The Northern Illinois Nature Play Association (NINPA), in partnership with our host Brookfield Zoo Chicago, is holding our seventh biennial Midwest Nature Play Conference on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago in Brookfield, Illinois.

This popular conference brings together a diverse audience of early childhood educators who are interested in connecting young children to the natural world, including instructors and administrators from formal early childhood programs such as public and private preschools, elementary schools, Head Start programs, child care centers and home care facilities, as well as professionals from nature centers, forest preserves, zoos, and museums, and lifelong learning influences like parents/caregivers.

This year’s focus is Beyond the Barriers. We know those barriers well: access to natural settings, licensing and regulations issues, navigating risky play, inclusivity of marginalized groups. But what can we do to begin to break down those barriers? How can we create space for ourselves, our children, and our greater communities to topple the walls keeping us from the freeing world of play in nature?

We are seeking professionals in the field who would like to present an interactive, hands-on workshop or facilitate an in-depth collaborative discussion at the conference, with a preference for technology-free or -limited sessions. Sessions are 60 minutes in length. Each accepted proposal will receive one complimentary registration.

Proposed sessions should be geared towards one of the following tracks:

  • Accessibility & Inclusion – diversity, belonging, kinship, community and family engagement, support, race, gender, religion, LGBTQ+, disability, etc.
  • Policy & Advocacy – risk management, organization guidelines, licensing, staffing, fundraising, collaboration, advocacy, weather considerations
  • Spaces & Experiences – learning spaces, the beyond, classroom design, bringing outdoors in, routines, practices, transitions, seasons

Content must be related to the topic of high quality practices in the field of Nature-based education, with an emphasis on overcoming barriers to engaging children in the natural world through play. Sessions should be geared toward those who work with young children from infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and early primary grades. Proposals should also be consistent with NAEYC guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice.

Call for Proposals Form – https://forms.gle/P9ybgQB8WBVsuNpz8

Please complete the proposal form by January 15. Prospective speakers will be notified in March 2026. If you have any questions please contact NINPA at ninpainfo@gmail.com. Thank you!