Hiya!

I am Margaret “Maggie” Riojas. A certified Naturalist who is currently taking the Virginia Naturalist course. As a mother of three boys moving to Northern Virginia, I saw a real need for more outside time. I had already completed the Naturalist course in Texas and Louisiana, and now I’m working on finishing the Virginia program. My goals are always to slow down, explore, and truly notice nature — something that feels more important than ever in a digital age where so much knowledge is just a fingertip away.

When our family moved from a big ole house in Houston, Texas, to a condo in Virginia, I knew we’d need to get outside as much as possible. Nature has a way of grounding us, whether we’re walking in the forest or on a city sidewalk — it’s all around if we just pay attention.

The Critter Club is my vision to help more kids get outdoors and notice that nature is everywhere. I love getting muddy, making mud pies and soups with the neighborhood kids, and watching their curious minds at work. But how incredible would it be if they could identify the ingredients in their “magic potions” or spot a bald eagle chasing an osprey with a fish in its mouth (yes — I’ve seen that more than once!)?

The goal of The Critter Club is simple: to look around, identify, and play — and maybe get a little muddy in the process.

What can KIDS expect at The Critter Club?

At The Critter Club, kids can expect two hours of curiosity-led outdoor fun! Each session is designed to help little ones slow down, get messy, and tune into the natural world around them. We explore, observe, play, and learn — all at a child’s pace.

Children will:

  • Go on nature walks and bug hunts

  • Make mud pies, potions, and critter homes

  • Learn to identify local plants, insects, and animal tracks

  • A HEALTHY SNACK*

  • Use magnifying glasses, field guides, and their imaginations

  • Practice gentle observing — not collecting — to respect wild spaces

  • Listen to stories, share observations, and just enjoy being outside

Whether it’s spotting a squirrel in a tree, digging in the dirt, or watching clouds roll by, Critter Club helps kids fall in love with the outdoors — and notice that nature is everywhere, even in the city.

And yes… they might get a little muddy.

*Please make note of any allergies in sign up.

What can PARENTS expect at The Critter Club?

The Critter Club is a 2-hour, mostly drop-off experience designed to help kids connect with the natural world through hands-on exploration and play. We focus on presence, curiosity, and freedom to explore — no worksheets, no pressure, just joyful learning in nature.

Here’s what you can expect as a parent:

  • A screen-free, outdoor adventure for your child, rooted in curiosity and creativity.

  • Gentle guidance, not rigid structure. We follow the children’s interests and the rhythm of the day.

  • A safe, welcoming space with consistent check-in and check-out routines.

  • A bit of mess! Your child may come home muddy, wet, or covered in leaves — we call that a good day.

  • A community of nature-loving families. You’re welcome to stay and observe if your child needs support transitioning — or just to soak in the joy.

Our goal is to help kids build a lifelong connection with the outdoors, starting with what’s right in front of them: a bug on a leaf, a bird overhead, a worm in the dirt. The Critter Club invites kids to notice, name, and nurture their relationship with the natural world — all while having fun.