When cities become places of nearby nature connection, children, families and the environment​ thrive.

CITIES

Let’s connect kids to nature
where they live, learn and play

More than 80% of the world’s children live in urban areas and this trend continues to grow. Increasing safe, equitable access to nature is a strategy that enhances children’s well-being—and supports city priorities for public health, academic achievement, employment, quality of life, sustainability, and more

CCCN, NLC, Children & Nature Network Logos

Longstanding systems of inequity have influenced the design and distribution of green spaces.Through Cities Connecting Children to Nature, we support municipal leaders and their community partners in shifting planning, policies and programs to connect children to the benefits of nature more often and more equitably.

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Kids sitting together on tree branch.

Systems Change Toolkit for Cities

Cities across the country are searching for ways to bring nature’s benefits to all children. Yet, longstanding conditions built into every community make change difficult. Achieving change requires a community-based approach to dismantling systems of inequity, or in other words, a systems change approach. This toolkit helps cities drive and measure change at a systems level.

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Children and Nature and Sustainability resource

Children and Nature and Sustainability

Towns and cities have an opportunity to reprioritize resources to foster children’s connection to nature while meeting sustainability and resilience goals. Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN), a joint initiative of National League of Cities and the Children & Nature Network, teamed with the Regional Plan Association (RPA) to demonstrate potential synergy in policies and practices in order to bridge these complementary field.

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CITIES RESOURCE HUB

Tools for city leaders and
their community partners

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GET STARTED

with our Citywide Planning for
Equitable Access to Nature Tool

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Help us make sure that all children live, learn and grow with nature in their daily lives.

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The CCCN initiative is supported by: