Nature + Play Based Programs For Children Ages 6-10
All Of Our Programs Are:
100% Outdoor
Year-round our programs take place fully immersed in the Northwest weather and landscapes.
We are out in the rain, sun, snow and hail, sometime all in a single day. Being present in all types of weather, children come to build a deep connection with the natural world.
Child Led
Children guide the learning, play & experiences we share each class.
Children are encouraged to take the lead and explore any subject or activity they may be interested in. From tree frogs to fungus on logs, the learning that takes place is deeply genuine for each and every child.
Inquiry Based
We hold space for children’s interests, curiosity & questions.
Often we prompt a child’s question with more questions. This creates endless opportunities for children to come to their own conclusions, using critical thinking, problem solving & experiential learning.
Forest School
Children attend once a week and have four hours of 100% outdoor, child led learning & exploration. Classes are offered Monday - Thursday, 10am-2pm from September to June.
By having four class options to choose from, families can join the class or classes that work best for their schedule. Pick a class that works for your family and get your children outside! Teaching and learning are inquiry based & child led, meaning we don’t have pre-planned curriculum. Rather we follow the interests of each class and create experiential learning opportunities through creative play and hands on work.
Day Camps
Similar to Forest School, but add a little more sunshine and warm weather to spice things up in the Summer. Each Camp is an entire month of Forest School squeezed into just four days!
Day Camps are offered during the Summer or “traditional breaks” of the academic school year. Similar to Forest School, Day Camps are child led and 100% outdoor, with a little less rain & a lot more sun. Camps are 16 hours spent outdoors to play, learn and grow.
Classes & Workshops
Take the best parts of Forest School + Day Camps and mash them into two days of playing, exploring & learning new skills!
Children will learn through observation + practice + play while exploring exciting new subjects or skills that we will be focused on during our time together. When children return for our second day, they are excited to share what they remember from the day prior and practice what they have recently learned.
Location & Land Acknowledgment
Natural Learning Northwest acknowledges that our programs take place on the lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, whose ancestors resided here since time immemorial. Many Indigenous peoples thrive in this place — alive and strong.
We are located in
Maple Valley, WA.
Sharing our vast forested property with Nature Nuts Forest Kindergarten.
Working With Children & Families From:
Maple Valley
Renton
Snoqualmie
Fall City
Auburn
Kent
Seattle
Issaquah
Covington
Ravensdale
Hobart
Enumclaw
Want to be a part of our growing community?
Drop us a line, arrange a tour, ask a few questions or just say HEY!
Benefits Of Outdoor Childhood
Social & Emotional Development
There are infinite ways to interact with natural environments, as an individual or with friends and family. Unstructured outdoor play requires children to use imagination, manage risk, problem solve & work with others. All of which are critical skills, not only during these younger years, but as they continue to grow.
Active & Creative Play
Natural spaces offer unique opportunities for play that sports fields and playgrounds simply can’t match. Children are free to run, jump, climb & explore without the boundaries that traditional spaces have. This undeveloped open space allows children to create their own games & rules to engage with others and the natural world on their terms.
Nature Connection
Each day spent outdoors is unique opportunity to learn something new. Being 100% outdoors year round, children get to experience all types of Northwest weather and observe seasonal cycles. Some days may take us from the forest floor to the tops of our trees, others we may spend our time exploring just a sliver of the forest or learning deeply about a single topic. We are constantly exploring & observing the natural world around us while learning through active play.
Green Time, Not Screen Time
When actively engaged in outdoor play, there is no need for screens. Children are constantly leaning through, exploration and inquiry. We encouraged children to learn things the “old fashioned“ way rather than instructors giving a direct answer. By reading books, using field guides, having discussions, & practicing their skills, children begin to answer their own never ending list of questions. This leads to personal discoveries, over coming challenges and critical thinking in situations they would most other times been given the easy answer found on Google.
Still Have Questions?
How It All Works
What days are Forest School offered? How should my children dress for outdoor play? How much does it cost?
All of theses questing and many more are answered on our FAQ page.
If we missed something or you have other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask away!
Natural Childhood
Do you remember the time you spent outdoors as a child? The trees you climbed? Friendships you made?
The endless hours of exploration & discovery?
Our programs create those same experiences for children today. The same way you spent time outdoors as a child, lots of play and new friends!
Who We Are
We are the ”grown ups” who came of age spending our days outside, dirty & happy right here in the Northwest.
Did you know that kids are happier and healthier when they spend time outdoors? The research supports it and, as dirty, happy outdoor kids, we know it's true. Now its our turn to share theses experiences with the next generation.