Registration is now open for youth summer programs.