Welcome to the Nature Story Loop

Welcome to CuriOdyssey's Nature Story Loop. This unique interactive experience connects visitors with nature through storytelling and outdoor play.

Each stop along the self-guided storybook trail centers around a different environmental theme, ranging from human and animal environmental interconnectedness to climate justice to the mental health benefits of nature, all interwoven in a heartwarming story. Visitors can enjoy a variety of interactive outdoor spaces along the trail where children can build, dig, play, or simply daydream in nature. It also offers an opportunity for adults and kids of all ages to think about their relationship to the natural world and perhaps learn something new.

The most recent addition to the Loop is the Nature Play Grove, nestled in the Bay View Grove and centered around the science of awe. Anchored by Weaving Windward, a living willow sculpture by Los Angeles artist David Lovejoy, the space invites visitors of all ages to weave, wander, and wonder. Additional interactive elements including Stone Song, Sound of Wood, and Field Pod stations engage the senses and encourage open-ended exploration of the natural world right in our own backyard.

Conceived by CuriOdyssey’s Director of Animal Health and Conservation, Kate Sulzner in collaboration with staff, the Nature Story Loop centers around a storybook path and interactive outdoor spaces and gardens, where children can engage in uncurated play and nature exploration.

Stories are image-rich and easy to read, with text and audio available in English and Spanish, accessed through a QR code on each sign. In our pavilion near the start of the loop, you'll find a map to help you navigate.

Download the Nature Story Loop Map >

Nature Story Loop

On the Nature Story Loop, visitors will take an adventure around CuriOdyssey where key environmental science topics will be highlighted throughout a story trail. The nature story comes to life through the beautiful, nature-inspired illustrations of Rachel Hudson, whose stylized linework and vibrant details reveal an array of plants and animals native to the Bay Area. Rachel Hudson, author of100 Endangered Species and How to Know a Crow— long-listed for The Children's Wainwright Prize—brings her signature blend of science and artistic warmth to every panel.

Environmental Education Garden

The Nature Play Garden centers around themes of biodiversity, environmental justice, soil health, and climate resilience, while offering a great opportunity for children and caretakers to indulge their green thumbs and cultivate a love of native plants and pollinators. Volunteers will be onsite to help identify plants, and encourage kids to use all their senses to explore the space.

Nature Play Grove

This July, CuriOdyssey invites you to explore the newest addition to its Nature Story Loop: The Nature Play Grove. This is the second nature play space to open along the Loop following last summer's unveiling of the Nature Play Garden. This new outdoor exploration zone is nestled in the Bay View Grove and centers around the science of awe, which is the profound feeling of wonder and connection that we experience when we slow down and immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature. Research shows that awe improves mental and physical wellbeing and serves as a grounding reminder that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. With its breathtaking bay backdrop, The Nature Play Grove is the perfect setting to let that feeling take hold.

The elements of the space encourage open-ended play and are designed to spark joy, curiosity, and awaken the senses. Anchoring the space is Weaving Windward, a stunning willow play sculpture installation by Los Angeles artist, Dave Lovejoy, that beckons children and adults alike to weave, wander, and imagine. Two mini Field Pod stations invite visitors to turn their curiosity both inward and outward—from close-up nature investigation to wide-open observation of the Bay. Two additional interactive nature exhibits, Stone Song and Sound of Wood, engage the senses of touch and hearing in unexpected ways. Children are natural teachers when it comes to experiencing awe outdoors, and The Nature Play Grove is designed to cultivate and reignite that instinct in everyone.

The Nature Story Loop will be a permanent addition to CuriOdyssey, free with admission, where interactive nature spaces will be unveiled gradually over the next two years. Other future zones along the trail will offer an escape from indoor spaces and screens, and provide green spaces where kids and caretakers can engage their senses in nature exploration and play.

The Nature Story Loop exhibit will be completed in two phases:

Phase One: The storybook trail, including the Nature Play Garden is now open.
Phase Two: Completion of Bay Grove Nature Play Zone, Field Pod Stations, and further exhibits, Sept 2025–December 2027.